Name: Simple Mediterranean Bowl for One
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1/2 cup cucumber (sliced); 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 2 tablespoons red onion (thinly sliced); 3/4 cup cooked brown rice (or white rice); 1/4 cup Kalamata olives; 1 tablespoon hummus; 2 tablespoons feta cheese crumbles; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon honey; pinch sea salt (to taste); pinch freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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This easy Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl features brown rice topped with chickpeas, veggies, feta crumbles, and a simple zesty lemon dressing. Perfectly portioned for one serving, it takes just 10 minutes to make on a busy day. Great for lunch or a light dinner!

A Mediterranean bowl with chickpeas, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and hummus, garnished with fresh parsley.

This Mediterranean bowl has been my go-to lunch for a while now, and every time I make it I'm amazed at how delicious a simple grain bowl can be! Most of the ingredients are pantry or refrigerator staples, and if you don't have all of them it's all good. Just use what you have on hand or mix things up with other favorite add-ins.

If you're cooking for one, grain bowls are a fantastic way to make a complete meal in a hurry. (This bowl is actually my top bowl recommendation if you're just getting started.) The key to success is to keep some cooked rice on hand so that you can just warm it up and add it right into your bowl.

🌿 Ingredients

Bowls of brown rice, chickpeas, feta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, hummus, lemon, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and parsley on a white surface, each labeled.

Either brown rice or white rice work well as the base for this bowl, but feel free to substitute a different grain such as quinoa.

Pro tip: If you don't have any cooked rice on hand, you can also find pre-packaged brown or white rice in the frozen section at Trader Joe's or other grocery stores. They take just a few minutes in the microwave to cook and usually come in pre-portioned packs. (One of my favorite rice hacks for busy days!) 😉

See recipe card below for exact quantities.

📝 Instructions

Sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions are neatly arranged on a white cutting board atop a marble countertop. — Wash and slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber and red onion.

A glass bowl with lemon vinaigrette and black pepper specks being whisked by a metal whisk, on a white marble countertop. — Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to incorporate.

A gray ceramic bowl with brown rice, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion slices, and chickpeas, arranged in separate sections. — Layer some warmed rice with the rest of the bowl ingredients.

🥧 Serving suggestions

This bowl works well with some sliced pita or whole-grain bread on the side. For a heartier dinner, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.

Pro tip: If you have an air fryer, use this air fryer chicken breast for one to make a single serving of sliced chicken while you prepare your bowl.

🍅 Use up the extras

Have extra feta left over? Use it throughout the week in these Greek scrambled eggs or this chopped Greek salad.

Extra cherry tomatoes or cucumber? Use them in this delicious white bean salad or chopped Caprese salad.

🍳 Recipe