Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Lime and Cilantro

Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Line and Cilantro There is a saying that goes, if you build it, they will come. I think my philosophy with my children and healthy eating is that – If you cook it, they will learn. And this Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Cilantro and lime is a favorite time-tested recipe that we all enjoy. It takes an essential Indian salad – cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. I add body and in turn boost the nutrition by adding chickpeas and quinoa. It has emerged from my early days of playing with quinoa. Instant Pot Chickpeas are a pantry staple. The quinoa is easy to make in the Instant pot as well. The rest is just about chopping and mixing.

 

 

My Story About Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Lime and Cilantro

My daughter loves this. Well, anything with cucumbers makes her happy. Lots of lime juice and cilantro are happy additions. If you like things spicy a Serrano pepper would not hurt. In the early days, I have served this up on play dates as well. Children have enjoyed it. I have mom’s come back to me asking me for “that Indian salad”. I like to call this my gilded Indian salad. It is as simple and classic as a beautiful summer’s day,

Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

Despite the craziness of the weather, I do not really have cucumbers in the garden, there are small and tender little green tomatoes showing up. But, hopefully next month I will be all ready with these from our garden, and I will have a hit and comforting recipe to put it all together. What more can I ask for? Well, actually I could ask for a successful finish to this weekend, there is way too much happening, that to following a rather frenetic week at work. Quinoa in this salad gives it some nice nutrition and body, other interesting recipes are Lemon and Peanut Quinoa and a Kitchen Sink Quinoa Fried Rice.

Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

About the Origins of this Salad

A kachumber is a salad from North India, and is made with tomatoes, onions and cucumber. It is the most essential for salads and is served with just about anything. This Quinoa Salad is a heartier version of Kachumber.

How to Enjoy the Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Lime and Cilantro

This salad is a perfect side to kebabs, a soulful curry or another salad for an all salad kind of meal.

Quinoa with Chickpea Salad and Lime and Cilantro

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Quinoa with Chickpea Salad and Lime and Cilantro

A simple fresh tasting quinoa and chickpea salad that makes a great one-dish meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (preferably, homecooked with no salt)
  • 1 cup (about 1 large seedless english cucumber), diced cucumber
  • 1 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium sized tomato, diced (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1/3 cup minced, fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint
  • 1/2 small bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 3/4 cup cooked quinoa (mixing up the colors helps in visual appeal)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 11/2 fresh limes

Instructions

  1. Place the chickpeas in the mixing bowl.
  2. Mix in the cucumber, red onion and tomato and the bell pepper (if using) and stir well.
  3. Add in the cilantro and mint and stir in the quinoa.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, add in the salt, red cayenne pepper, extra-virgin olive oil.
  5. Squeeze in the lime juice and mix well.
  6. Pour the dressing onto the salad and let the salad rest for 15 minutes before serving.
https://spicechronicles.com/quinoa-chickpea-salad/

 

 

 

2 Comments

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge