Description
High Protein Salads are a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor. Bursting with fresh ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, and vibrant vegetables, these salads are perfect for any occasion—from light lunches to dinner gatherings. Not only are they easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, but they also provide a satisfying protein boost that keeps you feeling full longer. Customize your salad with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a versatile addition to your meal prep routine. Enjoy the freshness and health benefits of this colorful dish!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Allow cooling briefly.
- While quinoa cooks, chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Add chopped herbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, chickpeas, chopped veggies, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap feta cheese with a plant-based alternative for a vegan option. Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Experiment with different dressings like tahini or balsamic vinaigrette for varied flavors.