Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Bowl

Featured in: Veggie Plates & Grain Bowls

This Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl combines fluffy quinoa, oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, alongside crispy chickpeas seasoned with smoked paprika. Topped with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing and fresh parsley, it offers a balance of textures and bright flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this nourishing bowl is easy to prepare and adaptable with ingredient swaps like brown rice or added olives.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:10:00 GMT
Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl topped with fresh parsley, feta, and a bright lemon wedge. Save
Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl topped with fresh parsley, feta, and a bright lemon wedge. | pixelforks.com

A vibrant, wholesome grain bowl featuring roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing—perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

This grain bowl has quickly become a favorite in my home for a quick and nourishing lunch

Ingredients

  • Grains: 1 cup quinoa (uncooked), 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Roasted Vegetables: 1 medium zucchini diced, 1 red bell pepper chopped, 1 small red onion sliced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz/400 g) chickpeas drained and rinsed, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Lemon-Tahini Dressing: 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp water (plus more as needed), 1 garlic clove minced, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Toppings: 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional omit for vegan), Lemon wedges

Instructions

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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook Quinoa:
Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan combine quinoa water and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat cover and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Prepare Vegetables:
In a large bowl toss zucchini bell pepper onion and cherry tomatoes with olive oil oregano cumin and black pepper. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheet.
Roast Vegetables:
Roast vegetables for 20–25 minutes stirring halfway until tender and lightly browned.
Prepare Chickpeas:
In a small bowl toss chickpeas with olive oil smoked paprika and salt. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes until crispy.
Make Dressing:
In a small bowl whisk together tahini lemon juice water garlic and salt until smooth. Add a bit more water if needed for drizzling consistency.
Assemble Bowls:
Divide cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top each with roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing. Garnish with parsley feta (if using) and a lemon wedge.
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Warm Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowls showcasing vibrant roasted vegetables and a creamy tahini sauce. Save
Warm Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowls showcasing vibrant roasted vegetables and a creamy tahini sauce. | pixelforks.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a fresh and healthy meal

Required Tools

Medium saucepan Large baking sheet Mixing bowls Whisk Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains sesame (tahini) and dairy (feta if used). For vegan or dairy-free omit feta. Always check labels for cross-contamination if sensitive to gluten or other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 52 g Protein 13 g (per serving)

Image of a healthy, colorful Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl, offering a delicious vegetarian lunch option. Save
Image of a healthy, colorful Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl, offering a delicious vegetarian lunch option. | pixelforks.com
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
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This vibrant grain bowl is perfect for meal prep and delicious enough to enjoy any day of the week

Recipe FAQ

What grains work best in this bowl?

Quinoa is recommended for its fluffy texture and nutty flavor, but brown rice, farro, or bulgur can be used as alternatives depending on preference.

How do I achieve crispy roasted chickpeas?

Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt, then roast them on a baking sheet at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden.

Can the lemon-tahini dressing be adjusted?

Yes, you can add more water to thin the dressing or adjust lemon juice and garlic amounts to suit your taste.

Are there vegan options for this bowl?

Omit feta cheese to keep the bowl fully vegan and dairy-free without compromising flavor.

What herbs and spices enhance the vegetable flavor?

Dried oregano, ground cumin, black pepper, and smoked paprika enrich the roasted vegetables and chickpeas, adding depth and warmth.

Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Bowl

A colorful bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and lemon-tahini dressing for a light meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Ethan Bell


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Grains

01 1 cup uncooked quinoa
02 2 cups water
03 1/2 teaspoon salt

Roasted Vegetables

01 1 medium zucchini, diced
02 1 red bell pepper, chopped
03 1 small red onion, sliced
04 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Chickpeas

01 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon-Tahini Dressing

01 1/4 cup tahini
02 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
04 1 garlic clove, minced
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Toppings

01 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
02 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
03 Lemon wedges

How-to Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 03

Prepare vegetables for roasting: In a large bowl, toss zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, and black pepper. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Roast vegetables: Place the vegetables in the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.

Step 05

Prepare chickpeas for roasting: In a small bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread on a separate baking sheet.

Step 06

Roast chickpeas: Roast chickpeas in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they become crispy.

Step 07

Make lemon-tahini dressing: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Add additional water if needed to achieve a drizzling consistency.

Step 08

Assemble grain bowls: Divide cooked quinoa into four bowls. Layer with roasted vegetables and crispy chickpeas. Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing and garnish with chopped parsley, optional feta cheese, and lemon wedges.

Gear Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Go over each item for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains sesame (tahini) and dairy (feta if used). Omit feta to accommodate vegan and dairy-free diets. Check labels for possible gluten cross-contamination.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

This data is for your info and isn't meant as health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 52 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams