Chickpea, Avocado & Quinoa Summer Bowl
This vibrant summer bowl combines fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, protein-rich chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Tossed with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, it’s refreshing, filling, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or a light yet satisfying dinner.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook (quinoa): 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings:2-3
Ingredients
For the Bowl:
1 cup quinoa
1 can (400g) chickpeas, rinsed & drained
1 avocado, diced
1 small cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp feta cheese
For the Dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely minced
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook quinoa:
Rinse quinoa under cold water.
Cook in 2 cups water with a pinch of salt until fluffy (about 15 minutes). Let it cool slightly.
Prepare dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the bowl:
In a large mixing bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and herbs.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
Add toppings:
Gently fold in diced avocado (and feta if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon or salt if needed.
Serve:
Enjoy immediately or chill for 30 minutes for an even fresher summer flavor.
Notes & Tips
Add leafy greens like arugula or spinach for extra freshness.
For crunch, top with roasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or toasted almonds.
Make it a complete protein by pairing quinoa with chickpeas—great for vegetarians!
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days (add avocado just before serving to avoid browning).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another grain instead of quinoa?
Yes! Couscous, bulgur, or farro work beautifully.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
Yes—just skip the feta or replace with a plant-based alternative.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Store everything except avocado together. Add avocado fresh before eating.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 11g
Fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 2.5g
Sodium: 260mg