Your perfect fall salad is here: presenting the best recipe for Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Dijon Mustard Salad Dressing. Try it as a light fall lunch or healthy dinner. Add extra protein to create a balanced healthy dinner idea. This cold quinoa salad is great to store for later in the week.
📋 Recipe Snapshot
Quick Recipe Facts
⏱️ Ready In: 30 minutes.
👩🍳 Skill Level: Easy
🥗 Flavor: Fresh, zesty, colorful, and satisfying with fluffy quinoa, hearty chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and a bright citrus vinaigrette.
🌿 Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, High-Fiber, Plant-Based, Meal Prep Friendly.
🌞 Best For: Healthy lunches, light dinners, meal prep, potlucks, and nourishing side dishes.
🫙 Make Ahead: Prepare the salad up to 4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the freshest texture, add delicate herbs or greens just before serving.
🌀 Harmony Moment: This vibrant quinoa chickpea salad brings together plant-based protein, fiber-rich ingredients, and fresh vegetables into a nourishing meal that supports gut health, steady energy, and effortless healthy eating all week long.
Jump to:
- Quick Recipe Facts
- Why You'll Love This Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Dijon Mustard Salad Dressing?
- 🥣 Ingredients Needed for Cold Quinoa Salad Recipe
- Have A Specific Food Allergy?
- 👩🍳 Instructions
- ⭐️ Laura's Top Tip
- 🧡 Learn How to Make a Quinoa Chickpea Salad Recipe
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 🧡 Learn How to Make a Dijon Mustard Salad Dressing Recipe
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Pro Cooking Tip
- 💙 Substitutions
- 🍴 Variations
- 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- ❄️ Storage
- Pro Nutrition Tip
- 🍳 Equipment
- My Favorite Fine Mesh Strainer Sieve
- 🤔 FAQ - Common Questions
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- Get The Eat Your Nutrition Recipe Book
- 😀 Enjoy This Quinoa Chickpea Salad Recipe Today!
- ❤️ You Might Also Love These
- 🤲 Pairing
- 💬 Comments
This is the perfect fall recipe to make on repeat for a quick and delicious lunch.
This was inspired by my other quinoa recipe on this site, and pairs well with this chicken in a maple Dijon mustard sauce.
Why You'll Love This Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Dijon Mustard Salad Dressing?
- Gut Healthy Vegetables - Cruciferous veggies like kale and purple cabbage are great for a diverse microbiome.
- High in Fiber - This fiber packed salad recipe contains 42 grams of fiber per serving.
- Hormone Balancing Ingredients - Carrots and cabbage are two vegetables great for balancing hormone levels in the body.
- Healthy Fall or Winter Lunch - Your family will love this healthy and nutritious recipe made with all in-season fall and winter ingredients.
Plant-based protein and fiber-rich veggies make this a simple gut nourishing recipe.
🥣 Ingredients Needed for Cold Quinoa Salad Recipe
To make this cold quinoa salad recipe, you will simply need to gather a few key ingredients that are perfect staples for any fall recipe.
- Quinoa - A great source of iron and fiber. I recommend meal prepping a large batch of your favorite quinoa to use in this healthy salad recipe and another dinner recipe later in the week.
- Kale - I like Lacinato kale (Dino) for this recipe. Be sure to chop the kale thinly and massage well with the Dijon mustard salad dressing.
- Purple Cabbage - Cabbage contains phytoestrogens, which are great for hormone balance.
- Carrots - Carrots help balance the levels of progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol due to the high fiber content. The fiber in carrots will help rid the body of excess estrogen levels to regulate your hormones more efficiently.
- Dried Cranberries - I don't know about you, but cranberries remind me of crisp fall days. I love the tangy flavor of dried cranberries add to this salad.
- Chickpeas - Zinc in chickpeas helps support clear skin.
- Goat Cheese - I like the salty bite of goat cheese, but you can swap with feta cheese. If dairy-free, swap for dairy-free cheese or simply omit.
- Dijon Mustard - I prefer the tangy flavor of Dijon mustard, but any mustard will work in this Dijon mustard salad dressing recipe.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Heart healthy and full of rich body and flavor for the base of this Dijon mustard salad dressing recipe.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - ACV is amazing to regulate blood sugar levels and helps with digestion.
- Lemon Juice - A splash will balance the mustard with a bit of tangy flavor.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Have A Specific Food Allergy?
Click the buttons below to ask AI how to alter it for your diet!
👩🍳 Instructions
Here's how to make this easy, fall salad recipe, made with hearty vegetables like kale, cabbage, and carrots.
🔥 Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Prep the dressing by whisking together all the ingredients.
😁 Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Toss with Dijon mustard salad dressing until well combined. Serve.
⭐️ Laura's Top Tip
Use this Dijon mustard dressing for any hearty fall salad you like, or as a chicken marinade.
🧡 Learn How to Make a Quinoa Chickpea Salad Recipe
Learn how easy it is to make a salad recipe made with quinoa and chickpeas.
📖 Recipe Card
Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa (Cooked, prepared to package directions, chilled)
- 2 cups kale (Chopped)
- 2 cups cabbage, purple (Shredded)
- 1 cup carrots (Shredded)
- ½ cup cranberries, dried (Sweetened with juice only)
- ¼ cup goat cheese (Can use dairy-free or feta cheese)
- 1 15 ounce can garbanzo beans (Drained and rinsed)
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Toss with Dijon mustard salad dressing until well combined. Serve.
🌿 The Harmony Method™ Pillars Supported 🌿
Rotation | Gut-Hormone-Mood | Flavor Infusion | Mindful Meal Mapping
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Modify as needed and enjoy.
©EatYourNutrition. Content & photos are copyright protected. I love when you share this recipe with others, but please make sure you give credit to this site. Copying, pasting, & posting entire recipes onto social media is prohibited.
Share on FacebookSend This To My Inbox
Save this recipe or article for later. Enter your email to receive the link, plus weekly recipes and practical nutrition tips from Eat Your Nutrition®.
LEAVE A RATING AND COMMENT
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you like this recipe.
Here is the recipe for a simple Dijon mustard salad dressing. You can get creative and use this as a chicken or tofu marinade.
🧡 Learn How to Make a Dijon Mustard Salad Dressing Recipe
Learn how easy it is to make an easy Dijon mustard salad dressing recipe to use for salads or marinades.
📖 Recipe Card
Dijon Mustard Salad Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard, Dijon
- 1 tablespoon lemon, juice
- 1 pinch sea salt (To taste)
- 1 pinch black pepper, ground (To taste)
Instructions
- Prep the dressing by whisking together all of the ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar.
🌿 The Harmony Method™ Pillars Supported 🌿
Rotation | Gut-Hormone-Mood | Flavor Infusion | Mindful Meal Mapping
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Modify as needed and enjoy.
©EatYourNutrition. Content & photos are copyright protected. I love when you share this recipe with others, but please make sure you give credit to this site. Copying, pasting, & posting entire recipes onto social media is prohibited.
Share on FacebookSend This To My Inbox
Save this recipe or article for later. Enter your email to receive the link, plus weekly recipes and practical nutrition tips from Eat Your Nutrition®.
LEAVE A RATING AND COMMENT
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you like this recipe.
Pro Cooking Tip
Always massage your kale well with any dressing you are using. This ensures that the kale fibers digest easier for your gut and the flavor is evenly distributed. Don't be afraid to get your hands coated with the dressing. Trust me, you will notice a big difference in your kale salads.
Send This To My Inbox
Save this recipe or article for later. Enter your email to receive the link, plus weekly recipes and practical nutrition tips from Eat Your Nutrition®.
💙 Substitutions
Check out some easy substitutions and variations to customize this healthy quinoa chickpea salad recipe to your liking.
- Quinoa - Substitute with couscous, bulgur wheat, or brown rice for a different grain base.
- Chickpeas - Replace with white beans, black beans, or lentils for variety.
- Dried Cranberries - Use raisins, chopped dried apricots, or fresh pomegranate seeds for a different sweet-tart element.
- Cheese - Instead of goat cheese, you can use dairy-free or feta cheese.
- Protein Swap - 1 cup Chicken Breast (Shredded). Omit beans and swap with your favorite prepared chicken or rotisserie chicken from the deli.
🍴 Variations
Here are a few additional ways to customize this recipe to your liking.
- Vegan - The goat cheese can be easily swapped for your favorite vegan cheese.
- Protein Boost - Incorporate grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame for added protein.
- Vegetable Medley - Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Nutty Crunch - Sprinkle toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to enhance texture and flavor.
- Herb Infusion - Introduce fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill for aromatic freshness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light main course or a hearty side dish. Pair it with grilled fish or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a Mediterranean twist, serve alongside hummus and gluten-free pita bread.
❄️ Storage
Store any delicious leftovers of this quinoa chickpea salad in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Typically with salad recipes, you should keep the salad and dressing separate until you are ready to eat, but this salad is unique.
The hearty fall vegetables and quinoa soak up the flavor of the Dijon mustard salad dressing. The longer the dressing is on the kale and cabbage, the easier it is to digest.
Pro Nutrition Tip
Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for plant-based diets.
Additionally, its high fiber content supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
🍳 Equipment
A fine-mesh sieve is essential for rinsing quinoa to remove its natural saponin coating, which can impart a bitter taste. Proper rinsing ensures a cleaner, more pleasant flavor in your cooked quinoa.
the best
My Favorite Fine Mesh Strainer Sieve
Perfect for roasting all your favorite vegetable dishes or baking your favorite cookie recipe.
🤔 FAQ - Common Questions
These FAQs should help address any common concerns or questions you may have about making your quinoa salad recipe.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, add the dressing just before serving.
Is This Salad Suitable For Gluten-Free Diets?
Absolutely, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this salad an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make the salad vegan, omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Can I Substitute Chickpeas With Another Type Of Bean?
Yes! You can easily swap chickpeas for other beans like white beans, black beans, or even lentils for a different texture and flavor.
Do I Cook Two Cups of Dry Quinoa Or Use 2 Cups Of Cooked Quinoa In The Recipe?
For this recipe, you'll need 2 cups of cooked quinoa. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions, then measure out 2 cups of the cooked quinoa and chill it before adding it to the salad. Enjoy!
Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
Ask AI to answer based on this specific recipe:
Order EBook!
Get The Eat Your Nutrition Recipe Book
Transform your meals with ease and nourish your body with the Eat Your Nutrition™ Recipe Book!
😀 Enjoy This Quinoa Chickpea Salad Recipe Today!
If you make this delicious fall salad recipe, let me know in the comment section below.
I would also love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me @EatYourNutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva
❤️ You Might Also Love These
Looking for other healthy salad recipes like this? Try these:
🤲 Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with quinoa chickpea salad:
Hillary Burkman says
Hi I am in the kitchen making this as I write. For the quinoa, do I cook two cups and use the whole amount, or do I use just two cups of cooked quinoa? Thank you!
LAURA VILLANUEVA says
Hi. It's 2 cups of cooked quinoa, chilled. Simply cook according to your package instructions, and measure out 2 cups cooked and chill it before adding it to the salad. I hope you like it as much as I do.