Orange Walnut Quinoa with Chickpeas and Mint

DESCRIPTION

This flavorful Mediterranean inspired salad is high in protein and with 1.6 grams of heart-healthy omega-3s per serving, making it the perfect side or a meal all by itself.

Total Time
50 Mins
Serves
4
Meal
Dinner Lunch
Course
Side

Total Time

Prep Time
20 Mins
Cook Time
30 Mins
Total Time
50 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
310 cal
Total Fat
14 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
7 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
395 mg
Carbohydrates
38 g
Dietary Fiber
6 g
Protein
10 g

Ingredients

Toasted Walnuts with Coriander and Cumin

  • 1/2 cup California walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground

Remaining ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander, ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup chickpeas, cooked, or canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
  • 1/2 cup mint, chopped, fresh
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped (both green and white parts)
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. To prepare the walnuts, toss them in a small bowl with the olive oil, coriander and cumin. Spread in a pan and bake about 10 minutes, until the walnuts are aromatic and slightly browned. Cool to room temperature.
  2. If you have purchased quinoa from a bulk bin, rinse it with cold water and drain well. It is not necessary to rinse boxed quinoa if it says “prewashed.”
  3. In a medium saucepan bring 2 1/2 cups water and the salt to a boil. Add the quinoa and return to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat and cover the pan. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat, add the cumin, coriander and cinnamon, then stir and fluff with a fork to combine. Spread the quinoa on a platter or shallow pan to cool, stirring it occasionally with a fork.
  4. Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and add the chickpeas, mint, scallions, orange juice, olive oil, lemon juice and orange zest. Stir and toss to combine, then top with the seasoned walnuts.