Easy Chickpea Thai Quinoa Salad

Easy Chickpea Thai Quinoa Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and protein-packed dish that’s loaded with colorful veggies, hearty chickpeas, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty Thai-inspired peanut dressing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors—making it a satisfying choice for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner. Best of all, it comes together quickly and requires no fancy ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in plant-based protein and fiber
• Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free
• Perfect for meal prep—stays fresh for days
• Flavorful Thai-style peanut dressing
• Comes together in about 30 minutes
• No reheating needed—great for on-the-go meals
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins
• Light, yet filling and nourishing
• Crowd-pleasing and colorful for potlucks or gatherings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked quinoa (white, red, or tricolor)
• Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Shredded carrots
• Cucumber, diced
• Purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• Green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro or mint
• Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional for topping)

For the Thai peanut dressing:

• Natural peanut butter
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Lime juice
• Maple syrup or agave
• Rice vinegar
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Warm water to thin

Directions

1. Prepare quinoa according to package instructions and let cool.
2. In a small bowl or blender, whisk or blend together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust thickness with water as needed.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, bell pepper, carrots, cucumber, cabbage, and green onions.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Top with chopped herbs and crushed peanuts or cashews if using.
6. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Total time: about 30 minutes

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes (for quinoa)

Variations

• Add edamame or tofu for extra protein
• Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter
• Swap chickpeas for white beans or black beans
• Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist
• Use spiralized zucchini or rice noodles instead of quinoa
• Make it spicy with sriracha or chili flakes
• Add avocado for creaminess

storage/reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Not recommended due to the fresh veggies
• Reheating: Not necessary—this dish is meant to be enjoyed cold. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. It tastes even better after the flavors meld in the fridge.

Is this salad spicy?

Not by default, but you can easily add spice with chili flakes, sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne.

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Absolutely. Try couscous, brown rice, or even farro for a different texture.

What’s the best substitute for peanut butter in the dressing?

Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.

Can I omit the soy sauce?

Yes, use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free, soy-free option.

Do I have to cook the chickpeas?

No, canned chickpeas are ready to eat—just rinse and drain them.

How long does the dressing last?

Stored in the fridge, the peanut dressing lasts up to a week in a sealed jar.

Can I add animal protein?

Sure! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon if you’re not keeping it vegan.

Is quinoa healthy?

Yes, it’s a complete protein and a great source of fiber and essential nutrients.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh veggies and herbs.

Conclusion

Easy Chickpea Thai Quinoa Salad is a colorful, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that’s just as perfect for a quick lunch as it is for meal prep. With bold Thai flavors, satisfying textures, and endless versatility, this salad is a fresh way to enjoy plant-based eating without sacrificing taste. Try it once and it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Print