Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Bowl

Featured in: Veggie & Grain Bowls

This Mediterranean grain bowl combines fluffy quinoa with a medley of roasted zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Crispy chickpeas, seasoned with smoked paprika, add texture and protein. The lemon-tahini dressing lends a creamy, tangy finish, enhanced by fresh parsley and optional crumbled feta. Easy to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Roasting the vegetables and chickpeas intensifies their natural flavors, while the dressing brings brightness. Versatile and nourishing, this bowl can be adapted with grains like brown rice or farro and topped with olives or avocado for extra richness.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:43:00 GMT
Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl: a colorful assortment of roasted vegetables and zesty lemon tahini dressing. Pin It
Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl: a colorful assortment of roasted vegetables and zesty lemon tahini dressing. | urbanspatula.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 bowl quickly became a family favorite for both lunch and dinner with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture.

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

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 the prepared baking sheet.
Roast Vegetables:
Roast the 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.
This Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl features beautiful bright colors, perfectly roasted vegetables over fluffy quinoa. Pin It
This Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl features beautiful bright colors, perfectly roasted vegetables over fluffy quinoa. | urbanspatula.com

Sharing this bowl at the table brought smiles all around as everyone enjoyed the colorful fresh ingredients.

Required Tools

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

Notes

Swap quinoa for brown rice farro or bulgur as desired Add sliced avocado or olives for extra flavor For a gluten-free bowl ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon

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

Savory Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowls, a hearty and healthy meal, ready to enjoy with a fresh squeeze of lemon. Pin It
Savory Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowls, a hearty and healthy meal, ready to enjoy with a fresh squeeze of lemon. | urbanspatula.com

Enjoy this wholesome bowl packed with flavor and nutrients as a quick meal any day of the week.

Questions & Answers

Can I substitute quinoa with other grains?

Yes, brown rice, farro, or bulgur can be used as alternatives depending on your preference and dietary needs.

How do I make the chickpeas crispy?

Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt, then roast them at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Is this bowl suitable for vegan diets?

Omit the feta cheese to keep the bowl fully vegan; the rest of the ingredients are plant-based.

What does the lemon-tahini dressing taste like?

The dressing combines creamy tahini with bright, tangy lemon juice and a hint of garlic, creating a smooth and flavorful drizzle.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the vegetables and chickpeas in advance and store them separately. Assemble the bowl and add dressing just before serving for best freshness.

Are there any allergen concerns?

This dish contains sesame (in tahini) and dairy if feta is included. For dairy-free or vegan options, simply exclude the feta.

Mediterranean Chickpea Veggie Bowl

Wholesome Mediterranean bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and tangy lemon-tahini dressing.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Carter Phillips


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Portions 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You’ll 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: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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 the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Roast Vegetables: Roast the vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.

Step 05

Prepare and Roast Chickpeas: In a small bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy.

Step 06

Make Lemon-Tahini Dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Add additional water to achieve desired drizzling consistency.

Step 07

Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked quinoa evenly among four bowls. Top each with roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing and garnish with chopped parsley, optional feta, and a lemon wedge.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains sesame (tahini) and dairy (feta, if used).
  • Omit feta for vegan or dairy-free options.
  • Check labels for potential gluten cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

These nutrition details are for reference and don’t replace medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 13 g