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Easy Chickpea Thai Quinoa Salad Recipe

A refreshing and protein-packed Thai-inspired quinoa salad featuring chickpeas, colorful vegetables, and a tangy peanut dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 12 tablespoons water (to thin dressing as needed)

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, cilantro, and green onions.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup or honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, and water until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
  5. Top with chopped peanuts if desired and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
  • Can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Use tamari for a gluten-free option.

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