Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Bowls with Lemon-Herb Dressing
Hearty quinoa bowls packed with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted chickpeas, and a zesty lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes blends uncooked quinoa, (15 oz), drained and rinsed chickpeas, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed chickpeas
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 3 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook quinoa with 2 cups water in a saucepan over medium heat, covered, for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Roast for 20 minutes until crispy, shaking pan halfway.
- Step 3: Whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, maple syrup, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl for dressing.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted chickpeas, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until evenly coated, ensuring greens are lightly dressed but not soggy.
- Step 5: Divide into bowls and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Bowls with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Bowls with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Bowls with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Bowls with Lemon-Herb Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sun-Dried Tomato & Herb Quinoa Bowls with Lemon-Herb Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.