Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Falafel & Tahini Dressing

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Falafel & Tahini Dressing

Mia

This vibrant Mediterranean quinoa bowl brings together the best flavors of the Middle East and Mediterranean coast in one satisfying, nutrient-dense meal. Crispy baked falafel patties—made from chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices—crown a bed of fluffy quinoa alongside fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickled vegetables. The star of the show is the creamy lemon-tahini dressing that ties everything together with its nutty, bright flavor.

Falafel originated in Egypt and spread throughout the Levant, becoming a beloved street food staple. This bowl-style presentation makes it perfect for a customizable dinner where each person can build their ideal combination. The quinoa provides a protein-rich base that's naturally gluten-free, while the vegetables add crunch, color, and essential vitamins. Baking the falafel instead of deep-frying keeps this dish aligned with Mediterranean Diet principles, emphasizing heart-healthy preparation methods.

What makes this bowl truly special is its versatility and balance. The combination of plant-based proteins from quinoa and chickpeas, healthy fats from tahini and olive oil, and an abundance of fresh vegetables creates a complete meal that's both satisfying and nourishing. The textures range from crispy falafel to tender quinoa to crunchy vegetables, while the flavors span earthy, tangy, fresh, and herbaceous notes. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or hosting a build-your-own-bowl dinner party, this Mediterranean quinoa bowl delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience.

Nutrition

55 minutes
None servings
485 calories
Fat 18.00g
Carbs 62.00g
Protein 18.00g

Ingredients

1 cupquinoa, rinsed
2 cupswater or vegetable broth
15 ozchickpeas, drained and patted dry (1 can)
1/2 mediumyellow onion, roughly chopped
3 clovesgarlic cloves, minced
1/2 cupfresh parsley, packed, roughly chopped
1/4 cupfresh cilantro, packed, roughly chopped
1 tspground cumin
1 tspground coriander
1 tspsalt
1/4 tspblack pepper
1/2 tspbaking powder
3 tbspall-purpose flour
2 tbspolive oil, for falafel
1/3 cuptahini
3 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
3-4 tbspwater, for tahini dressing
1 clovegarlic clove, minced (for dressing)
1/4 tspsalt, for dressing
1 largecucumber, diced
2 cupscherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cupred onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cupkalamata olives, pitted (optional)
4 wedgesfresh lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Food processor
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Oven
Whisk
medium saucepan with lid
paper towels
fork
chef's knife
serving bowls
fine-mesh strainer
pastry brush
mixing bowls

16:8 Diet

This nutrient-dense bowl is perfect for 16:8 intermittent fasting eating windows, providing complete proteins from quinoa and chickpeas, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and abundant vegetables for sustained energy. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients help practitioners meet their 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, olive oil, and tahini, with the small amount of all-purpose flour (3 tablespoons for the entire recipe) representing a minimal processed component. The emphasis on vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats aligns perfectly with the 80/20 principle.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe features anti-inflammatory ingredients including olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, turmeric-like spices (cumin, coriander), and colorful vegetables rich in antioxidants. The plant-based proteins, healthy fats from tahini, and abundance of fresh vegetables create a nutrient-dense meal that helps reduce inflammation while avoiding processed foods and refined ingredients.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including quinoa, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, herbs, and natural seasonings. Every ingredient is recognizable in its whole-food form, with no refined sugars, artificial additives, or heavily processed components.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet principles by featuring plant-based proteins, whole grains, and abundant vegetables while using herbs and spices for flavor instead of excessive salt. The combination of quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables provides excellent sources of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber that support cardiovascular health.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe is ideal for flexitarian eating with its foundation of plant-based proteins from quinoa and chickpeas, abundant vegetables, and whole food ingredients. The nutrient-dense, primarily plant-based composition makes it a perfect meatless meal option that's both satisfying and aligned with flexitarian principles.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is cardiovascular-protective with its emphasis on plant-based proteins, whole grains, olive oil, and abundant vegetables while containing no saturated fats, trans fats, or processed meats. The baked falafel, fiber-rich ingredients, and heart-healthy fats from tahini and olive oil support optimal cardiovascular health.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is exceptionally high in dietary fiber, with chickpeas providing 12g per cup, quinoa adding 5g per cup, plus additional fiber from fresh vegetables and herbs. Each serving delivers 10-15g of fiber, supporting digestive health and satiety through whole grains, legumes, and abundant fresh produce.

High-Protein Diet

This recipe provides substantial plant-based protein from the combination of quinoa (8g per cup cooked) and chickpeas (12g per cup), delivering approximately 25-30g of protein per serving. The protein-rich legumes and complete protein from quinoa make this an excellent high-protein option, especially for plant-based eaters.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense bowl is ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing complete plant-based proteins from quinoa and chickpeas, healthy fats from tahini and olive oil, and abundant vegetables for sustained energy and satiety. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying Mediterranean bowl honors both pleasure and nourishment with its variety of textures, flavors, and colors while providing balanced nutrition. The recipe encourages satisfaction through diverse ingredients and customizable components without restriction or guilt-based language.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles with abundant vegetables and fruits, whole grains (quinoa), plant-based proteins (chickpeas), and healthy fats from olive oil and tahini. The nutrient-dense ingredients and baked preparation method create a satisfying meal that supports sustainable weight loss and overall health.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles with its emphasis on extra virgin olive oil, whole grains (quinoa), legumes (chickpeas), abundant fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy preparation methods. The baked falafel instead of fried, combined with tahini, lemon, and fresh herbs, creates a nutrient-dense plant-based meal that prioritizes the core ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with its emphasis on whole grains (quinoa), legumes (chickpeas), leafy greens, vegetables, nuts (tahini from sesame seeds), and olive oil as the primary fat. The combination of plant-based proteins, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and healthy fats aligns perfectly with MIND Diet principles for cognitive protection.

Mindful Eating

This recipe supports mindful eating with its variety of colors, textures, and flavors that engage multiple senses—from crispy falafel to tender quinoa to crunchy vegetables. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and fresh herbs create a sensory-rich eating experience that encourages slow, conscious consumption and appreciation.

Plant-Based Diet

This completely plant-based recipe features protein-rich chickpeas and quinoa, abundant vegetables, and healthy fats from tahini and olive oil, with no animal products whatsoever. The combination of legumes, whole grains, fresh herbs, and colorful vegetables provides complete nutrition while being entirely derived from plants.

Vegan Diet

This recipe is 100% vegan, containing no animal products or by-products while providing excellent plant-based protein from chickpeas and quinoa. The tahini dressing, fresh vegetables, and herbs create a nutritionally complete meal rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients without any meat, dairy, eggs, or honey.

Vegetarian Diet

This vegetarian-friendly recipe provides complete plant-based protein through the combination of quinoa and chickpeas, along with abundant vegetables and healthy fats. The falafel, tahini dressing, and fresh Mediterranean vegetables create a satisfying, nutritionally balanced meal without any meat, poultry, or seafood.

Weight Watchers

This bowl follows Weight Watchers principles with its emphasis on plant-based proteins from chickpeas and quinoa, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and minimal added fats. The nutrient-dense whole food ingredients and baked preparation method create a satisfying, flavorful meal that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 min
2

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. Transfer to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.

2 min
3
15 min

Bring the quinoa to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.

4

While quinoa cooks, drain and thoroughly pat dry the chickpeas with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2 min
5

Add the chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking powder to a food processor. Pulse 10-12 times until the mixture is coarsely ground but not pureed. It should hold together when pressed.

2 min
6

Add the flour to the chickpea mixture and pulse a few more times to combine. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.

10 min
7

Form the falafel mixture into 12-16 small patties, about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4 min
8

Brush the tops of the falafel patties with olive oil, then flip and brush the other side as well.

1 min
9

Bake the falafel for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

30 min
10

While the falafel bakes, prepare the tahini dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.

2 min
11

Gradually add water to the tahini mixture, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Set aside.

1 min
12

Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Set all vegetables aside in separate bowls.

5 min
13

Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

5 min
14

To assemble the bowls, divide the quinoa among four serving bowls as the base.

1 min
15

Arrange the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives (if using) in sections around each bowl.

2 min
16

Top each bowl with 3-4 falafel patties, placing them prominently on top of the quinoa.

17

Drizzle the tahini dressing generously over each bowl, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions