Assemble a fresh, flavorful grain bowl using cooked quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a bright, homemade lemon tahini sauce. This recipe is suitable for meal preparation.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Lunch
Method:No-Cook Assembly
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large 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 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup cold water (or more, for thinning)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed 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. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt. The mixture will thicken immediately. Slowly whisk in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Prepare the vegetables: Halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the parsley.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each portion with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese, if using.
Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the lemon tahini sauce over the assembled bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a vegan bowl, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
You can substitute grilled chicken or halloumi cheese for a non-vegetarian option.
Store leftover quinoa and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to four days for easy meal prep.