Turkey Free Mediterranean Buddha Bowl
This vibrant, plant-forward bowl is built entirely around wholesome Mediterranean ingredients — fluffy quinoa, crispy spiced chickpeas, creamy avocado, and a punchy lemon-tahini dressing that ties it all together. There's no poultry anywhere in sight, and honestly, you won't miss it for a second. The chickpeas are the real star here: patted bone-dry before roasting at high heat with cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric until they come out golden and irresistibly crunchy. Fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion add color and brightness to every bite, making this as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. The tahini dressing comes together in minutes — just whisk, thin with a little water, and drizzle generously over the whole bowl. It's a satisfying, protein-rich meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for meal prep, since all the components can be made ahead and assembled when you're ready.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the roasted chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp salt
For the lemon-tahini dressing
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 2–3 tbsp water, to thin
- ¼ tsp salt
For the bowls
- 1 english cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa tails have unfurled, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- 2
While the quinoa cooks, spread the drained chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel and pat thoroughly dry — the drier they are, the crispier they will roast. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, and toss with the cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly coated.
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