Time: 20 Minutes Yield: 4 servings
Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to the freshest, fastest bowl in town! This 20-Minute Quick Lemony Quinoa & Chickpea Bowl is a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Fluffy quinoa is tossed with hearty chickpeas, crisp cucumber, and bell peppers, all coated in a zesty, bright lemon-herb vinaigrette. It’s the ultimate healthy, no-fuss lunch or light dinner, delivering incredible flavor and energy in just 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 20-Minute Power Meal: A complete, protein-packed meal ready faster than boiling pasta.
- High Protein & Fiber: Quinoa and chickpeas provide maximum fuel for sustained energy.
- Bright & Refreshing Flavor: A zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette makes this bowl incredibly vibrant and delicious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Holds up beautifully in the fridge, tasting even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Quinoa & Chickpeas:
- 1 cup (170g) pre-cooked quinoa (or use instant quinoa, cooked per package directions)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, rinsed and thoroughly drained
- 1 medium cucumber, finely diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup (50g) finely diced red onion (optional, for bite)
For the Lemony Herb Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (4g) fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Quinoa & Veggies: Ensure your quinoa is already cooked and cooled (or quickly cook instant quinoa). Finely dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Chop the fresh dill.
- Make Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh dill, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
- Combine Bowl Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion.
- Dress & Toss: Pour the prepared lemony herb vinaigrette over the bowl ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the quinoa and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.
- Serve & Chill: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (more salt, pepper, or lemon juice). Serve immediately, or chill for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve immediately as a refreshing salad or light lunch. Garnish with a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese or extra fresh herbs.
- Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight!
- Reheating: This is a chilled meal and should be served cold or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips
- Dry Quinoa: For the best texture, ensure your cooked quinoa is cooled completely before mixing, which prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Use fresh lemon juice (not bottled) for the best, brightest, most refreshing flavor in the vinaigrette.
- Meal Prep Tip: You can prep this entire bowl ahead of time. The dressing actually helps preserve the color of the veggies and keeps the quinoa moist.
- Adjust Vinaigrette: If the vinaigrette tastes too sharp, add 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup or agave to balance the acidity of the lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use pre-made dressing? A: You can, but making this simple vinaigrette takes less than 3 minutes and tastes much fresher and brighter.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I add a different protein source? A: Absolutely! Add a handful of toasted slivered almonds, 1 cup of shelled edamame, or crumbled pan-fried tofu for variety.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh dill? A: You can use dried dill, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
Conclusion
This 20-Minute Quick Lemony Quinoa & Chickpea Bowl is the perfect convergence of speed, health, and vibrant flavor. It’s a satisfying, wholesome, and effortless meal that delivers incredible energy in a flash!
