Vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Meal Prep Bowl

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers, sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 4 tablespoons hummus
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• For the dressing:
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 2-3 tablespoons water
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. While quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons water. Add more water as needed to reach a creamy drizzling consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to mix.
4. Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among 4 meal prep containers or bowls.
5. Top each quinoa portion with the chickpea and vegetable mixture, then add a tablespoon of hummus on the side or dolloped on top.
6. Drizzle the lemon-tahini dressing over each bowl just before serving or store separately for freshness.
7. Store meal prep bowls covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Chef tips

• Rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating called saponin.
• Roasted red bell peppers can be swapped for sun-dried tomatoes or steamed carrots if preferred.
• If you want to add some crunch, sprinkle roasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving.
• This bowl is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian; for vegan option, ensure your store-bought hummus contains no animal products.