Vegan Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables (Printable)
Roasted Mediterranean vegetables with chickpeas and creamy tahini-lemon dressing for cozy comfort.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
02 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-size pieces
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into bite-size pieces
04 - 1 red onion, cut into wedges
05 - 1 small eggplant, cubed
06 - 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Legumes
07 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
→ Marinade
08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Grains
13 - 7 oz cooked quinoa or brown rice
→ Tahini-Lemon Dressing
14 - 3 tbsp tahini
15 - Juice of 1 lemon
16 - 2 tbsp water
17 - 1 garlic clove, minced
18 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
19 - Salt to taste
→ Garnishes
20 - Fresh parsley, chopped
21 - Pitted kalamata olives
22 - Lemon wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Set the oven to 425°F and let it come to temperature while you prepare the vegetables.
02 - Place the zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and chickpeas. Sprinkle with oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
04 - Arrange the seasoned mixture on a large parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, even layer to promote proper caramelization.
05 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once at the halfway mark, until the vegetables are golden-edged and tender.
06 - While the vegetables roast, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, cumin, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Thin with additional water if a lighter consistency is preferred.
07 - Divide the cooked quinoa or brown rice among four serving bowls, then mound the roasted vegetable and chickpea mixture on top.
08 - Drizzle each bowl generously with the tahini-lemon dressing and finish with chopped fresh parsley, kalamata olives, and lemon wedges. Serve warm.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The roasted vegetables get these incredible caramelized edges that make every bite feel rich without weighing you down
- That tahini dressing pulls everything together in a way that makes you forget there is no cheese involved whatsoever
02 -
- Crowding the baking sheet is the single fastest way to turn roasted vegetables into steamed vegetables with no color at all
- The tahini dressing thickens as it sits so always thin it a little more than you think you need to right before serving
03 -
- Dry the chickpeas with a clean towel after rinsing and they will come out of the oven with a slightly crisp exterior that changes the whole texture
- A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing wakes up the flavors in a way that surprises people every time