🍲 Mediterranean Bowl with Chickpeas, Olive Oil, and Herbs & Spices 🌿🫘🫒

This Mediterranean Bowl is a flavorful and wholesome dish filled with spiced chickpeas, fresh veggies, and quinoa, all tied together with a drizzle of olive oil and aromatic herbs. It’s light, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flair! 🌟✨

Ingredients:

For the Spiced Chickpeas:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained 🫘

1 tbsp olive oil 🌿

1 tsp smoked paprika 🌟

1/2 tsp ground cumin 🌿

1/4 tsp garlic powder 🧄

1/4 tsp chili powder (optional for heat) 🌶️

Salt & pepper to taste 🧂

For the Quinoa Base:

1 cup quinoa, cooked and fluffed 🍚

1 tbsp olive oil 🌿

1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋

1 tsp dried oregano 🌿

Salt & pepper to taste 🧂

For the Toppings:

1 cup diced cucumber 🥒

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅

1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced 🫒

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 🧀

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional) 🧅

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 🌿

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil 🌿

1 tbsp red wine vinegar 🍷

1 clove garlic, minced 🧄

1 tsp dried oregano 🌿

1/2 tsp dried parsley 🌿

1/4 tsp ground coriander (optional) 🌟

Salt & pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions:

Prepare the Spiced Chickpeas:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.

Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are crispy and golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Quinoa:

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly and cook according to package instructions.

Once cooked, fluff with a fork and mix in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, and ground coriander (if using). Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Bowls:

Divide the cooked quinoa among serving bowls.

Top with spiced chickpeas, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and red onion if using.

Drizzle with Dressing:

Generously drizzle the dressing over the bowls.

Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano and serve immediately. Add a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest!

This Mediterranean Bowl with Chickpeas, Olive Oil, and Herbs & Spices is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or dinner. A Mediterranean-inspired delight! 💛