Quinoa Salad
Serving: 2-4
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Spiced Chickpeas & Carrots:
- 5–6 medium carrots, cut into large chunks
- 400g chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- A generous drizzle of olive oil
- A handful of pumpkin seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Herbed Quinoa:
- 1½ cups cooked quinoa
- A small bunch of mint, finely chopped
- A small bunch of coriander, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Yogurt Tahini Sauce:
- 4 heaped tbsp unsweetened yogurt
- 1 tbsp tahini
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- A handful of chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Spread the carrots and chickpeas on a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, honey (or maple syrup), salt and pepper. Toss everything to coat evenly.
- Roast for 30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Add the pumpkin seeds, stir, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a jar or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create your dressing.
- Add the quinoa, spring onions, mint, and coriander to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to combine.
- Spoon the quinoa salad onto a large serving plate or shallow bowl. Top with the roasted carrots and chickpeas, then drizzle generously with the yogurt tahini sauce. Scatter extra herbs or seeds over the top if you like.
Chef Notes
- Quinoa: A complete plant protein, high in fibre, and packed with vitamins and minerals
- Carrots: Rich in beta carotene (Vitamin A), plus a good source of Vitamin K
- Chickpeas: A powerhouse of plant-based protein, fibre, iron, calcium, and potassium
