Curried Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

Did you know Quinoa is high in fiber and high-quality protein?

In fact, it contains more protein than any other grain while also packing in iron and potassium.

One half cup of quinoa has 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber.

This superfood is classified as a whole grain and is naturally gluten-free.

Despite the amazingness of this protein-packed grain, I've never been a huge fan of it.

Until now.

I have found a great recipe, and I'm gonna share it with you!

Curried Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

Makes approx. 6, 1 cup servings

1 cup dry Quinoa

2 cups water

1 Tbs. Hot Madras Curry

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. crushed/ground red pepper (cayenne)

pinch of salt

Combine above ingredients in a loosely covered microwave safe bowl, cook on high for 8-10 minutes (or until most of the water is absorbed) and let stand in microwave. Alternatively, you can cook the Quinoa and water according to package directions, adding spices with Quinoa.) Chill.

In a big bowl, combine:

2 medium carrots, finely shredded

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

3 thinly sliced scallions

2 Granny Smith apples, cored and finely chopped

1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

In a separate small bowl, mix

3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. lime zest

the juice of 2 limes

and toss over the fruit and veggie mixture, then mix together with chilled, spiced Quinoa.

Serve over 1 cup of salad greens.