Crispy Chickpea Bowls with Lemon Herb Quinoa and Tahini Cucumber Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Crispy Chickpea Bowls with Lemon Herb Quinoa and Tahini Cucumber Dressing

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness! This recipe combines crispy chickpeas, zesty lemon herb quinoa, and a creamy, tangy tahini cucumber dressing for a meal that’s vibrant, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s cook up something truly crave-worthy together!

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Are you ready to light up your taste buds with a bowl that’s vibrant, fresh, and packed with texture? This Crispy Chickpea Bowl with Lemon Herb Quinoa and Tahini Cucumber Dressing is here to sizzle its way into your heart. Picture this: golden, perfectly roasted chickpeas that crunch like no tomorrow, a bed of fluffy quinoa infused with the zesty kiss of lemon and fragrant herbs, and finally, a creamy tahini cucumber dressing that drizzles over the top like a culinary love letter. I mean, if this dish doesn’t feel like a hug in every bite, I don’t know what will. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar, and trust me, even the pickiest eater in your household will be asking for seconds.

Crispy Chickpea Bowls With Lemon Herb Quinoa And Tahini Cucumber Dressing Recipe

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of layers—it’s all about contrasts! You’ve got crispy, spiced chickpeas that bring a satisfying crunch and a hint of smoky paprika and cumin. The quinoa is not your average sidekick; it’s bursting with fresh parsley, dill, lemon zest, and olive oil for that Mediterranean-inspired brightness. And then there’s the tahini cucumber dressing, the MVP of the bowl. The creamy tahini pairs up with cooling cucumber and a splash of apple cider vinegar to create a dressing that’s tangy, nutty, and oh-so-refreshing. Together, these elements form a symphony of textures and flavors that is simple to assemble but feels totally gourmet.

Here’s a little secret: to get those chickpeas ultra-crispy, make sure they’re completely dry before tossing them with oil and spices. Wet chickpeas? No bueno. Also, don’t forget to give them space on the baking sheet—crowded chickpeas end up getting steamed, not roasted! For the quinoa, rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitterness, and don’t skimp on the fresh herbs; they’re what take it from “meh” to “wow!” And for the tahini dressing, feel free to adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water or lemon juice to make it just right for drizzling. These tips may seem small, but oh boy, they make a big difference.

This bowl is a blank canvas for creativity! Want to add some extra greens? Toss in a handful of spinach or arugula. Craving some added crunch? Sprinkle some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds on top. And while this dish is hearty as-is, feel free to serve it alongside some warm pita bread or even over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter twist. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s endlessly adaptable—and once you’ve nailed it, you’ll be wanting to whip it up every week. So grab your chickpeas, fire up your oven, and let’s bring this delightful bowl to life in your kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Keywords: crispy chickpea bowl recipe, lemon herb quinoa bowl, tahini cucumber dressing recipe, roasted chickpea dinner ideas, easy vegetarian meal prep, healthy quinoa bowl recipes, best Mediterranean-inspired bowls

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons water (or more to thin dressing)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • Mixed greens, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Add it to a saucepan with the vegetable broth or water and bring to a boil.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.

  3. 3

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  4. 4

    In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

  5. 5

    Spread the chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.

  6. 6

    In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and maple syrup. Add more water to thin to desired consistency.

  7. 7

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cucumber, parsley, dill, mint, and lemon zest. Drizzle with a little lemon juice and toss to combine.

  8. 8

    To assemble, divide the mixed greens among bowls. Top with the quinoa mixture, roasted chickpeas, and a generous drizzle of the tahini cucumber dressing.

  9. 9

    Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories

400 calories

Protein

12g

Carbs

47g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

A: Yes, you can substitute quinoa with other grains like couscous, bulgur, farro, or even rice. Keep in mind cooking times and liquid ratios may vary depending on the grain you use.

Q: How can I make the chickpeas extra crispy?

A: For extra crispy chickpeas, make sure they are thoroughly dried after rinsing. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet without overcrowding, and roast them a little longer if needed, checking frequently to prevent burning.

Q: Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and tahini dressing up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the freshest results.

Q: What are some substitutions for tahini in the dressing?

A: If you don't have tahini, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Adjust the consistency with water and taste the seasoning accordingly.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, keeping the components separate if possible. The quinoa, chickpeas, and dressing can be stored for up to 3 days. Avoid dressing the salad until just before eating to keep it fresh.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

A: This recipe is already vegan and naturally gluten-free when made with quinoa and vegetable broth. Just ensure that all packaged ingredients, such as tahini or spices, are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.

Q: What other toppings or variations can I add to the bowl?

A: You can customize this bowl by adding roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or zucchini, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the chickpeas or the dressing.

Make This Recipe Your Own

AI Chef Assistant

Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef

Smart Scaling

Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs

Ingredient Swaps

Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions

Search for "Crispy Chickpea Bowls with Lemon Herb Quinoa and Tahini Cucumber Dressing" in the DigiDish app to get started!

More Recipes You'll Love

Tangy Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Coconut Peanut Dipping Sauce

Fire up the grill and get ready for a flavor explosion! These tangy lemongrass chicken skewers are juicy, vibrant, and d...

Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette and Crunchy Walnut Crumble

Get ready to wow your taste buds with this summer sensation! Sweet grilled peaches, creamy burrata, and a zesty basil li...

Grilled Romesco Shrimp Skewers with Charred Lemon and Herb Couscous

Fire up the grill—this recipe is a flavor-packed trip to foodie paradise! Juicy shrimp get a smoky, zesty kick from Rome...

Grilled Pineapple Gazpacho with Cucumber Mint Salsa and Lime Toasts

Fire up your taste buds with this refreshing twist on gazpacho! Grilled pineapple adds smoky sweetness, paired with a ze...

Honey Ginger Grilled Carrots with Sesame Lime Yogurt and Toasted Chili Crunch

Ready to elevate your veggie game? These Honey Ginger Grilled Carrots are smoky, sweet, and zesty, paired with creamy se...

Written by

DigiDish AI