Delicious Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Bowl

This nutritious Crispy Chickpea and Quinoa Bowl is a wholesome meal packed with protein and fiber. Featuring roasted chickpeas, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables, it offers a satisfying and healthy option for lunch or dinner.

The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and dressings. It's perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients That Shine

The foundation of this bowl is built on wholesome ingredients that not only taste great but also provide essential nutrients.

Quinoa serves as a fantastic base, offering a fluffy texture and a good source of protein.

Paired with crispy roasted chickpeas, this dish packs a protein punch, making it satisfying and filling.

Fresh mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced avocado add a burst of color and a variety of textures, elevating the overall experience.

Preparation Steps

Getting this bowl ready is straightforward and can be accomplished in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking the quinoa; it’s as simple as combining it with water or vegetable broth and letting it simmer until fluffy.

While the quinoa cooks, prepare the chickpeas by tossing them in olive oil and spices, then roasting them until they achieve a crispy texture.

Layering for Flavor

Once the quinoa and chickpeas are ready, it’s time to assemble the bowl.

Begin with a generous layer of quinoa, followed by a mix of greens that adds freshness and crunch.

The roasted chickpeas should be scattered on top, providing a delightful contrast to the soft quinoa and greens.

Finish with the vibrant cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado slices for a colorful presentation.

Dress It Up

A light dressing can make all the difference in enhancing the flavors of this bowl.

Whether you opt for a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy tahini dressing, drizzling it over the assembled ingredients ties everything together beautifully.

Don’t forget to serve with a lemon wedge on the side; a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the dish even more.

Nutrition and Benefits

This bowl is not just visually appealing; it’s also packed with nutrition.

With approximately 450 calories per serving, it provides a balanced meal that includes healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates.

The combination of chickpeas and quinoa ensures a good intake of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and overall health.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best aspects of this bowl is its versatility.

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap out the vegetables, add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch, or try different dressings to keep things exciting.

This dish is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal throughout the week.

Healthy Chickpea and Quinoa Bowl

This bowl combines crispy roasted chickpeas with cooked quinoa, mixed greens, and a variety of colorful vegetables. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 2 people.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, etc.)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Your choice of dressing (tahini, vinaigrette, etc.)

Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Roast the Chickpeas: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and golden.
4. Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer cooked quinoa, mixed greens, roasted chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.
5. Serve: Drizzle with your choice of dressing and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 2 bowls
• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 55g