Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Thyroid-Boosting Spinach

This quinoa and chickpea salad is a hearty and healthy dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it's also gluten-free and vegan. The spinach in this salad is a good source of iodine, which is essential for thyroid health. The oregano in the dressing adds a nice flavor boost, and the red onion adds a bit of crunch. This salad is easy to make and can be served immediately or chilled for later.

This recipe was inspired by a trip I took to Greece a few years ago. I was hiking in the mountains of Crete when I came across a small village. I stopped at a local taverna for lunch, and I ordered a quinoa and chickpea salad. The salad was delicious, and I couldn't stop thinking about it after I got home. I decided to recreate the salad at home, and I've been making it ever since. I've made a few changes to the original recipe, but the basic ingredients are the same. This salad is now one of my favorite go-to meals. It's healthy, delicious, and easy to make. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, chickpeas, spinach, red onion and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The quinoa and chickpeas provide a good source of protein and fiber.
• The spinach is a good source of iodine, which is essential for thyroid health.
• The oregano in the dressing adds a nice flavor boost.
• The red onion adds a bit of crunch.
• This salad is easy to make and can be served immediately or chilled for later.