A recipe for a fresh, healthy Mediterranean quinoa bowl topped with a bright lemon tahini dressing. This recipe is suitable for meal preparation.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Lunch
Method: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 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Lemon Tahini Sauce:
1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup cold water (or more, for thinning)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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 and let cool slightly.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Add more water if needed to thin it.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls.
Arrange the toppings: Top the quinoa evenly with the rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Finish the dish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if using.
Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the lemon tahini sauce over each bowl.
Notes
For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese.
You can substitute brown rice or farro for quinoa if you prefer a different grain base.
To 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 the tahini sauce thickens upon standing, whisk in a teaspoon of water to restore the consistency.