Quinoa Salad with Caramelized Chickpeas

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 20 min
Serves 4

Ingredients

Maple Sesame Soy Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil (untoasted)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Quinoa

• 2/3 cup Quebec white quinoa,
• 1 1/2 cups water
• A pinch of salt

Caramelized Chickpeas

• 1/2 can (about 1 cup) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

For the Rest

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 green apple, diced
• 1/3 cup roasted almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional)
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

Instruction

Maple Sesame Soy Dressing

1. In a bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients vigorously. Set aside in the fridge.

Quinoa

1. Rinse the quinoa and place it in a saucepan with water and a pinch of salt. Cover.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the quinoa has absorbed the water and is fluffy.
3. Allow to cool uncovered, with the saucepan off the heat.

Caramelized Chickpeas

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place chickpeas on the baking sheet, coat with olive oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well to coat evenly, then roast for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the chickpeas, toss, and let cool.

For the Rest

1. Chop the vegetables and place them in a large salad bowl along with diced apple, almonds, parsley, and cranberries.
2. Add the cooled quinoa and caramelized chickpeas.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to coat, adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast.
4. Toss again to combine everything well, then serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal!