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+ servings

High-Protein Chickpea Quinoa Salad

A bright, citrusy salad packed with protein from quinoa, chickpeas, and hemp seeds, featuring crunchy cucumber and juicy tomatoes, perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 30 ounces chickpeas (2 × 15-oz cans, drained and rinsed, or about 3 cups cooked)
  • 1/4 cup plus 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • 1 cup dry quinoa (yields about 4 cups cooked)
  • 5 medium Roma tomatoes, diced (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 long English cucumber, diced (about 3 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups diced red onion (about 1 medium)
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon hemp seeds (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Seasonings and Acids

  • Dash of paprika (optional)
  • Dash of garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 3 medium lemons)

Instructions

Preparation

  • Roast the chickpeas (optional). Preheat the oven to 425°F. Dry the drained chickpeas by rubbing them between paper towels. Toss the chickpeas in a large bowl with a generous dash of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Spread them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes. Change the oven to broil and broil for about 3 more minutes, watching closely until they’re crisp. Remove and cool.
  • Cook the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup dry quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine quinoa with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed. Let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Transfer to a rimmed dish to cool.
  • Drain the tomatoes (optional). Place the diced tomatoes in a strainer. Add a generous pinch of salt and toss. Let them drain for a few minutes so the salad doesn’t get watery. Toss again to remove excess liquid.

Assembly

  • Combine jar ingredients (optional). Line up three 32-ounce Mason jars. To each jar add: 1½ tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 cup cucumber, ¾ cup tomatoes, ½ cup red onion, 1 cup chickpeas, 1⅓ cups cooked quinoa, 3 tablespoons hemp seeds (if using), and 1/3 cup cilantro. Cover and refrigerate up to 5 days.
  • For serving. If using jars, invert a jar over a medium bowl and shake it. Mix to combine and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to taste. If not making jars, place everything in a large bowl, toss with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice, and season to taste.

Notes

Swap lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a different tang; use arugula or baby spinach for a greens-forward variation. Can add crumbled feta for salty contrast.