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High Protein Quinoa Salad Vegetarian For Easy Meal Prep

High Protein Quinoa Salad Vegetarian For Easy Meal Prep

A nutritious and protein-packed quinoa salad loaded with chickpeas, vegetables, and feta cheese, perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: High Protein Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa uncooked, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 can chickpeas 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Spread cooked quinoa on a large plate or baking sheet to cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
  3. While quinoa cools, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.
  6. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Add the crumbled feta cheese and gently fold in.
  7. Serve immediately or divide into meal prep containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 15gFat: 17gSodium: 620mgFiber: 8g

Notes

For best meal prep results, store the dressing separately and add just before eating to keep the salad fresh and crisp. You can substitute the feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese or omit for a vegan version. Add extra protein by including edamame, hemp seeds, or diced tofu.

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