Nothing says Summer like dinners outside. The simpler the better IMO, because less time inside cooking means more time to enjoy these perfect summer nights that won’t last forever!

This herby quinoa salad is packed full of healthy fats, plant based protein from chickpeas, high fiber carbs from quinoa and plenty of colorful fresh herbs to make it easy to eat for healthy hormones.

BENEFITS OF HERBS

Eating a variety of different foods and colors is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins, minerals and other essential micronutrients. Because different color foods = different phytochemicals and antioxidants. 

And a simple ways to do that is by incorporating plenty of fresh herbs throughout your day. Herbs are usually the leaves of the plant, while spices refer to the seeds, berries, bark or roots. And they’re good for so much more than just making your food taste delicious (although that definitely helps!)

This herb packed salad quinoa salad has been on repeat in our house lately! It’s easy to throw together for impromptu picnics, keeps well for a few days in the fridge and is perfect for sharing with friends!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cooked Quinoa

• 2 cans Chickpeas (drained)

• A few handfuls of fresh greens

• 1 Persian cucumber (chopped)

• 1 bunch parsley or cilantro

• 1 bunch mint

• 1 bunch chives

• 1/2 cup pistachios (chopped)

• 5 fresh dates (chopped)

• Feta cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Parsley Lemon Vinaigrette

• 1 bunch fresh parsley

• handful of fresh basil

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 2 dates

• Juice from 1 lemon

• 1 clove garlic

• ¼ -½ tsp sea salt

DIRECTIONS

Add all of the dressing ingredients to a food processor, blend until well combined. I could drink this dressing, but for now just set it aside. 

Finely chop all of the herbs and toss together in a large bowl with the fresh greens, cucumbers, dates, pistachios and cooked quinoa. Add 2 cans of drained chickpeas and toss together with the parsley vinaigrette. 

Top with feta, if you're into that (I am) and serve as is or add your favorites from the grill. 

*you could skip some of the herbs or mix and match based on what you have on hand, but more herbs is more better IMO.