Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls With Tahini
This Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl is SO FRESH! Chickpeas, quinoa, crisp veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing come together for a vibrant, wholesome meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 small cucumber diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley roughly chopped
- 1 can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water optional, to thin dressing
- optional grilled chicken or turkey diced, for added protein
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- While quinoa cooks, dice the small cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the parsley. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Open one can of chickpeas, rinse them under cold water, and drain well. Add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Pour the tahini dressing over the top and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
- If using, dice grilled chicken or turkey and add it to the bowl for extra protein. Toss lightly again to distribute.
- Divide the Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls With Tahini into serving bowls. Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or rice cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Can opener
- Spoon or whisk
- Serving bowls or meal prep containers
- Grill pan or outdoor grill (optional)
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove bitterness and improve flavor.
- Adjust tahini dressing thickness with warm water or lemon juice for a perfect pourable consistency.
- Store ingredients separately if prepping ahead to maintain freshness and texture.
- Substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur, or brown rice for variety.
- Add grilled chicken, turkey, falafel, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
