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Plant-Based Protein-Packed Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Calories: 480kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or use brown rice for a softer bite
  • 1 can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup finely chopped spinach or kale
  • 1 medium carrot grated
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper any color
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons tahini or peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: hot sauce or chili flakes for a kick

Instructions

  • Cook or reheat quinoa if you’re starting from dry. You want it fluffy, not glued to the pot.
  • In a large bowl, mash chickpeas lightly. You want some texture left—no smooth baby food energy here.
  • Stir in quinoa, greens, carrot, bell pepper, and parsley. Mix until everything looks friends-on-a-picnic-table good.
  • In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse—don’t rush it.
  • Pour the dressing over the veggie-quinoa mixture and fold until evenly coated. If it feels dry, splash in a little water or more lemon juice.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Add hot sauce if you want that gym-floor heat. Chill for 10 minutes if you’ve got the patience, or dive right in.