Mediterranean Rice Bowl With Hummus

Name: Mediterranean Rice Bowl With Hummus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked brown rice; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup cooked chickpeas; 1/2 cup hummus; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Wholesome Treats

I absolutely love quick and nutritious meals, and this Mediterranean rice bowl with hummus is one of my favorites. It's a vibrant assembly of flavors from the Mediterranean region, packed with fresh veggies, creamy hummus, and fragrant spices. I often prepare this bowl when I need something satisfying yet healthy. The best part is how customizable it is; you can switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste. Give it a try, and I promise you'll find it irresistible!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-02-08T01:52:35.358Z

When I first made this Mediterranean rice bowl, I was blown away by how simple and delicious it turned out. I tried using a mix of brown and white rice, which adds depth to the dish while enhancing the texture. The pairing of the creamy hummus with fresh veggies creates a delightful combination that keeps me coming back for more.

I found it helpful to prepare the rice in vegetable broth for an extra layer of flavor. Once all the components are combined, you get a beautifully colorful bowl that not only looks great but also makes for a filling meal. It's perfect for meal prep too!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh and vibrant flavors that awaken your palate
Creamy hummus adds a delicious richness
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any time of day

Ingredient Insights

The star of this Mediterranean rice bowl is undoubtedly the combination of fresh vegetables and creamy hummus. Each vegetable not only adds a vibrant color but also a unique flavor profile. For instance, cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch, while cherry tomatoes provide a juicy sweetness that balances the dish beautifully. If you're missing an ingredient, feel free to substitute. Zucchini or bell peppers work well if you don't have cucumbers, and sunflower seeds can replace chickpeas for a nutty crunch.

Hummus serves as both a flavor enhancer and a healthy fat source, enriching the bowl's texture and making it more filling. You can experiment with different hummus flavors, like roasted red pepper or garlic, to give the dish your personal twist. Just ensure you have a good quality hummus, as it forms a significant part of the flavor base.

Cooking Tips

When cooking the rice, using vegetable broth instead of water infuses the grains with flavor, but be cautious about the liquid ratio. If you're using a different type of rice, like jasmine or basmati, check the cooking times and broth requirements, as they can vary. You want the rice to be fluffy and fully cooked, yet not mushy; a good indication is when it absorbs all the liquid and separates easily with a fork.

While the rice is cooking, ensure your veggies are cut uniformly for even mixing and aesthetic appeal. I recommend chopping the tomatoes and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, which makes for a delightful crunch with every forkful. Additionally, adding olive oil to the vegetable mix not only enhances flavor but also helps to marry the ingredients, allowing the spices and seasonings to adhere better.

Ingredients

For the Rice Bowl

1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup cooked chickpeas
1/2 cup hummus
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Mix and match veggies based on your preference!

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.

Prep the Vegetables

While the rice cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Bowl

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it between two bowls. Top with the vegetable mixture and a generous scoop of hummus. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your Mediterranean rice bowl warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add feta cheese or olives for an extra touch of Mediterranean flavor.

Storage and Reheating

This Mediterranean rice bowl is perfect for meal prep. Store the cooked rice and vegetable mixture separately to maintain freshness and texture. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the rice can last about 4 to 5 days, while the veggie mix is best consumed within 3 days for optimal crunch.

To reheat, simply microwave the rice for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If you prefer to enjoy it cold, this dish is delicious straight from the fridge. Just top it with fresh hummus and parsley for a refreshing meal any time.

Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize your Mediterranean rice bowl by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies for extra protein and variety. Feta cheese crumbled on top also adds a salty creaminess that complements the freshness of the vegetables and the richness of the hummus perfectly.

You can also serve this rice bowl in pita bread for a fun twist! Just layer the rice, veggies, and hummus in a pita for a handheld meal that's easy to enjoy on-the-go. It’s a fantastic way to pack flavors and textures into a portable treat, ideal for lunches or picnics.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Absolutely! Quinoa is a great alternative and will add even more protein to your bowl.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Mediterranean rice bowl is completely vegan, as it features plant-based ingredients.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply ensure you're using gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa, and you're all set!

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the rice and chop the vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately until you're ready to serve.