Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry quinoa

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed & drained

• 1 large cucumber, diced

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 bell pepper, diced

• Fresh mint or cilantro

• Spinach or arugula

🍋 Dressing (Oil-Free)

• Juice of 1–2 lemons

• 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp maple syrup or date syrup (optional, for balance)

• Salt + black pepper to taste

• 1–2 tbsp water (to thin if needed)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook quinoa:
   Rinse well → cook with 2 cups water → simmer ~15 min → let cool.

2. Prep veggies:
   Chop cucumber, parsley, tomatoes, onion, and any extras.

3. Mix:
   In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa + chickpeas + veggies.

4. Whisk dressing:
   Mix all dressing ingredients until smooth.

5. Combine & chill:
   Toss everything together and let sit 15–30 minutes for flavors to develop.