Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups vegetarian broth (or water)
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Add-ins & Garnish
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup finely diced flat leaf parsley
- ½ cup sliced toasted almonds
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and spices: Add coconut oil to a large pot and place over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and freshly ground black pepper; cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the spices’ aromas.
- Cook the quinoa: Pour in the vegetarian broth or water and add the uncooked quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Fluff and combine: Remove the pot from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the rinsed chickpeas, dried cranberries, and finely diced parsley until well combined.
- Adjust and garnish: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds and extra parsley before serving.
- Serving suggestion: Serve warm or chilled. For meal prep, place the salad in mason jars or containers, topping each with toasted almonds to retain crunch.
Notes
- This salad can be served warm or cold, making it adaptable for any season.
- Use vegetable broth for extra flavor, or water for a lighter option.
- To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Substitute dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots or raisins for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian