Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl Recipe: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious

Mediterranean quinoa bowl with roasted chickpeas, feta, and veggies drizzled with tzatziki on a white plate

This Mediterranean quinoa bowl delivers bright, fresh flavors and satisfying textures all in one dish. It’s packed with nutty quinoa, crisp greens, crunchy baked chickpeas, and vibrant veggies, finished with creamy feta and tangy tzatziki sauce.

The best part? It’s a healthy quinoa bowl recipe that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and meal prep. Each bite bursts with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that you’ll crave again and again.

Mediterranean quinoa bowl

If you’re looking for an easy Mediterranean bowl filled with wholesome, nourishing foods, this one’s for you. Let’s explore why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

My Story Behind This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

I developed this recipe during a summer when I was obsessed with creating lighter meals that didn’t skimp on flavor.

While exploring Mediterranean-inspired dishes at home, I found myself experimenting with the idea of combining a Mediterranean quinoa salad with the heartier appeal of a grain bowl. The result was this vibrant, nutrient-packed dish.

The roasted chickpeas were a game-changer — they bring a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor that elevates the whole meal.

I love how this dish can transform into a quick vegetarian lunch bowl or a satisfying dinner with minimal effort. Today, I’m thrilled to share it with you!

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup dry quinoa
  • 1 ⅓ cup water
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas (drained, rinsed, and patted dry)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups baby spinach or arugula (loosely packed)
  • 1 cup cucumber (chopped)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped)
  • ½ cup red onion (chopped)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup kalamata olives
  • Hummus, for serving
  • Tzatziki Sauce, for drizzling
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cook the quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water (optional for removing bitterness). Add quinoa and water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Season and roast the chickpeas: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crisp.
  4. Prep the veggies: While the quinoa and chickpeas cook, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Set aside your greens, olives, and feta cheese.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls or meal prep containers (about ½ cup each). Add 1 cup of greens, ¼ cup cucumber, ¼ cup tomatoes, 2 tablespoons onion, 2 tablespoons feta, and a scoop of hummus to each bowl.
  6. Top and drizzle: Divide the roasted chickpeas evenly between the bowls. Top with olives, drizzle with tzatziki, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

My Chef Tips for the Best Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

  • For extra crunchy chickpeas: Bake them a bit longer until deep golden. If eating leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Meal prep option: Keep components (quinoa, chickpeas, veggies) in separate containers to maintain freshness. Assemble bowls just before serving.
  • Customize your veggies: Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or roasted eggplant make delicious additions.
  • Go plant-based: Swap the feta with vegan cheese and use dairy-free tzatziki if needed.
  • Enhance the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of oregano for a quick DIY drizzle.
  • Storage: Bowls keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wait to add tzatziki and hummus until serving.

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl FAQs

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all the components and assemble the bowls when ready to eat. Store quinoa, veggies, and roasted chickpeas separately in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Is this recipe considered healthy?

Absolutely. This healthy quinoa bowl recipe is loaded with fiber, plant-based protein, and nutritious veggies. It’s balanced and satisfying without being heavy.

How do I keep the chickpeas crunchy?

The roasted chickpeas are best fresh. Store them separately and reheat in the oven or air fryer before enjoying to keep them crispy.

Can I use a different grain besides quinoa?

Yes! Try using farro, couscous, or brown rice for a fun twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, this bowl is naturally gluten-free as long as all of your toppings, like hummus and tzatziki, are certified gluten-free.

Ready to Make This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl?

This Mediterranean quinoa bowl is the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and ease. With its fresh ingredients and versatility, it’s a dish you’ll turn to time and time again. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a quick vegetarian lunch bowl, this recipe has you covered.

What toppings will you add to make it your own? Don’t forget to share your results in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations!

Mediterranean quinoa bowl with roasted chickpeas, feta, and veggies drizzled with tzatziki on a white plate

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

This Mediterranean quinoa bowl combines nutty quinoa with crispy chickpeas, fresh veggies, and creamy feta, making it a delicious and healthy quinoa bowl recipe. Perfect for meal prep or quick vegetarian lunches, this easy Mediterranean bowl is packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 579 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • cup dry quinoa
  • 1 ⅓ cup water
  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas (drained, rinsed, and patted dry)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups baby spinach or arugula (loosely packed)
  • 1 cup cucumber (chopped)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped)
  • ½ cup red onion (chopped)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup kalamata olives
  • Hummus, for serving
  • Tzatziki Sauce, for drizzling
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Rinse quinoa under cold water (optional for removing bitterness). Add quinoa and water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  • In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crisp.
  • While the quinoa and chickpeas cook, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Set aside your greens, olives, and feta cheese.
  • Divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls or meal prep containers (about ½ cup each). Add 1 cup of greens, ¼ cup cucumber, ¼ cup tomatoes, 2 tablespoons onion, 2 tablespoons feta, and a scoop of hummus to each bowl.
  • Divide the roasted chickpeas evenly between the bowls. Top with olives, drizzle with tzatziki, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

The chickpeas will lose some of their crispness in the fridge, so if you prefer to have your chickpeas be crunchy, you could store them separately and reheat them in the air fryer or oven, and add them to the quinoa bowl right before serving.

Similar Posts