A simple recipe for a fresh, healthy Mediterranean quinoa bowl topped with a bright lemon tahini dressing. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Lunch
Method:No Cook Assembly
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup sliced red onion
For the Lemon Tahini Sauce:
1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons cold water (or more, to thin)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. The mixture will thicken immediately. Slowly whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among serving bowls.
Top the quinoa with chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top if using.
Drizzle generously with the lemon tahini sauce before serving.
Notes
For meal prep, store the cooked quinoa, vegetable mix, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble just before eating.
If you prefer a different grain, substitute brown rice or farro for the quinoa.
For added protein, you can roast the chickpeas with paprika and cumin before adding them to the bowl.
If the tahini sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a few drops of water to restore the desired consistency.