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Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl

This vibrant Buddha bowl combines roasted, spicy chickpeas with fresh greens, cooked grains, and a tangy lemon tahini dressing. The dish offers a delightful contrast of crispy, tender, and creamy textures, presented in a colorful, wholesome bowl that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a quick, customizable meal that balances flavor, texture, and vibrancy in every bite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can 15 oz canned chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil olive oil for roasting and dressing
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika smoked paprika for spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground cumin for flavor
  • Salt salt to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa quinoa cooked and cooled
  • 2 cups mixed greens mixed greens kale spinach, or lettuce
  • 1 lemon for juice and zest
  • 2 tablespoons tahini tahini for dressing
  • 1 clove garlic garlic minced
  • Water as needed water to thin dressing

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Salad bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then pat them dry thoroughly with a towel.
  2. Toss the chickpeas with a tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt until well coated. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown with a crackling sound as they roast.
  4. While the chickpeas roast, cook your quinoa in a saucepan with twice as much water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender and fluffy. Let it cool slightly.
  5. Cut the lemon in half and juice it into a small bowl. Add the tahini and minced garlic, then whisk until smooth. Thin the dressing with water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Slice the lemon zest finely and toss the greens with a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt to brighten and soften them slightly.
  7. Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked quinoa and greens evenly between two bowls.
  8. Top each bowl with the crispy roasted chickpeas, spreading them out for maximum crunch.
  9. Drizzle the lemon tahini dressing generously over the assembled bowls, then sprinkle with extra lemon zest or seeds if desired.
  10. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crunchy chickpeas, tender greens, and creamy dressing, or refrigerate for up to a day and add the dressing just before eating.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped herbs before serving. Feel free to swap greens or add other vegetables like avocado or radishes for variety.