Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl (Printable)

A wholesome Mediterranean bowl with spiced chickpeas, fresh vegetables, quinoa, and creamy tahini dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Chickpeas

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Fresh Vegetables

08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
10 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
12 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
13 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Grains

14 - 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)

→ Tahini Dressing

15 - 1/4 cup tahini
16 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 - 1 clove garlic, minced
19 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water, to thin
20 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnishes

21 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
22 - Lemon wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Pat chickpeas dry then toss with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
03 - Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are golden and crisp.
04 - While chickpeas roast, slice and dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and chop parsley; set aside.
05 - Whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and water until smooth and pourable; adjust water to desired consistency.
06 - Divide cooked grains (if using) among four bowls. Top with roasted chickpeas, prepared vegetables, then drizzle with dressing.
07 - Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired and add lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Those roasted chickpeas get impossibly crispy and golden, like little savory treasures that make every bite satisfying.
  • You can prep everything in advance and assemble bowls in minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks.
  • The tahini dressing is silky and tangy enough that you'll find yourself drizzling it on everything for days.
02 -
  • Dry your chickpeas thoroughly before roasting, or they'll steam and stay soft instead of becoming crispy and addictive.
  • Make the tahini dressing right before serving or keep it separate and drizzle just before eating, so the vegetables stay crisp and don't get soggy.
03 -
  • Use good quality tahini—cheaper versions can taste bitter and thin, while good tahini is creamy, nutty, and forgiving.
  • Squeeze your lemon juice fresh if possible; bottled lemon juice changes the flavor of the dressing in subtle but noticeable ways.
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