Lemon Vinaigrette Grain Bowls (Printable)

Fluffy grains, roasted chickpeas, and crisp veggies combine with zesty lemon vinaigrette for a vibrant meal.

# What You Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa (or brown rice or farro)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Roasted Chickpeas

04 - 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
05 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables and Toppings

11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
13 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
14 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 1 avocado, sliced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Lemon Vinaigrette

17 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
18 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
19 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
20 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
21 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
22 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
23 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Add quinoa, water, and salt to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03 - Pat chickpeas dry with a towel. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
05 - Divide cooked grains evenly among four bowls. Top each with roasted chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, red onion, avocado, and fresh parsley.
06 - Drizzle each bowl with lemon vinaigrette and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The roasted chickpeas get impossibly crispy and crunchy, like little golden treasures that make every bite interesting.
  • One vinaigrette pulls the entire bowl together with that perfect bright acidity that somehow makes vegetables taste better than they have any right to.
  • It comes together in under an hour and scales beautifully, whether you're feeding yourself or a crowd.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead, making it perfect for meal prep without sacrificing that fresh, just-assembled taste.
02 -
  • Pat your chickpeas dry with a towel—this single step makes the difference between crispy roasted chickpeas and disappointing steamed ones.
  • Make the vinaigrette at least 10 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to get acquainted and mellow slightly.
  • Assemble the bowls just before eating; avocado browns quickly and greens wilt if left too long with dressing.
  • The chickpeas are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they'll stay crispy in an airtight container for up to a day if you need to prep ahead.
03 -
  • If your lemon vinaigrette breaks and separates, whisk it again with an extra half teaspoon of mustard and it'll come right back together.
  • Make the vinaigrette in a jar with a tight lid so you can shake it right before serving—it's faster than whisking and honestly more fun.
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