Assemble a fresh, healthy quinoa bowl packed with Mediterranean vegetables and topped with a bright, homemade lemon tahini dressing. This recipe is good for meal preparation.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Lunch
Method:Assembly
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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 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. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. The mixture will thicken initially.
Slowly whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among serving bowls.
Arrange the toppings over the quinoa: Add chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese (if using) to each bowl.
Drizzle generously with the homemade lemon tahini sauce.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
You can prepare the quinoa and the sauce up to three days ahead for easy meal prepping. Store them separately.
If you prefer a warmer bowl, gently warm the cooked quinoa before assembling.