Are you tired of bland, boring salads that leave you hungry and unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with the Energizing Protein Power Salad – a culinary masterpiece that combines nutrition, flavor, and pure deliciousness in one incredible dish! This isn't just a salad; it's a nutritional powerhouse designed to fuel your body, tantalize your taste buds, and keep you energized throughout the day.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions: typically, combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium.
- Dice the bell pepper into small, uniform cubes, ensuring pieces are roughly the same size for even distribution in the salad.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, cutting them from stem to bottom to create neat, bite-sized pieces.
- Once quinoa is cooked, spread it on a large plate or shallow bowl to cool and prevent clumping. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, diced bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the salad, which will add brightness and help prevent the ingredients from oxidizing.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing all ingredients to ensure even coating.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a nutritious, protein-packed meal or side dish.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating (saponin), which can taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Chickpea Pro Tip: Thoroughly drain and rinse canned chickpeas to reduce sodium and remove any canning liquid, ensuring a cleaner taste.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing to allow the lemon juice and seasonings to meld with the ingredients, intensifying the overall flavor.
- Meal Prep Hack: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add grilled chicken, tofu, or additional vegetables to make the salad even more substantial and personalized.
- Temperature Matters: While the salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, letting it sit for a few minutes after preparation allows the flavors to develop more fully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
