Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lemon-Herb Quinoa and Creamy Hummus Drizzle
Roasted bell peppers are stuffed with fluffy quinoa tossed in lemon, olive oil, fresh herbs, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Topped with a creamy hummus drizzle, this light yet satisfying dish is vibrant, high in fiber, and totally meal-worthy — a perfect plant-based Mediterranean star.
⏱️ Time Required:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Peppers:
2 large bell peppers (any color), halved and deseeded
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt & pepper
Lemon-Herb Quinoa Filling:
1 cup cooked quinoa
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, finely diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint or dill (optional)
Zest & juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Hummus Drizzle:
3 tablespoons hummus
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1–2 tablespoons water (to thin)
1 teaspoon olive oil
Pinch of cumin (optional)
Instructions:
1. Roast the Bell Peppers:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush pepper halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast cut-side up for 20–25 minutes until tender and slightly blistered.
2. Prepare the Quinoa Filling:
In a bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley, mint, lemon juice & zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Toss well and let sit to allow flavors to blend.
3. Make the Hummus Drizzle:
Whisk together hummus, lemon juice, water, olive oil, and cumin until smooth and pourable.
4. Assemble:
Spoon quinoa mixture into each roasted pepper half.
Drizzle with hummus sauce.
Garnish with extra herbs or crushed pistachios (optional).
Optional Additions:
Add crumbled feta cheese or olives for extra flavor
Mix in chickpeas or grilled chicken for more protein
Serve with a side of pita wedges or a simple tzatziki
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ:
Q: Can I serve this cold?
A: Yes! It’s delicious warm or chilled, perfect for meal prep.
Q: Can I use rice instead of quinoa?
A: Yes, try brown rice, couscous, or farro for variety.
Q: Can I make this vegan and gluten-free?
A: It already is! 100% plant-based and naturally gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~230
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: ~220mg