Make-ahead chickpea, cucumber, quinoa salad (adapted from https://therealfooddietitians.com/how-to-make-the-jennifer-aniston-salad/)
Makes 6-8 servings (8 cups of salad)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tsp lemon zest (~1 medium lemon)
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 TBSP honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small cucumber, chopped
- ½ medium red onion, chopped
- ½ cup parsley, chopped
- ½ cup mint leaves, chopped
- 1 cup roasted pistachios, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Add the dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake jar until the dressing is well mixed.
- In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients and toss until combined.
- Pour the salad dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are well-coated.
March is National Nutrition Month, which is the perfect time to find solutions for healthy eating in your busy life. One tip to make healthy eating less stressful is to plan your nutritious meals in advance. Today’s recipe is easy to make ahead, so you have healthy lunches ready for a whole week.
Meal prep magic
Leafy salads can be tough to prep ahead of time—they wilt and get soggy after a day or two. This salad is made for meal prep because it uses hearty ingredients that soak up the dressing for flavor without getting soggy. It only takes about 15 minutes to make. Portion it into containers right after mixing, store them in your fridge, and grab a healthy lunch on your way out the door without having to think about it.
What makes this salad nutritious?
This salad perfectly balances fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which keeps you full and helps you avoid those afternoon slumps.
- Fiber: Quinoa, chickpeas, cucumbers, and onions are packed with fiber. Fiber keeps your blood sugar steady all day, so you won’t crash in the afternoon. It’s also vital for gut and heart health.
- Protein: Quinoa and chickpeas give you great sources of protein. Protein is essential for much more than just muscle—it supports your skin, hair, brain, and bones every day. Plus, plant-based proteins are great for your heart.
- Healthy Fats: Pistachios and extra virgin olive oil offer healthy fats. These fats help your body absorb crucial vitamins in the salad, like vitamins A, E, and K. These vitamins are key for your immune system, skin health, and blood health.
Make it this week!
By preparing a nutrient-dense, delicious meal like this in advance, you’re not just fueling your body; you’re giving yourself the gift of time and less stress during the week.
