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Close-up of chickpea arugula quinoa salad featuring quinoa, arugula, feta, and dates.
Alyssa

Chickpea Arugula Quinoa Salad

Fresh and satisfying salad packed with 20g of plant-based protein, ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Lunch, Sides
Cuisine: American
Calories: 681

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked tri-colored quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 can chickpeas 15-ounce, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • cup finely diced red onion
  • 3 to 4 cups loosely packed arugula (about 3 ounces)
  • 4 ounces feta crumbled
  • ½ cup roughly chopped toasted/roasted almonds
  • ½ cup chopped Medjool dates or dried apricots
  • 1 slightly ripe avocado sliced or diced
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cool water. Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for another 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Make the vinaigrette: In a bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, dijon, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, sugar (or honey), and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, arugula, parsley, and red onion. Add half of the dressing and gently toss. Top with feta, almonds, dates, and avocado. Drizzle with remaining dressing, garnish with salt and pepper.
  4. To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Great with leftover chicken.

Notes

This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or with added protein.