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Crispy Chickpea & Quinoa Skillet with Zesty Avocado Dressing
Try this quick, health-boosting chickpea and quinoa skillet topped with a zesty avocado dressing for a nutritious, easy dinner!
In an era where time is precious yet health remains a priority, finding a quick, nutritious dinner option can be a challenge. Enter the Crispy Chickpea & Quinoa Skillet with Zesty Avocado Dressing. This unique recipe combines the plant-based power of chickpeas and quinoa with a refreshing, creamy avocado dressing that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you full without weighing you down.
Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. Chickpeas are known for their ability to enhance digestion and support heart health, while quinoa offers a complete source of plant protein. The vibrant avocado dressing adds a burst of healthy fats and a tangy twist, making this dish not only quick to prepare but also exceptionally satisfying.
Recipe Overview
🥗 Vegetarian
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
4
Calories
450 kcal
per serving
Cuisine
Mexican
Try this quick, health-boosting chickpea and quinoa skillet topped with a zesty avocado dressing for a nutritious, easy dinner!
Ingredients
- • cooked quinoa: 2 cups
- • canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed): 1 can (15 oz)
- • red bell pepper (diced): 1
- • red onion (sliced): 1/2
- • garlic cloves (minced): 2
- • olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- • smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- • ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- • salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- • black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- • ripe avocado: 1
- • lime juice: 2 tablespoons
- • fresh cilantro (chopped): 1/4 cup
- • water: 2 tablespoons
- • chili flakes: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- 1 Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the drained chickpeas, and season with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chickpeas are golden and crispy, stirring occasionally.
- 2 In the same skillet, push the chickpeas to one side and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet slightly crisp.
- 3 Stir in the cooked quinoa, mixing everything well in the skillet. Allow the mixture to heat through for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- 4 In a blender, combine the ripe avocado, lime juice, fresh cilantro, water, and chili flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of water.
- 5 Serve the crispy chickpea and quinoa mixture in bowls and top generously with the zesty avocado dressing. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- • This Crispy Chickpea & Quinoa Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad of mixed greens and sliced cucumbers for added freshness. A chilled glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lime complements the zesty flavors perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve alongside whole grain pita bread or a side of roasted sweet potato wedges. This dish also works well with a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the citrus notes of the avocado dressing.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado dressing separate in a small airtight jar to maintain its freshness. When reheating the chickpea and quinoa mixture, add a splash of water to retain moisture and reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
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