📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let's get that quinoa cooking! Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This gets rid of any bitterness.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Let it cool slightly.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Drain and rinse 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is key to getting them nice and crispy!
5. In a medium bowl, toss the chickpeas with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the chickpeas are evenly coated.
6. Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, shaking the pan halfway through. Keep an eye on them; you don't want them to burn!
7. While the chickpeas are roasting, let's prep those fresh veggies. Dice 1 cucumber, 1 pint of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 red bell pepper (diced), and 1/2 cup of red onion (thinly sliced).
8. For the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!), 1 clove of garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
9. Time to assemble the bowls! Divide the cooked quinoa among bowls. Top with the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, roasted chickpeas, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
10. Drizzle generously with the lemon-herb dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint, if desired. Give it a good toss and serve immediately. Enjoy every single bite!
11. Want to make it extra? Add a dollop of hummus or tzatziki sauce for even more flavor.