Protein-Packed Vegan Quinoa Salad

This vegan quinoa salad is full of protein and is a healthy and filling meal option. You can get a lot of protein from quinoa, chickpeas, and edamame. Fresh vegetables add vitamins and minerals. This salad is great for a light lunch or dinner because it has a tangy lemon balsamic dressing on it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup edamame, cooked
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, edamame, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper

Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss until well combined

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld

Serve chilled and enjoy!