Greek Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas (High Protein Gluten Free) 
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Greek Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas – a hearty, protein-rich, vegetarian salad with classic Greek flavors and a simple vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, as a main course, or side to your favorite Greek dishes.
Easy Greek Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas
Greek salads are one of my all-time favorite things to eat! And while this definitely isn’t your traditional Greek salad, I love this recipe because it brings all the classic Greek flavors of cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and lemon together with a quinoa base and an extra boost of protein from chickpeas. It’s super simple to throw together, great for meal prep, and easily feeds a crowd!
Make it ahead for lunches during the week or add it to your next barbecue menu for a vegetarian option. It’s great as a side dish yet hearty enough to serve as a main course. With simple ingredients and fresh flavors, you can’t go wrong with this Greek Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas!
Ingredients
- Quinoa
- Chickpeas
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Olives
- Feta cheese
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Salt & Pepper
- Fresh parsley
Variations & Substitutions
Quinoa salad is super versatile and can be easily modified based on your preference or the ingredients you have on hand.
Quinoa – use any variety or substitute another whole grain such as farro or brown rice.
Veggies – add anything you like such as chopped bell peppers, red onions, green onions, and chopped spinach.
Olives – any variety of olives can be used in this salad (Kalamata, green, etc.)
Other add-ins: cooked cubed chicken, albacore tuna, fresh dill, chopped artichokes, etc.
How to Make Greek Quinoa Salad
- Cook the Quinoa (according to package directions.)
- Prep the veggies – chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and parsley.
- Make the dressing – whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked, cooled quinoa with chopped veggies, chickpeas, and feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
FAQs
Do I have to rinse quinoa?
Yes, quinoa can have a bitter taste if not rinsed before cooking. Quinoa is actually a seed with a natural coating called saponin that can taste bitter and cause digestive issues. To rinse, simply place the dry quinoa in a mesh strainer and run cold water over it for 1-2 minutes.
What to serve with Greek Quinoa Salad?
This recipe is a perfect side dish to Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers, Greek Turkey Burgers, Greek Pork Chops, or Grilled Steak.
How many grams of protein are in quinoa?
One cup of quinoa contains 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, making it a nutrient dense and filling whole grain option.
Is quinoa gluten free?
Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten free and is also one of few plant-based whole grains that is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids.
How to store Greek Quinoa Salad?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Serve cold.
Can I make this salad dairy free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese for a dairy free option.
More Gluten Free Salads
Detox Chopped Salad with Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette
Meal Prep Salad Mix with Homemade Vinaigrette
Greek Wedge Salad with Tzatziki
Greek Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 15 oz chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup diced English cucumbers
- 3/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to the package directions.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and parsley.
- Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine quinoa, chickpeas, and chopped veggies in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and toss well.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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Whole30
Keto Friendly
Dairy Free
6 Comments on “Greek Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas (High Protein Gluten Free)”
I loved it!!!!!!!! I’ve always been skeptical of quinoa but this was delicious. Try it, you won’t regret it!
So perfect, I’ve been looking for some high protein salads to make. This recipe also looks easy to make.
Made this salad for lunch today and it was delicious! Hearty, filling, refreshing, and packed with flavor!
This quinoa salad is a delightful blend of flavors, packed with nutrition and perfect for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Loved it!
Yum! We’ve enjoyed this Greek quinoa salad several times for dinner – super delicious. It is quick to make and one feels satisfied and healthy after having it.
Your Greek Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas is simply a delight, the perfect fusion of traditional Greek flavors and nutritious quinoa. The tangy feta cheese, crisp vegetables, and hearty chickpeas create a tantalizing dance of textures and tastes that had me coming back for seconds. The dressing was the icing on the cake, bringing it all together with its zesty and refreshing notes. You’ve really hit the mark with this one!