North Point Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad

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

A vibrant quinoa salad with spiced chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing inspired by northern flavors. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs Quinoa, rinsed, Water, Ground cumin 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 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed; fluff with a fork and let cool.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat, add 1 can drained chickpeas, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; sauté for 5-6 minutes until chickpeas are warmed and slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, spiced chickpeas, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Step 5: Whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp honey, then pour over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does North Point Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 North Point 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, rinsed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in North Point 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 North Point 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 North Point Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Salad vegan?

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

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