Description
A light, refreshing, and protein-packed salad combining chickpeas, quinoa, and Thai-inspired flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Water to thin dressing as needed
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, cilantro, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and lime juice. Add water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with chopped peanuts if using and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg