Pcc Perfect Protein Salad

Packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, the PCC Perfect Protein Salad is a wholesome dish that's as satisfying as it is nutritious. This protein-rich salad combines fluffy quinoa, tender chickpeas, and edamame with a medley of fresh vegetables, including crisp cucumbers, tangy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy carrots. A zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of maple syrup brings everything together with a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy weekdays or crafting a crowd-pleasing side dish, this quick and easy salad is ready in just 30 minutes and brimming with plant-based protein, fiber, and colorful veggies. Serve it chilled for a refreshing, healthy meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water
• 1 can (15 oz) Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup Edamame (shelled, cooked)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Cucumber, diced
• 1 medium Carrot, shredded
• 0.25 cup Red onion, finely diced
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Maple syrup
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.

Step 3

Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool completely.

Step 4

While the quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, shred the carrot, and finely dice the red onion. Set them aside.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, edamame, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrot, red onion, and chopped parsley.

Step 7

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.

Step 9

Serve the salad immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1945.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1864.3

Total Fat 75.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3865.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 231.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.4g	0%
Total Sugars 37.7g
Protein 80.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 544.3mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 3426.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.2%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 48.1%