A burst of color, flavor, and nourishing ingredients all in one bowl—this dish is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of roasted goodness and creamy indulgence. The hearty combination of perfectly charred broccoli, sweet bell peppers, tender red onions, and golden chickpeas creates a mouthwatering base. Topped with a luscious maple Dijon tahini dressing and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, every bite is a satisfying balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and creamy.

Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or assembling a vibrant dinner bowl, Roasted Veggie & Chickpea Bowls deliver both ease and elegance. This plant-based recipe is rich in fiber, protein, and flavor—completely satisfying without being heavy. It’s as much a treat for your tastebuds as it is a beautiful addition to your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Veggie & Chickpea Bowl

Plant-Based Powerhouse: Packed with chickpeas and vegetables, it offers complete nutrition without any meat or dairy.
Customizable: Use any seasonal veggies or grains you like—this recipe welcomes creativity.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and enjoy it warm or cold for multiple meals.
The Dressing is a Showstopper: The maple Dijon tahini dressing ties everything together with sweet, tangy, and creamy notes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether vegan or not, everyone will love this satisfying, flavor-packed dish.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (And Why They Matter)

Large Baking Sheet: You’ll need ample space to roast the veggies and chickpeas in a single layer. This ensures even browning and that perfect caramelization.
Mixing Bowls: At least two—one for tossing the vegetables and chickpeas in oil and seasonings, and another for whisking the tahini dressing.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Prepping veggies like broccoli florets, onions, and bell peppers requires clean cuts for even roasting.
Silicone Spatula or Tongs: These make tossing and transferring veggies easier while preventing damage to the food or the pan.
Blender or Whisk (Optional): If you want an ultra-smooth tahini dressing, a blender helps. Otherwise, a good whisk does the job well.

The right tools make this recipe smoother, quicker, and more enjoyable—especially when it comes to getting that golden-brown roast on every piece.

Preparation Tips

Dry Your Chickpeas: After draining and rinsing, pat them dry with a towel. This step helps them roast up crisp rather than steam.
Cut Veggies Evenly: Try to cut your broccoli and peppers into similar sizes so they roast at the same pace.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread everything out in a single layer. Overlapping pieces will steam instead of roast.
Preheat the Oven: A fully preheated oven ensures your veggies start roasting immediately instead of slowly warming up.
Double the Dressing: It’s so good you’ll want extra for drizzling on grains, salads, or wraps later in the week.

Ingredients for This Roasted Veggie & Chickpea Bowl

For the Roasted Veggies & Chickpeas:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing:

3 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
2–4 tablespoons warm water, to thin to desired consistency
Salt, to taste

Optional Toppings:

Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Cooked grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice (for serving base)

This ingredient list delivers balance—roasted vegetables for texture, chickpeas for protein, and a rich, flavorful dressing to bring it all together.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for getting those delicious crispy edges on the veggies and chickpeas. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, red onion, and chickpeas. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Spread the mixture in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. Try to avoid overlapping as this helps the vegetables roast instead of steam.

Step 3: Roast Until Golden

Roast the tray for 25–30 minutes, flipping everything halfway through. You’re aiming for chickpeas that are lightly crisped, and vegetables that are tender with beautifully charred edges.

Step 4: Make the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

While the veggies roast, whisk together the tahini, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, and garlic (if using) in a small bowl. Gradually add warm water, whisking until smooth and pourable. Season with salt to taste.

If using a blender, blend everything at once and add water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Layer your serving bowls with a grain base if desired (like quinoa or brown rice). Spoon on the roasted vegetables and chickpeas, then drizzle generously with the maple Dijon tahini dressing. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh finish.

Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Notes

Roast in Batches if Needed: If your baking sheet is crowded, divide the ingredients across two trays. This ensures everything roasts instead of steaming.
Adjust Spice Levels: Want some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the veggie seasoning mix.
Versatile Base Options: This bowl works just as well with roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or cauliflower—swap in whatever veggies you have on hand.
Make It a Meal Prep Staple: These bowls store wonderfully and the dressing keeps well for up to 5 days, making it ideal for preparing ahead.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Drying Step for Chickpeas: Leaving chickpeas wet means they’ll turn mushy, not crisp, during roasting.
Overcrowding the Pan: When veggies overlap, they release steam and lose that sought-after roasted texture.
Not Tossing Mid-Roast: Flipping the veggies halfway ensures even browning and helps avoid burnt edges.
Over-thinning the Dressing: Add water to the tahini dressing slowly; too much too soon and it’ll turn watery and bland.
Forgetting to Taste & Adjust: The dressing’s balance depends on your tahini’s flavor—taste as you go and adjust the lemon juice, salt, or maple syrup as needed.

What to Serve With Roasted Veggie & Chickpea Bowls?

These bowls are already well-balanced, but pairing them with the right sides or add-ons can elevate the meal into something even more satisfying or suited for entertaining.

8 Recommendations:

Warm Pita or Naan Bread
Ideal for scooping up roasted veggies and soaking up the dressing.
A Light Cucumber Yogurt Salad
Offers a refreshing, cooling contrast to the warmth and richness of the bowl.
Lemon Herb Quinoa
A fluffy grain option that adds an extra layer of protein and zest.
Pickled Red Onions
Their sharp tang complements the sweet and creamy dressing beautifully.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For a double-roast bowl and a bit of extra heartiness and sweetness.
Sautéed Greens (Kale or Spinach)
Quick to prepare and adds an earthy, nutrient-dense punch to the plate.
Grilled Halloumi or Feta Crumbles (if not vegan)
For a savory, salty bite that contrasts with the veggies.
Chickpea Flat Patties or Falafel
Great for turning the bowl into a more protein-packed, Mediterranean-style spread.

These pairings keep things fresh and versatile, whether you’re serving a casual weeknight dinner or building a vibrant buffet for guests.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store the roasted veggies and chickpeas in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain texture and freshness.
Dressing Storage: The maple Dijon tahini dressing keeps well in a sealed jar in the fridge for 5–6 days. Shake or stir before using.
Reheating: Warm the veggies and chickpeas in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain crispiness.
Freezing: Not recommended. The texture of both the chickpeas and vegetables degrades after thawing, and the dressing may separate.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving – based on 4 servings without grains)

Calories: ~370 kcal
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 9g
Sugars: 7g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: ~320mg

These values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used, especially if additional toppings or grains are added.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned chickpeas directly?

Yes, but be sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before roasting to help them crisp up properly in the oven.

2. What if I don’t have tahini?

You can substitute with cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even plain hummus for a similar creamy texture in the dressing.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, it’s gluten-free, provided you use certified gluten-free grains if adding a base like quinoa or rice.

4. Can I make the dressing in advance?

Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared up to 5 days ahead. Just store it in a sealed jar and stir before using as it may thicken over time.

5. What’s the best way to make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for the veggies, or stir a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.

6. Can I roast the veggies in an air fryer?

Yes—just reduce the cooking time. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

7. Is this suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Store ingredients separately and assemble bowls fresh. The components reheat well and maintain flavor for several days.

8. What protein can I add if I want more?

Try grilled tofu, tempeh, or a scoop of lentils. If not vegan, boiled eggs or grilled chicken are great options too.

Conclusion

Roasted Veggie & Chickpea Bowls with Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing offer a vibrant, nourishing, and utterly satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for any day of the week. The combination of hearty roasted vegetables and crispy chickpeas layered with a creamy, sweet-savory dressing creates a delightful flavor experience. Whether you’re plant-based, meal-prepping, or simply craving something colorful and healthy, this dish delivers on every front.