Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, toss 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper. Spread the seasoned chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

While the chickpeas are roasting, chop your fresh vegetables. Dice 1-2 Persian cucumbers and halve a cup of cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are vibrant and fresh. If using avocados, slice them just before serving to prevent browning. Set these chopped veggies aside in a bowl, ready to be added to your Mediterranean quinoa bowl.

In your serving dishes or meal prep containers, start with a generous layer of cooked quinoa as the base. Top it with the roasted chickpeas, followed by the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. Ensure everything is well-distributed, creating a colorful and inviting presentation in your Mediterranean quinoa bowl.

Sprinkle pickled red onions over the layered ingredients, adding a zing of flavor to contrast with the creamy avocado. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as mint or parsley, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper for a mild kick. Finally, drizzle a generous amount of garlic yogurt sauce over the top, allowing it to seep into the bowl's colorful components.

Your beautiful Mediterranean quinoa bowl is ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it immediately at room temperature, or store it in the fridge for a quick meal later in the week. Just remember to keep the garlic yogurt sauce separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.