Simple, wholesome and protein-packed chickpea and quinoa salad with cashews, sun-dried tomatoes and dried cherries
Ingredients: 1/3 cup raw cashews, chopped or left whole,1/3 cup dried cherries,1/2 cup dried chickpeas (1 1/2 cups cooked or 1 14 oz can),1/2 teaspoon dried thyme,1/2 teaspoon ground cumin,1 1/2 tablespoons honey,1 medium orange, juiced,2 tablespoons olive oil,1 cup dried quinoa (2 cups cooked),2 teaspoons red wine vinegar,sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste,1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes,1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa and soak for 8 hours or overnight in 2 cups of water. Rinse the chickpeas and soak for 8 hours or overnight in several inches of water.Rinse the chickpeas and transfer to a small saucepan. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until buttery soft.While the chickpeas are cooking, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain and chop. Meanwhile, bring the quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and wait 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.Meanwhile, toast the cashews in a dry unoiled skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, tossing or stirring frequently, for 10 minutes until browned.
- Transfer the chickpeas, quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, cashews and dried cherries to a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad. Stir to combine and serve at room temperature or chilled.
