Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Bowls

There’s something undeniably comforting about chickpeas, a staple in Mediterranean cooking that brings protein-packed heartiness to any dish. This colorful, flavor-forward recipe celebrates all that we love about the region’s cuisine—fresh herbs, tangy tomatoes, and vibrant spices—all tossed together with our beloved chickpeas.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Start by warming the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika, letting the fragrant spices bloom for about a minute.

Next, mix in the chickpeas, allowing them to soak up the aromatic seasonings. Toss in the spinach leaves and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Keep everything moving in the pan while the spinach wilts, about two minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up, then season with salt and pepper. If you’d like a creamy finish, top your chickpea bowls with crumbled feta cheese. Serve warm in individual bowls.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or as a packed lunch because it’s quick, filling, and bursting with nutrients. Chickpeas offer a satisfying plant-based protein and fiber boost, while sun-dried tomatoes and lemon juice bring zingy brightness. Feel free to swap spinach for kale, add roasted red peppers, or omit the feta for a vegan version. It’s a flexible, crowd-pleasing dish that honors the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean and makes healthy eating wonderfully delicious.