Vegetarian Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nourishing, protein-rich salad featuring fluffy quinoa, roasted chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini-lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired meal prep (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, water, olive oil 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until crispy, shaking once halfway.
  2. Step 2: 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. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted chickpeas, 1 diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Vegetarian Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with 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 rinsed quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with 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 Vegetarian Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with 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 Vegetarian Chickpea and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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