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Easy • Vegetarian

Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Rice Bowl

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian rice bowl packed with fresh veggies, chickpeas, and a zesty dressing.

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Rice Bowl

Bring the sunshine of the Mediterranean to your dinner table with this incredibly fresh and satisfying chickpea rice bowl! It’s a feast for the senses, loaded with colorful vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and a bright, zesty dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for a light, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal any night of the week. Get ready to feel good with every bite!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Bowl

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or mint, chopped, for garnish

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Prepare the dressing: While the rice cooks, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    Assemble the bowls: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and halved Kalamata olives. If using, add crumbled feta cheese.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

  5. Step 5

    To serve, divide the cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with a generous serving of the dressed chickpea and vegetable mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint.

Tips

  • Meal prep tip: Cook the rice and make the dressing ahead of time. Store separately and assemble just before serving.
  • For added protein, you can grill or bake some chicken or fish to serve alongside.
  • Don't be shy with the herbs; fresh parsley and mint really brighten the flavors.

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