Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Dive into the world of our Quinoa and Chickpea Pesto Salad! This Italian-inspired delight combines fluffy quinoa, protein-packed chickpeas, and the fresh burst of cherry tomatoes, all brought together with the rich flavors of pesto. Perfect for a quick lunch, a hearty side dish, or a light dinner, this salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are clean and dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add the pesto to the bowl and gently mix to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing and nutritious meal.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: To achieve perfectly fluffy quinoa, let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes after cooking. This allows it to steam and become light and airy.
- Chill for Flavor: For the best flavor, allow your salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the ingredients meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto—basil, sun-dried tomato, or even a vegan version—to switch up the flavor profile of your salad.
- Add Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts or pumpkin seeds, just before serving.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your salad before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference for the best flavor.
- Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite roasted vegetables for additional protein and nutrients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 215kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
