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Delicious Winter Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with seasonal vegetables and grains

Winter Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

A vibrant and healthy dish featuring roasted butternut squash, crispy chickpeas, and fresh pomegranate seeds, perfect for chilly winter nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Quinoa Base
  • 1 cup tri-color quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 each bay leaf
Roasted Vegetables
  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 1 each red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Crispy Chickpeas
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt, to taste
Tahini-Pomegranate Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons warm water
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • Mixed greens (arugula or spinach)

Method
 

Cooking Quinoa
  1. Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rinsed quinoa, salt, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is fully absorbed. Remove bay leaf and fluff quinoa with a fork.
Roasting Vegetables
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cubed butternut squash, red onion wedges, and bell pepper slices with olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
Crispy Chickpeas
  1. Pat chickpeas thoroughly dry. Toss with olive oil, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add chickpeas to the vegetable baking sheet for the final 15 minutes of roasting, stirring once until golden and crispy.
Making Sauce
  1. Whisk together tahini, pomegranate molasses, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Gradually incorporate warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until a smooth, pourable consistency is reached. Season with salt and black pepper.
Toasting Pine Nuts
  1. Place pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Assembling the Bowl
  1. Divide cooked quinoa evenly among four bowls. Top each with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and crispy chickpeas. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Drizzle generously with tahini-pomegranate dressing and serve immediately.

Notes

Add a splash of lemon juice for zest. Customize with your favorite roasted veggies or grains. Pair with a side of olives or hummus for extra flavor.