Curried Quinoa Chickpea Salad

By Julia Howard, MPH, RHN

Curried Quinoa Chickpea Salad

I came across this salad several years ago as I was first learning how to use quinoa and I’ve tweaked it a bit since. The beauty of this salad is that the flavours of the spices in the dressing continue to deepen and blend the longer it stays in the fridge. I find it tastes best after a day or so.

If you’re like me, you find quinoa a bit flavourless so it’s not typically my first choice of grain, although it is higher in protein than most grains. This salad is a great way to use up that big bag of quinoa that’s been hanging out in your cupboard.

I like to make it as a light lunch or as a side dish at a barbecue. Note: This recipe will fill a very large bowl!

I will sometimes use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavour. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you could try fresh parsley instead for some extra green.

Curried Quinoa & Chickpea Salad

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups quinoa (dry)
  • 4 cups veggie broth (e.g., Pacific Foods organic vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
  • 1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped.

Dressing Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced or 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
  • 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • Sea salt to taste

Directions

  • Cook 2 cups of quinoa in 4 cups of broth.
  • While quinoa is cooking, prepare other ingredients and combine in a large bowl.
  • When quinoa is finished cooking and has cooled, add together ingredients in a large bowl and combine well.
  • Make dressing in a separate container, mix well, and then add to the salad.
  • Eat at room temperature immediately or cover and keep in the fridge for a few days.

Enjoy!

~Julia

If you’re confused about nutrition or have some nutrition goals you need help with, we offer online nutrition coaching!

I’ve been weight training on and off for years but never really had a specific goal or target in mind so routinely stalled out, plateaued or stopped training all together. Before I joined JKC I was definitely in a fitness slump and needed something to motivate me and get me back on track. I did a bit of digging online, looking at various personal training options and gyms around town but JKC seemed like the best option by far. I’ve tried big box gyms and other personal trainers in the past but none of them have had the perfect combination of goal specific fitness programming, welcoming and supportive environment, and the knowledge and passion to back it all up that you’ll find at JKC. Jon and Thomas are great to work with, they know how to motivate you if you’re having an off day and are well versed in all the different ways to make your muscles burn! I also have noticed some major improvements in my deadlifts since I started with JKC and was really happy with the result.

I started strength training at JKC in the Spring of 2021. I am in my 60’s but happy to say I feel much younger since joining this gym. I joined JKC upon the advice of a doctor. I went through some difficult medical issues last year, that’s when one of my doctors recommended strength training at JKC. I have been physically active most of my adult life but mainly running and completed many road races as I am a distance runner. Strength training has definitely benefited me by increasing my stamina and energy. It sure has enhanced my recovery over the past year. I have the added benefit of becoming a stronger runner as well.

trap bar deadlift

A few of my wonderful friends and colleagues recommended JKC. I was told by one colleague that “It’ll be the best thing you ever do for yourself” and she was right! To be honest, I didn’t have much experience in any gym setting. And NO prior weight training experience. It was always so overwhelming! But from the first day, nothing was intimidating about JKC. Each workout is set up just for me, and with my specific skills and goals in mind. There are no stupid questions, you learn as you go, and what I really love, I always feel included and important, regardless of my skills/experience.

sumo deadlift

I had always wanted to start lifting weights and get stronger, but didn’t know where to start. I was looking not just for a gym, but for training on proper technique to prevent injury and a program designed for my specific goals. I also wanted a fun and supportive atmosphere to keep me coming back. JKC delivered on all of this and more.

Jon and Thomas have a wealth of knowledge that help their clients get the most out of their time in the gym. Programs are continuously modified to keep the workouts challenging. Even through everyone’s program is unique, you always have the coaches and other clients cheering you on and pushing you to achieve new bests.

cas dyke

I started training at JKC in 2016 because I had built up a number of muscle imbalances from old injuries and activities like rock climbing which had led to some really bad posture and mobility issues. On top of that some friends had convinced me to sign up for a half-ironman. Working with Jon and Thomas was a way to pull my body back into alignment and make sure it wouldn’t fall apart during my race. The staff at JKC pride themselves on continuously advancing their knowledge, which leads to new and inventive way to address problems, old and new. I got my Dad to start training here and recommended JKC to all looking to improve their strength and fitness.

As Seen On: