This irresistible Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad is like your lunch got a promotion. The protein from quinoa and chickpeas, leafy greens, and a curry twist that says, "I've got it together...ably." Drizzle with Lemon Tahini Dressing for saucy goodness.
This quinoa chickpea salad makes a great light dinner, hearty lunch, or meal-prep staple. It's gluten-free, oil-free, soy-free, nut-free, approved for the Daniel Fast, and one of our Quick Vegan Meals.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Curry Chickpea Salad
- Health Benefits
- What You'll Need to Make This Quinoa Chickpea Salad
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make This Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad
- Expert Tips for a Successful Quinoa Chickpea Salad
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe FAQs
- More Chickpea Recipes to Check Out
- Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Why You'll Love This Curry Chickpea Salad
- Quick to Make: Ready in just ~30 minutes, 10 prep, 20 cook.
- Versatile MVP: Dressed-up quinoa meets chickpeas and makes greens look good. Sauce it up with Lemon Tahini Dressing, Oil-Free Greek Dressing, or Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- Flavor party: Curry spices, lemon zing, creamy avocado, and pumpkin seed crunch = every bite a high-five.
- Daniel Fast-Friendly: Made with whole plant food ingredients and Daniel Fast-compliant.
Health Benefits
- Quinoa brings complete plant protein, keeping blood sugar steady and muscles fed.
- Chickpeas supercharge with fiber and protein, helping to keep you satisfied and fueled for the afternoon.
- Mixed greens provide antioxidants, hydrating volume, and digestion-friendly fiber.
- Curry powder offers anti-inflammatory benefits from the curcumin in turmeric and the addition of black pepper.
- Avocado and pumpkin seeds deliver healthy fats to keep your brain sharp and mood steady.
What You'll Need to Make This Quinoa Chickpea Salad
- Cooked quinoa: nutty, fluffy base to soak up curry vibes. Learn how to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
- Curry Powder (yellow): warm, earthy, spicy backbone.
- Chickpeas: meaty and protein-rich.
- Mixed Baby Greens: leafy freshness and fiber.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations
- No cilantro? Try flat-leaf parsley or chopped green onion.
- Heat lover? Stir in a pinch of cayenne or minced jalapeno.
- Instead of mixed baby salad greens, feel free to use baby spinach, arugula, chopped Romaine, or chopped kale.
- Not a lemon person? Go with lime.
- Other additions include shredded carrot, raisins, and chopped celery.
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How to Make This Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Make the quinoa ahead of time and have it on hand. Learn how to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Step 1: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and curry powder, stir, and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water to keep the garlic and spices from sticking.
Step 3: Add drained and rinsed chickpeas and cooked quinoa to the skillet.
Step 4: Stir the quinoa and chickpeas in with the veggies and curry seasonings. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Use the wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits of goodness off the bottom of the skillet.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and add in the pumpkin seeds and finely chopped cilantro. Stir to incorporate, and let it cool for at least 5 minutes.
Step 6: After the curry quinoa chickpea mixture cools to warm or room temperature, spoon it over a bowl of salad greens, top with avocado, and dress with fresh lemon juice.
While I love this salad with just lemon juice and creamy avocado, the Tahini Lemon Dressing and Oil Free Balsamic Vinaigrette are excellent additions.
Expert Tips for a Successful Quinoa Chickpea Salad
- Rinse the quinoa before cooking. Trust me, that bitter coating is not part of the party.
- Add the avocado just before serving to protect its perfectly creamy texture.
- If meal prepping, store components separately. Specifically, the chickpea quinoa mixture, salad greens, avocado, and lemon or other dressing in separate containers.
- Don't be shy about piling those salad greens high. They're high in antioxidants and fiber, and low in calorie density, so they'll help you to feel full without packing on the calories.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty chickpea quinoa salad with a bowl of Leek and Mushroom Soup, Vegan Butternut Squash Soup, or, for more curry fun, our Curry Mushroom Potato Soup.
Sip on a Pineapple Matcha Latte, Blueberry Matcha Latte, or Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink while you enjoy this salad.
Recipe FAQs
Store leftover chickpea quinoa mixture separately from the baby salad greens to prevent them from going limp and mushy. The chickpea quinoa mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Yes, chickpeas are good for weight loss because they are high in fiber and protein. This helps you feel full for longer. They won't spike your blood sugar, which can help curb cravings. Check out our Roasted Chickpeas, Chickpea and Mushroom Stew, and North African Chickpea Soup. They're all made without oil, keeping the calorie density low and further aiding with weight loss goals.
Canned chickpeas provide a fast, convenient alternative to cooking dried beans. Canned chickpeas are a healthy option if they are low in sodium. If, however, you prefer dried beans (trust me, they are wonderful!), check out How to Cook Dried Beans.
This Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad is that rare unicorn of meals: quick, nutritious, customizable, and always delightful. It walks the fine line between “I ate smart” and “Wow, this tastes gourmet!” Whether you’re packing lunch, prepping dinner, or just need a feel-good meal, this salad’s got your back. Dive in and let the curry chickpea quinoa love affair begin.
More Chickpea Recipes to Check Out
If you tried this Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad or any other recipe on our website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below! We love to get your feedback for improvement.
Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked quinoa
- 5 to 6 cups mixed baby greens (or baby spinach, arugula, chopped kale)
- ½ onion, diced
- ½ bell pepper, diced (red, orange, yellow or green)
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoon yellow curry powder
- 1 15- ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups of cooked chickpeas)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
- 1½ Tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 fresh lemon, juiced (or lime)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make Ahead: Make the quinoa ahead of time and have it on hand. Learn how to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and curry powder, stir, and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of water to keep the garlic and spices from sticking.
- Add drained and rinsed chickpeas and cooked quinoa to the skillet.
- Stir the quinoa and chickpeas in with the veggies and curry seasonings. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Use the wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits of goodness off the bottom of the skillet.
- After the curry quinoa chickpea mixture cools to warm or room temperature, spoon it over a bowl of salad greens, top with avocado, and dress with fresh lemon juice.
Notes
- Optional Dressing: Sauce it up with Lemon Tahini Dressing, Oil-Free Greek Dressing, or Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- Meal Prep Tip: If meal prepping, store components separately. Specifically, the chickpea quinoa mixture, salad greens, avocado, and lemon or other dressing in separate containers.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers separately in covered containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Gigi & Sersie says
This is one of those salad that keep you feeling full, but not weighed down. The curry elevates the flavor and creamy avocado with cilantro make me happy.
Leslie Dunbar says
So this is my third review of a Daniel’s Plate recipe and I just can’t stop raving about how delicious and clean these recipes are!! This dish is delicious warm or cold! Please give it a try, you won’t regret it!!