Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

Mia

A vibrant and healthy grain bowl packed with Mediterranean flavors. Featuring fluffy quinoa, crispy chickpeas, fresh vegetables, creamy hummus, and tangy feta cheese. This nutritious meal is perfect for lunch prep or a light dinner.

Nutrition

40 minutes
4 servings servings
385 calories
Fat 16.00g
Carbs 48.00g
Protein 14.00g

Ingredients

1.5 cupsquinoa
2 canschickpeas
1 largecucumber
2 cupscherry tomatoes
1/2 smallred onion
1 cupkalamata olives
1 cupfeta cheese
3 tablespoonsolive oil
3 tablespoonslemon juice
2 clovesgarlic
1 teaspoonpaprika
1 cuphummus
1/4 cupparsley

Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Chef knife
Baking sheet
Whisk

16:8 Diet

This balanced, nutrient-dense bowl provides sustained energy and satiety during the 8-hour eating window with its combination of complex carbohydrates, plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The whole food ingredients help maintain stable blood sugar and support nutritional needs within the compressed eating timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe is predominantly composed of nutrient-dense whole foods including quinoa, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and olive oil (well over 80%), with only the feta cheese and minimal processing representing the flexible 20%. The emphasis on anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich ingredients aligns perfectly with 80/20 principles.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This bowl is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients including olive oil (rich in oleocanthal), colorful vegetables loaded with antioxidants, and legumes high in fiber. The fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice provide additional anti-inflammatory compounds while the recipe avoids processed foods and refined ingredients.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients in their natural state—quinoa, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings. Every ingredient is recognizable and free from artificial additives, preservatives, or refined components.

DASH Diet

This recipe supports the DASH Diet with its emphasis on whole grains, legumes, and abundant vegetables while using olive oil as a healthy fat source. The dish is naturally low in sodium when using fresh ingredients and no-salt-added chickpeas, and provides potassium, magnesium, and fiber from the quinoa, chickpeas, and vegetables.

Diabetic Diet

This bowl features low-glycemic ingredients including quinoa and chickpeas that provide steady energy without blood sugar spikes, along with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats that slow glucose absorption. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients support stable blood sugar management.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating by centering entirely on plant-based ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, and vegetables as the foundation, with only a small amount of feta cheese as an optional dairy addition. The emphasis on whole grains, legumes, and fresh produce makes it a satisfying meatless meal.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using quinoa (a gluten-free grain) as the base along with chickpeas, vegetables, and naturally gluten-free ingredients. It provides a safe, nutritious, and satisfying meal option for those avoiding gluten without requiring any substitutions.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is excellent for heart health, featuring olive oil (rich in monounsaturated fats), fiber-rich whole grains and legumes, and abundant vegetables while keeping saturated fat minimal. The Mediterranean-style ingredients support cardiovascular health and help manage cholesterol levels naturally.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is exceptionally high in dietary fiber, with quinoa, chickpeas, and abundant vegetables providing 10-15 grams of fiber per serving. The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber from whole grains, legumes, and fresh produce supports digestive health and sustained satiety.

High-Protein Diet

This bowl provides substantial protein from quinoa (a complete protein) and chickpeas, delivering approximately 25-30 grams per serving when combined. The protein-rich base supports muscle maintenance and satiety while the vegetables and healthy fats create a balanced, satisfying meal.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense bowl is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing sustained energy from complex carbohydrates (quinoa), protein and fiber from chickpeas, and healthy fats from olive oil and hummus. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients help maintain stable blood sugar levels and satiety throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This balanced, satisfying bowl honors both nutrition and pleasure with its variety of textures, colors, and Mediterranean flavors. The recipe provides nourishment through whole grains, protein, healthy fats, and vegetables without restrictive language or food rules, making it suitable for intuitive eating principles.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This nutrient-dense bowl emphasizes vegetables, whole grains (quinoa), and legumes (chickpeas) with healthy fats from olive oil, perfectly aligning with Mayo Clinic Diet principles. The recipe focuses on whole, unprocessed foods with appropriate portions and avoids refined grains and added sugars.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish featuring extra virgin olive oil, whole grains (quinoa), legumes (chickpeas), abundant vegetables, and herbs. The emphasis on plant-based ingredients with moderate feta cheese perfectly aligns with Mediterranean dietary principles that promote heart health and longevity.

MIND Diet

This recipe aligns with MIND Diet principles by featuring whole grains (quinoa), beans (chickpeas), abundant vegetables, olive oil as the primary fat, and nuts in the hummus. These brain-healthy ingredients support cognitive function while the recipe limits cheese to a moderate amount.

Mindful Eating

This vibrant bowl engages multiple senses with varied colors, textures (fluffy quinoa, crispy chickpeas, crunchy vegetables), and fresh Mediterranean flavors that encourage slow, conscious eating. The whole food ingredients and diverse components promote sensory appreciation and satisfaction.

Plant-Based Diet

This bowl can be made fully plant-based by simply omitting the feta cheese, leaving a nutrient-rich meal centered on quinoa, chickpeas, vegetables, and hummus. The combination provides complete plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from whole food sources.

Vegetarian Diet

This Mediterranean quinoa bowl is perfectly vegetarian, featuring plant-based proteins from quinoa and chickpeas, along with dairy in the form of feta cheese. The recipe provides a complete amino acid profile and abundant nutrients without any meat, poultry, or fish.

Instructions

1
15 min

Cook quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.

2

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss chickpeas with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, and salt.

2 min
3

Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until crispy, shaking pan halfway through.

25 min
4

While chickpeas roast, prepare the dressing: whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.

2 min
5

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives.

3 min
6

Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.

1 min
7

Divide quinoa mixture among 4 bowls.

1 min
8

Top each bowl with roasted chickpeas, crumbled feta, a dollop of hummus, and fresh parsley.

2 min
9

Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions