Quinoa, Avocado & Chickpea Salad over Mixed Greens

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Protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas add staying power to this zesty and healthy salad recipe.

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Ingredients

  • cup water

  • cup quinoa

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or other coarse salt

  • 1 clove garlic, crushed and peeled

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 cup rinsed no-salt-added canned chickpeas

  • 1 medium carrot, shredded (1/2 cup)

  • ½ avocado, diced

  • 1 (5 ounce) package prewashed mixed greens, such as spring mix or baby kale-spinach blend (8 cups packed)

Directions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Use a fork to fluff and separate the grains; let cool for 5 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, sprinkle salt over garlic on a cutting board. Mash the garlic with the side of a spoon until a paste forms. Scrape into a medium bowl. Whisk in lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, and pepper. Transfer 3 Tbsp. of the dressing to a small bowl and set aside.

  3. Add chickpeas, carrot, and avocado to the bowl with the remaining dressing; gently toss to combine. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Add the quinoa and gently toss to coat.

  4. Place greens in a large bowl and toss with the reserved 3 Tbsp. dressing. Divide the greens between 2 plates and top with the quinoa mixture.

Tips

To make ahead: Prepare quinoa (Step 1) and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

501 Calories
32g Fat
47g Carbs
12g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Serving Size 2 1/2 cups
Calories 501
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 47g 17%
Dietary Fiber 13g 46%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 12g 24%
Total Fat 32g 40%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Vitamin A 7121IU 142%
Vitamin C 30mg 34%
Folate 216mcg 54%
Sodium 349mg 15%
Calcium 111mg 9%
Iron 4mg 19%
Magnesium 112mg 27%
Potassium 844mg 18%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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