Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Dried Cherries

It has been a dark winter here in London Ontario, but this salad is pretty nonetheless and packed with lots of protein. So that might cheer ...

It has been a dark winter here in London Ontario, but this salad is pretty nonetheless and packed with lots of protein. So that might cheer you up. I know it's soup season really, but I was craving salad and this one has everything you need. Each bite is a taste experience. Included along with the nutty quinoa and buttery soft chickpeas are lightly toasted cashews, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and tart dried cherries. I dressed up all that goodness with olive oil, red wine vinegar, manuka honey, some freshly squeezed orange juice and a bit of spice.

Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Dried Cherries

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on January 19, 2016 Simple, wholesome and protein-packed chickpea and quinoa salad with cashews, sun-dried tomatoes and dried cherries Print this recipe Salad: 1 cup dried quinoa (2 cups cooked) 1/2 cup dried chickpeas (1 1/2 cups cooked or 1 14 oz can) 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes 1/3 cup raw cashews, chopped or left whole 1/3 cup dried cherries Dressing: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1 medium orange, juiced 1 1/2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste Instructions: Rinse the quinoa and soak for 8 hours or overnight in 2 cups of water. Rinse the chickpeas and soak for 8 hours or overnight in several inches of water. Rinse the chickpeas and transfer to a small saucepan. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until buttery soft. While the chickpeas are cooking, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain and chop. Meanwhile, bring the quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and wait 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Meanwhile, toast the cashews in a dry unoiled skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, tossing or stirring frequently, for 10 minutes until browned. Transfer the chickpeas, quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, cashews and dried cherries to a large mixing bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad. Stir to combine and serve at room temperature or chilled. Makes 6 servings

This is my contribution to No Croutons Required, a monthly event featuring vegetarian soups and salads, alternately hosted by my dear friend Jac of Tinned Tomatoes and myself. I am hosting for January.

Other salads to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Vegan Caesar Salad
Beetroot, Leek and Walnut Salad
Black Bean Salad with Fresh Mango and a Chaat Masala Dressing
Indian-Style Coleslaw