Ancient Grains Bowl Delight

Featured in: Everyday Home Plates

This Ancient Grains Bowl combines farro, quinoa, and chickpeas for a nutritious, plant-based meal. Perfectly seasoned and filled with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and avocado, this dish caters to both vegetarian and vegan diets. Ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner, it's easy to prepare, and can be customized with various toppings. Enjoy it warm or chilled for a refreshing option!

Updated on Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:07:48 GMT
Vibrant Ancient Grains Bowl with fluffy farro, quinoa, and protein-rich chickpeas. Save
Vibrant Ancient Grains Bowl with fluffy farro, quinoa, and protein-rich chickpeas. | petitskillet.com

Imagine diving into a vibrant Ancient Grains Bowl—a comforting, plant-based meal that’s not just nourishing but packed with flavor. This dish brings together the nutty chew of farro, fluffy quinoa, and creamy chickpeas, all mingled with crisp vegetables and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a beautiful meal-prep option, this bowl serves up both health and satisfaction in every bite.

Vibrant Ancient Grains Bowl with fluffy farro, quinoa, and protein-rich chickpeas. Save
Vibrant Ancient Grains Bowl with fluffy farro, quinoa, and protein-rich chickpeas. | petitskillet.com

This bowl’s beauty lies in both its taste and flexibility. Every element—from nutty grains to zingy dressing—offers a Mediterranean-inspired vibe that works equally well for weekday lunches or slow weekend dinners. Top with creamy avocado and your favorite seeds for an extra boost of nutrition and color.

Ingredients

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  • Grains: 1/2 cup farro, rinsed; 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed; 3 cups water or vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Legumes: 1 can (15 oz/400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Vegetables & Greens: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced
  • Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon tahini; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey; Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Garnishes: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons crumbled feta (omit for vegan); Toasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)

Instructions

1.
In a medium saucepan, combine farro, quinoa, water or broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until grains are tender. Drain any excess liquid.
2.
Meanwhile, prepare the dressing: whisk olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, maple syrup or honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until creamy.
3.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked grains, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spinach or kale, and red onion. Drizzle with the dressing and toss well to coat.
4.
Divide the grain mixture among 4 bowls. Top each with avocado slices and optional garnishes such as parsley, feta, and toasted seeds.
5.
Serve immediately, or chill bowls in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold meal.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für eine glutenfreie Version tauschen Sie Farro gegen zusätzliche Quinoa oder braunen Reis aus. Geröstetes Gemüse wie Süßkartoffeln oder Blumenkohl bringt zusätzliche Aromen ins Gericht und lässt den Bowl zu jeder Jahreszeit glänzen. Besonders einfach gelingt das Dressing, wenn Sie alle Zutaten in einem kleinen Glas kräftig schütteln.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Experimentieren Sie mit verschiedenen Hülsenfrüchten wie schwarzen Bohnen oder Linsen, um neue Geschmacksrichtungen zu entdecken. Wer mehr Frische möchte, kann saisonale Kräuter hinzufügen oder den Bowl mit gerösteten Sonnenblumenkernen toppen. Für eine vegane Variante einfach auf Feta verzichten und beim Süßungsmittel auf Ahornsirup setzen.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie den Ancient Grains Bowl lauwarm oder gekühlt mit einem Glas spritzigem Mineralwasser mit Zitrone oder einem trockenen Weißwein. Perfekt für gesellige Lunches, Picknicks oder als nahrhaftes Abendessen unter der Woche – dieser Bowl macht immer eine gute Figur.

Hearty Ancient Grains Bowl, perfect for a nutritious lunch with fresh veggies. Save
Hearty Ancient Grains Bowl, perfect for a nutritious lunch with fresh veggies. | petitskillet.com
Hearty Ancient Grains Bowl, perfect for a nutritious lunch with fresh veggies. Save
Hearty Ancient Grains Bowl, perfect for a nutritious lunch with fresh veggies. | petitskillet.com

Mit seinem ausgewogenen Nährstoffprofil, farbenfrohen Zutaten und mediterraner Würze ist dieser Ancient Grains Bowl mehr als nur ein einfaches Gericht – er bringt Genuss und Wohlgefühl auf Ihren Tisch und lässt sich immer wieder neu entdecken.

Recipe Q&A

What grains are used in this bowl?

This bowl features farro and quinoa, both of which are nutritious ancient grains.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, for a gluten-free option, you can substitute farro with additional quinoa or brown rice.

What vegetables can I add to the bowl?

You can add a variety of vegetables, such as roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or different greens.

How long does it take to prepare?

The preparation takes about 20 minutes, while cooking takes an additional 25 minutes.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a couple of days, perfect for meal prep.

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Ancient Grains Bowl Delight

A hearty bowl with nourishing grains and chickpeas.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Total Duration
45 minutes
Recipe By Ellis Carlson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Modern, Mediterranean-inspired

Serves 4 Portions

Diet Info Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You Need

Grains

01 1/2 cup farro, rinsed
02 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
03 3 cups water or vegetable broth
04 1/2 teaspoon salt

Legumes

01 1 can (15 oz/400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Greens

01 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
02 1 cup cucumber, diced
03 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
04 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
05 1 avocado, sliced

Dressing

01 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon tahini
04 1 small garlic clove, minced
05 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
06 Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
02 2 tablespoons crumbled feta (omit for vegan)
03 Toasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)

How To Make It

Step 01

Cook Grains: In a medium saucepan, combine farro, quinoa, water or broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until grains are tender. Drain any excess liquid.

Step 02

Prepare Dressing: Meanwhile, prepare the dressing: whisk olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, maple syrup or honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until creamy.

Step 03

Mix Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked grains, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spinach or kale, and red onion. Drizzle with the dressing and toss well to coat.

Step 04

Assemble Bowls: Divide the grain mixture among 4 bowls. Top each with avocado slices and optional garnishes such as parsley, feta, and toasted seeds.

Step 05

Serve or Chill: Serve immediately, or chill bowls in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold meal.

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Look through each ingredient for allergen concerns, and please ask a medical expert if you've any questions.
  • Contains: Gluten (farro), sesame (tahini), and dairy (if using feta).
  • For gluten-free or dairy-free, adjust as suggested above.
  • Always double-check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Details (for each serve)

Use these nutrition details as a rough guide—they're not medical advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 13 g

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