Mediterranean Grain Bowl Feta (Printable Version)

Fluffy grains paired with roasted chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta create a vibrant, wholesome bowl.

# What You Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water or vegetable broth
03 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Chickpeas

04 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
09 - ¼ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Fresh Vegetables

11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
13 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
15 - ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced

→ Toppings

16 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
18 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
19 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
20 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Combine quinoa or brown rice with water or vegetable broth and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed: about 15 minutes for quinoa or 30 to 35 minutes for brown rice. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the drained chickpeas dry, then toss with olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until crispy.
03 - While chickpeas roast, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and slice kalamata olives. Set aside baby spinach or mixed greens.
04 - Divide cooked grains equally into four bowls. Arrange spinach or mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, roasted chickpeas, and crumbled feta on top.
05 - Drizzle each bowl with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything roasts or simmers on its own, so you can chop vegetables without rushing.
  • The crispy chickpeas add a satisfying crunch that makes every bite feel complete.
  • It tastes even better the next day, which means lunch is already handled.
02 -
  • If the chickpeas arent drying out in the oven, you didnt pat them dry enough before roasting.
  • Fluffing the grains with a fork instead of stirring them keeps them light and prevents them from turning gummy.
03 -
  • Roast extra chickpeas and keep them in a jar for snacking, they disappear faster than you think.
  • A pinch of sumac on top adds a tangy brightness that makes the whole bowl come alive.
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