Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpeas
A simple and satisfying salad that's perfect for lunch or dinner. The roasted sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness, while the chickpeas provide protein and fiber. The red onion and cilantro add a bit of crunch and brightness, and the lemon-olive oil dressing ties everything together.
I first came up with this recipe on a whim one night when I was trying to use up some leftover quinoa and roasted sweet potatoes. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors worked together, and I've been making it ever since. This salad is a great way to use up any leftover roasted vegetables, and it's also a good make-ahead meal. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Spread sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook quinoa according to package directions.
Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, red onion, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Why It Works
The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness to the salad, while the chickpeas provide protein and fiber.
The red onion and cilantro add a bit of crunch and brightness to the salad.
The lemon-olive oil dressing ties everything together and adds a touch of acidity.
This salad is a great way to use up any leftover roasted vegetables.