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Peach Chickpea Quinoa Bowl

Peach Chickpea Quinoa Bowl

The Peach Chickpea Quinoa Bowl is a vibrant, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that combines the sweetness of fresh peaches, the heartiness of chickpeas, and the nutty flavor of quinoa. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this bowl balances protein, fiber, and essential vitamins in a fresh and colorful dish that is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains and Legumes

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Fresh Produce

  • 2 large fresh peaches, diced
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced thinly
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (cilantro or mint), roughly chopped

Seasonings and Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse one cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove its natural bitterness. Cook it in two cups of water or vegetable broth by bringing to a boil, then reducing heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess salt. For a warm bowl, toss chickpeas in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt, heating until slightly golden and crispy. Alternatively, keep them chilled for a cooler dish.
  3. Chop the Produce: Dice the fresh peaches into bite-sized chunks, slice the cucumber thinly, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
  4. Assemble the Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, peaches, cucumber, red onion, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine without mashing the fruit.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the bowl immediately, or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish as desired and enjoy fresh as a nourishing meal or side.

Notes

  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly to prevent bitterness and enhance the nutty flavor.
  • Use ripe peaches for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
  • Toasted chickpeas add extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Let the bowl rest for a few minutes after tossing to blend flavors.
  • Adjust lemon juice for a brighter, tangier taste if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach bowl, chickpea quinoa bowl, vegan quinoa recipe, gluten free lunch, healthy quinoa salad, plant-based bowl