Refreshing Mint and Almond Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

Recipe Collection: Salads

Refreshing Mint and Almond Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas elevates your meal prep with a vibrant vegetarian dish inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. This gluten-free salad features nutty quinoa, crunchy toasted almonds, and sweet dried cranberries, all enhanced by fresh mint. Perfect for light lunches or picnics, it’s versatile enough to complement any main course.

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Overview

This Zesty Mint and Almond Quinoa Salad with Garbanzo Beans is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for picnics or as a light lunch. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dried cranberries and golden raisins, while the mint adds a burst of freshness. This salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together for a delightful culinary experience.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Almonds

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Serving Size: 8

Cooking Time: 90 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Cup quinoa
• 2 Cups water
• 1 15 Ounces (oz) can garbanzo beans, drained
• 0.5 Cups dried cranberries
• 0.5 Cups golden raisins
• 0.33 Cups sliced almonds, toasted
• 0.25 Cups mint leaves, chopped
• 0.75 Teaspoons (tsp) coriander, ground
• 0.25 Teaspoons (tsp) cumin, ground
• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Pinch salt, to taste
• 1 Pinch pepper, to taste

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
2. While the quinoa is cooling, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Once the quinoa is chilled, add the drained garbanzo beans, dried cranberries, golden raisins, toasted almonds, chopped mint, ground coriander, and ground cumin to the bowl. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
4. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the salad chilled, allowing the flavors to meld. Enjoy as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite main course.

Enjoy your homemade Refreshing Mint and Almond Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas!