Winter Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl (Print)

Hearty Mediterranean-style quinoa bowl with roasted veggies, chickpeas, and a tangy tahini-pomegranate sauce.

# Components:

→ Quinoa Base

01 - 1 cup tri-color quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 bay leaf

→ Roasted Vegetables

05 - 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds)
06 - 1 medium red onion, sliced into wedges
07 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Crispy Chickpeas

12 - 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
16 - Salt, to taste

→ Tahini-Pomegranate Dressing

17 - 3 tablespoons tahini
18 - 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
19 - 1 clove garlic, minced
20 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
21 - 3 to 4 tablespoons warm water
22 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For Assembly

23 - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
24 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
25 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
26 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
27 - Mixed greens (arugula or spinach)

# Directions:

01 - Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rinsed quinoa, salt, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is fully absorbed. Remove bay leaf and fluff quinoa with a fork.
02 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cubed butternut squash, red onion wedges, and bell pepper slices with olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
03 - Pat chickpeas thoroughly dry. Toss with olive oil, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add chickpeas to the vegetable baking sheet for the final 15 minutes of roasting, stirring once, until golden and crispy.
04 - Whisk together tahini, pomegranate molasses, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Gradually incorporate warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until a smooth, pourable consistency is reached. Season with salt and black pepper.
05 - Place pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
06 - Divide cooked quinoa evenly among four bowls. Top each with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and crispy chickpeas. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Drizzle generously with tahini-pomegranate dressing and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bright Mediterranean flavors meet winter’s best veggies
  • Keeps you full for hours with fiber and plant protein
  • Perfect for meal prep and makes a lively desk lunch
  • Easily made vegan by skipping cheese
  • Naturally gluten-free so everyone can dig in
02 -
  • High in plant protein and fiber for excellent satiety
  • Naturally gluten free and meal prep friendly
  • Doubles as a hearty desk lunch or cozy dinner
03 -
  • Always dry the chickpeas very well for maximum crispness
  • Oven roasting is your friend for boosting flavor in winter vegetables
  • Adding warm water slowly to your dressing keeps it from seizing up so drizzle and whisk as you go
  • If you have time make extra roasted veggies as they are delicious tossed with salads or breakfast eggs the next day

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