Mediterranean chickpea veggie bowl

Featured in: Veggie & Grain Bowls

This Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl combines fluffy quinoa with roasted zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Crispy chickpeas seasoned with smoked paprika add a savory crunch. The dish is brightened by a creamy lemon-tahini dressing, bringing citrusy zest and rich tahini flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional feta, it delivers a balanced, nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Simple roasting techniques and easy assembly make this bowl both satisfying and quick to prepare, ideal for plant-based and dairy-free lifestyles.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:33:00 GMT
Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl served in a bowl, showing colorful roasted vegetables with creamy dressing. Pin It
Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl served in a bowl, showing colorful roasted vegetables with creamy dressing. | pecanpan.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 recipe quickly became a favorite for its ease and bold flavors in our household.

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.
A close-up shot of the Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl includes fluffy quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh parsley. Pin It
A close-up shot of the Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl includes fluffy quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh parsley. | pecanpan.com

This bowl always brings the family together especially on busy weeknights when a nourishing meal is a must.

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

Bright and flavorful Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl with a drizzle of tangy lemon-tahini, perfect for lunch. Pin It
Bright and flavorful Mediterranean Chickpea and Veggie Grain Bowl with a drizzle of tangy lemon-tahini, perfect for lunch. | pecanpan.com

Enjoy this colorful bowl that is as beautiful as it is delicious offering quick prep and packed with nutrients.

Questions & Answers

What grains can I use instead of quinoa?

You can substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or bulgur for varying textures and flavor profiles.

How do I make the chickpeas crispy?

Toss chickpeas with olive oil and smoked paprika, then roast them in the oven until golden and crisp, about 15-20 minutes.

Can I prepare the grain bowl ahead of time?

Yes, roasting the vegetables and chickpeas in advance and storing them separately helps maintain freshness. Assemble just before serving.

Is it possible to make the bowl vegan friendly?

Simply omit the feta cheese to keep the bowl vegan and dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

What dressing pairs best with this bowl?

The lemon-tahini dressing offers a creamy, tangy complement, balancing the roasted flavors with a hint of citrus and nuttiness.

Mediterranean chickpea veggie bowl

Wholesome grain bowl with roasted veggies, chickpeas, and a lemon-tahini drizzle for a vibrant meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Anthony Hughes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Gluten

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 if 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

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Prepare Vegetables: Toss diced zucchini, chopped bell pepper, sliced onion, and halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, oregano, cumin, and black pepper in a large bowl. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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 to 20 minutes until crispy.

Step 06

Make Dressing: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Add more water as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.

Step 07

Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top with roasted vegetables and crispy chickpeas. Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing and garnish with parsley, feta (if using), and a lemon wedge.

Tools You Need

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient, check for allergens, and talk to a professional if needed.
  • Contains sesame (tahini) and dairy (feta if used). Omit feta for vegan and dairy-free options.
  • Check labels for cross-contamination if sensitive to gluten or other allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and isn’t medical guidance.
  • Kcal: 420
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 13 g