CHICKPEA, QUINOA AND CELERY SALAD WITH MIDDLE EASTERN FLAVORS

Chickpea, Quinoa and Celery Salad With Middle Eastern Flavors image

It's the sumac (available in Middle Eastern markets) and the herbs - dill, mint, chives - that give this salad its Middle Eastern accents. I love the texture and flavor of the chickpeas, which make for a substantial and comforting dish. It's all you need for lunch and makes a delicious light supper. I love abundant, thinly sliced celery in just about any lemony salad; you will appreciate it for its texture as well as its flavor. Of course, you can use canned chickpeas, but if you have the time, try cooking some dried chickpeas to see how good they taste.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories salads and dressings, main course, side dish

Time 10m

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa (any color)
1 cup thinly sliced celery
3/4 cup chopped tomatoes
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoons minced chives
2 to 4 tablespoons chopped white or red onion, soaked for 5 minutes in cold water and drained (optional)
1 teaspoon sumac, plus additional for sprinkling
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
Salt to taste
1 small garlic clove, minced or pureed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

In a salad bowl, combine chickpeas, quinoa, celery, tomatoes, dill, mint, chives, onion and sumac and toss together.
In a small bowl or measuring cup whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and garlic. Whisk in the olive oil. Pour over the salad and toss well. Sprinkle more sumac on top, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 318, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 490 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams