Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water
• 1 can Chickpeas
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 large Red bell pepper
• 1 large Zucchini
• 0.5 large Red onion
• 4 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup Fresh mint

Instructions

1. 1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2Rinse the 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
3. 3While the quinoa cooks, chop the 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large zucchini, and 0.5 large red onion into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes. Mince the 2 cloves of garlic.
4. 4In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and the 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed). Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables and chickpeas are evenly coated.
5. 5Spread the seasoned vegetables and chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and have slightly browned edges.
6. 6While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, the minced garlic, and an additional 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper.
7. 7Once the vegetables and chickpeas are roasted and the quinoa has cooled, combine them in a large serving bowl. Pour the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Add the 0.25 cup of fresh parsley and 0.25 cup of fresh mint (both chopped). Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
8. 8Serve the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad immediately.

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