Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup smoky BBQ sauce
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, or spring mix)
- 1/4 cup prepared Ranch dressing (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water) in a medium saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas and sauté for 5–7 minutes until they are lightly browned and slightly crisp.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat on the skillet to low and pour in the BBQ sauce. Toss the chickpeas until they are completely coated and heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Step 4: Prepare four serving bowls by placing a layer of mixed greens in the bottom of each bowl. Top the greens with an even portion of the cooked quinoa.
- Step 5: Spoon the warm BBQ chickpeas over the quinoa base in each bowl. Top with the chopped cherry tomatoes (and any other desired toppings like sliced red onion or avocado).
- Step 6: Finish the bowls by generously drizzling the Ranch dressing over the chickpeas and toppings immediately before serving.
Notes
- Store the BBQ chickpeas and quinoa separately from the greens, tomatoes, and dressing to maintain texture; combine only right before eating.
- When reheating the quinoa and BBQ chickpeas, sprinkle a spoonful of water or broth over the mixture before microwaving to restore moisture and prevent drying.
- For added crunch and a smoky boost, sprinkle a few crushed tortilla chips or roasted sunflower seeds over the finished bowl alongside the cherry tomatoes.
- Ensure the chickpeas are fully dried after rinsing and get a good brown crisp in the skillet *before* adding the BBQ sauce, as this preliminary step is key to preventing a mushy final texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American