Mediterranean Mixed Herb Bowl with Boiled Rice
A vibrant and nourishing bowl filled with herbed chickpeas, crisp vegetables, creamy yogurt sauce, and fluffy boiled rice. This dish combines the fresh, aromatic flavors of Mediterranean herbs like parsley, dill, mint, and oregano with the comforting simplicity of rice for a perfectly balanced meal.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Boiled Rice
1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
2 cups water
½ tsp salt
1 tsp olive oil or butter (optional)
For the Herb Mix
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bowl
1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, rinsed and drained)
½ cucumber, diced
1 small tomato, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Yogurt Sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil with salt and olive oil.
3. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until tender.
4. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb Mix
1. In a small bowl, mix parsley, dill, mint, oregano, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss half of the herb mix into the warm rice for a fragrant base.
Step 3: Prepare the Chickpea & Veggie Mix
1. In a separate bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. Add lemon juice, olive oil, and the remaining herb mix.
3. Toss gently to combine.
Step 4: Make the Yogurt Sauce
1. Whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
1. In each bowl, add a portion of herbed rice.
2. Top with the chickpea and veggie mixture.
3. Drizzle yogurt sauce over the top.
4. Garnish with extra herbs and a sprinkle of feta if desired.
Notes & Tips
You can add grilled chicken or salmon for extra protein.
Substitute chickpeas with lentils or white beans for variation.
For a vegan version, skip the feta and use coconut yogurt instead.
A few toasted pine nuts or almonds add crunch and flavor.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Store each component separately in the fridge for up to 2 days and assemble before serving.
Q: What kind of rice works best?
Basmati or jasmine rice adds a nice aroma, but brown rice works well for extra fiber.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
No — it’s mild and fresh-flavored, perfect for a Mediterranean-friendly, non-spicy meal.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Fiber: 8 g