Herbed Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and hearty salad combining nutty quinoa, tender chickpeas, and fresh herbs dressed in a creamy lemon-tahini sauce. This mediterranean-inspired hanukkah (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs quinoa, water, canned chickpeas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, and 3 sliced green onions.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2-3 tbsp water gradually until the dressing reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Step 5: Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, or serve immediately as a refreshing, protein-packed salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herbed Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herbed Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Herbed Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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