Mediterranean Cava Bowls
Mediterranean Cava Bowls are the ultimate meal for anyone looking for a delicious, vibrant, and satisfying dining experience. With a colorful array of fresh vegetables, savory proteins, and delightful toppings, these bowls not only nourish your body but also excite your taste buds. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or impressing your friends at a gathering, Mediterranean Cava Bowls are sure to be a hit. And the best part? You can whip them up in no time, especially with our 10-minute Greek chicken recipe to simplify your protein preparation. Let’s dive into how to create these delightful bowls!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Mediterranean Cava Bowls bring a medley of flavors and textures that cater to diverse palates. They’re customizable, allowing everyone to build their ideal bowl with their favorite ingredients. The combination of roasted vegetables, creamy hummus, fresh greens, and crunchy toppings makes for a meal that’s not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Plus, they can easily accommodate various dietary preferences, making them perfect for gatherings where guests may have different needs.
Your Shopping Guide
- 1 small head cauliflower (cut into bite-size florets)
- 1 large sweet potato (chopped into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 4 cups spring salad mix (or your favorite greens)
- 3/4 English cucumber (sliced and quartered)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Red radishes (thinly sliced)
- Avocados (thinly sliced)
- 1 pint blueberries
- Pickled red onions (or store-bought)
- Kalamata olives (halved)
- Sliced almonds
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Hummus (roasted red pepper is a favorite)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup packed cilantro
- 1/3 cup packed parsley
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cumin, salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Large baking sheet for roasting veggies
- Medium mixing bowl for seasoning
- Serving bowls for assembling
- Knife and cutting board for prepping ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
Mediterranean Cava Bowls in Steps
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, spread out the cauliflower florets and sweet potato cubes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with curry powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas with the remaining olive oil, salt, and any additional spices you prefer. Set aside to marinate while the vegetables roast.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare your rice according to package instructions. You can use brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa for a different twist.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Once the veggies and rice are done, it’s time to assemble your Mediterranean Cava Bowls. Start with a base of cooked rice, followed by a generous handful of spring salad mix or your favorite greens.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Layer on the roasted vegetables, seasoned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, avocado slices, and blueberries. Don’t forget to add a scoop of hummus and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to elevate the flavors.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this creamy dressing over your assembled bowls.
Step 7: Final Touches
Top each bowl with pickled red onions, kalamata olives, and sliced almonds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!
Healthier Substitutions
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein boost.
- Replace feta cheese with a vegan alternative if desired.
- Opt for whole grain hummus for a fiber-rich option.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Meal prep your vegetables ahead of time to save on cooking time during busy weekdays.
- Feel free to customize the bowl with your favorite proteins like Greek meatballs, chicken shawarma, or doner chicken kebabs.
- Using seasonal vegetables can enhance the flavor and freshness of your Mediterranean Cava Bowls.
- Pack leftovers in separate containers for easy grab-and-go lunches!
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Leftover Mediterranean Cava Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To rewarm, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad. The flavors meld beautifully when stored, making them even tastier the next day!
Reader Questions
Can I make these bowls vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese and Greek yogurt, and replace them with vegan alternatives. The bowls will still be delicious and satisfying!
How can I make the chicken for the bowls?
You can use our 10-minute Greek chicken recipe for a quick and flavorful protein option. Simply season and grill or sauté the chicken for the best results.
What can I substitute for the chickpeas?
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, you can easily swap them for black beans, lentils, or even grilled chicken for added protein.
Can I prepare the bowls in advance?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat for the freshest experience.
Bring It to the Table
Gather your friends and family to share these Mediterranean Cava Bowls, turning meal times into a vibrant feast filled with flavors and laughter. The beauty of these bowls lies in their versatility; everyone can customize their bowl to suit their tastes, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. Serve them at a dinner party, or whip them up for a casual weeknight meal. Either way, they promise to be a memorable dish that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Mediterranean Cava Bowls are more than just a meal; they are a celebration of fresh ingredients and lively flavors. The combination of roasted vegetables, creamy dressings, and zesty toppings creates a fulfilling and nourishing experience that you’ll want to revisit time and again. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the Mediterranean magic happen in your kitchen!
Mediterranean Cava Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, spread out the cauliflower florets and sweet potato cubes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with curry powder, brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas with the remaining olive oil, salt, and any additional spices you prefer. Set aside to marinate while the vegetables roast.
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare your rice according to package instructions. You can use brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa for a different twist.
- Once the veggies and rice are done, it’s time to assemble your Mediterranean Cava Bowls. Start with a base of cooked rice, followed by a generous handful of spring salad mix or your favorite greens.
- Layer on the roasted vegetables, seasoned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, avocado slices, and blueberries. Don’t forget to add a scoop of hummus and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese to elevate the flavors.
- In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this creamy dressing over your assembled bowls.
- Top each bowl with pickled red onions, kalamata olives, and sliced almonds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!
Notes
- Meal prep your vegetables ahead of time to save on cooking time during busy weekdays.
- Feel free to customize the bowl with your favorite proteins like Greek meatballs or chicken shawarma.
- Using seasonal vegetables can enhance the flavor and freshness of your Mediterranean Cava Bowls.
- Pack leftovers in separate containers for easy grab-and-go lunches!
