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Collection of high protein summer recipes for healthy eating

High-Protein Summer Quinoa Salad

A refreshing and nutritious high-protein quinoa salad perfect for a light summer meal, packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 1 cup Quinoa uncooked
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 can Chickpeas (15-ounce) , rinsed and drained
  • 1 Cucumber diced
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup Red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese crumbled (optional)
Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking the Quinoa
  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions until fluffy, then allow it to cool completely.
Preparing Ingredients
  1. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley.
Making the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Assembling the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
Finishing and Serving
  1. Pour the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated; if using, fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
  2. Serve the salad immediately for best freshness, or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad is highly customizable; feel free to add other summer vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or different protein sources such as grilled chicken or shrimp for variety.