No-Sugar Added Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad

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

A hearty, spiced quinoa salad featuring roasted chickpeas with smoky paprika and cumin, perfect for a nutritious lunch or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (gluten free) 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 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment and roast for 25 minutes, shaking halfway until crispy and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted chickpeas, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss well and serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Sugar Added Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad 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 No-Sugar Added Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad?

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 No-Sugar Added Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad?

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 No-Sugar Added Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad 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 No-Sugar Added Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad 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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