High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-29 · Updated 2026-04-29

A nutrient-dense salad featuring fluffy quinoa, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and fresh spinach, packed with protein to fuel your workouts. This mediterranean-inspired high protein (vegetarian) ready in about 40 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 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, toss 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed canned chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Spread them out evenly and roast for 25 minutes until crisp and golden, shaking the pan halfway through.
Step 2: While the chickpeas roast, rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water, then combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss 4 cups fresh spinach leaves with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the bowl.
Step 4: Once the chickpeas are roasted and cooled slightly, add them to the salad along with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately for a protein-packed, fresh meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach?

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 High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach?

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 High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach 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 High-Protein Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach vegetarian?

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