High-Protein Salad: A Wholesome Bowl of Flavor and Nourishment

A refreshing and nutritious high-protein salad featuring fluffy quinoa, fresh vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and crumbled feta, all brought together with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for a healthy meal any time of day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Quinoa Resting Time 5

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish, Salad

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa Rinse well under cool water to remove any bitterness before cooking.
2 cups water or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for an added layer of flavor.
1 cup cherry tomatoes Halve the tomatoes to release their juices and integrate better into the salad.
1 cucumber cucumber Dice into bite-sized pieces for texture and freshness.
1 can chickpeas Drain and rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility.
0.5 cup feta cheese Crumbled feta adds a delightful salty and creamy element.
0.5 cup fresh parsley or cilantro Chop finely to ensure even distribution of herbaceous flavor.
3 tablespoons olive oil Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best dressing flavor.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire salad.
1 tsp Salt Adjust the amount of salt to your personal taste preference.
0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground black pepper provides the best aroma and flavor.

Equipment

Saucepan
Fine-mesh Sieve
Large bowl
Small bowl
Whisk

Method

Start by rinsing the quinoa well under cool water to remove any bitterness.
Bring the water or broth to a boil, stir in the quinoa, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Once the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has absorbed, let it rest for 5 minutes.
While the quinoa cools, slice your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop your herbs.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, and chopped herbs.
Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese for creamy bursts in every bite.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over your salad, toss gently to coat all ingredients, and serve.
You can enjoy this salad warm or chilled, right away or the next day.

Notes

This high-protein salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or incorporate additional protein sources such as grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs for an even heartier meal. It makes for excellent meal prep as it holds up well in the refrigerator for several days.