
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)

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
Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Add it to a saucepan with the vegetable broth or water and bring to a boil.
- 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
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 4
In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- 5
Spread the chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.
- 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
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
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
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.
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