Description
A vibrant power meal packed with protein-rich quinoa, lentils, and fiber-filled chickpeas, combined with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup (198g) cooked lentils, brown or green
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups (60g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water using a colander.
- Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- If using dried lentils, rinse and cook them according to the package instructions (about 20-25 minutes until tender). If using canned lentils, rinse and drain.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine the cooked quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- If using, fold in diced avocado just before serving.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for a refreshing cold meal.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This meal can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: power meal, healthy, vegan, high-protein, high-fiber, quinoa, chickpeas, lentils