Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl with Lemonherb Dressing
Recipe Introduction
Craving Sunshine?
Fancy a bit of the Mediterranean without the pricey plane ticket? Ever since my trip to Santorini, I’ve been obsessed with recreating those vibrant flavours.
This Mediterranean quinoa power bowl is my go-to. It's seriously sunshine in a bowl and will bring your senses to Greece in no time.
Bowl Me Over: Deets on This Delight
This healthy bowl recipe takes inspiration from classic Med flavours. It is a flavourful tribute to the region's fresh produce and simple, wholesome ingredients.
It's an easy peasy recipe chopping and a bit of quinoa cooking is all you need! It yields two generous servings.
Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. These grain bowl recipes are my favourites.
Why You'll Love It (Besides the Taste!)
Honestly, what's not to love? This power bowl is packed with nutrients and offers a complete, balanced meal. Quinoa is a protein powerhouse, while the veggies are bursting with vitamins.
Serve this for a light weeknight dinner or pack it for a healthy lunch. What makes this quinoa bowl recipe special? The lemon herb dressing ! It brightens everything up.
This recipe fits perfectly into the family of lunch bowl ideas .
Ready to Get Bowl-d?
Next up, the ingredient list. It is quite simple, you will find it quite easy to adapt and use!
Get Your Bowl On: Ingredients and Gear
Ready to build your own amazing Mediterranean bowl ? This quinoa bowl recipe is super easy, and it's packed with flavour.
It's become one of my go-to lunch bowl ideas , especially when I need something healthy and quick. Honestly, who doesn't love a good power bowl ? This one definitely delivers.
Before you start, let’s make sure you've got everything you need. It's a great base recipe for a healthy bowl recipe and can become one of your favorite grain bowl recipes or salad bowl meals .
This is one of the best quick weeknight dinners when you just can't be bothered.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of Your Bowl
- Quinoa : 1 cup (200g) , rinsed really well. Seriously, rinse it! I skipped this once and it tasted like soap, a real buzzkill.
- Vegetable Broth : 2 cups (475ml) . This adds so much flavour. If you only have water, that’s fine, but broth is better.
- Salt : 1/4 teaspoon . Just a pinch.
- Cucumber : 1 cup (150g) , chopped. The crunch is essential.
- Cherry Tomatoes : 1 cup (150g) , halved. Sweet and juicy.
- Red Bell Pepper : 1/2 cup (75g) , chopped. Adds colour and a bit of sweetness.
- Red Onion : 1/2 cup (75g) , chopped. A little goes a long way.
- Kalamata Olives : 1/2 cup (50g) , pitted and halved. These are the real deal.
- Chickpeas : 1 cup (170g) , cooked, rinsed and drained. OR, 6 oz (170g) grilled chicken.
- Feta Cheese (optional) : 1/4 cup (30g) , crumbled. Adds the salty tang.
Seasoning Notes: Dressing It Up
For that gorgeous lemon herb dressing :
- Olive Oil : 3 tablespoons (45ml) . Extra virgin, always!
- Lemon Juice : 2 tablespoons (30ml) , freshly squeezed.
- Red Wine Vinegar : 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a little zing.
- Garlic : 1 clove , minced. Don't be shy.
- Fresh Parsley : 1 tablespoon (15ml) , chopped. Fresh is best!
- Fresh Mint : 1 tablespoon (15ml) , chopped. Smells amazing.
- Dried Oregano : 1/2 teaspoon . A classic.
- Salt and Pepper : To taste. Don’t forget to season!
Don’t have parsley or mint? A little dried Italian seasoning will do in a pinch. I once used a bit of basil and it was surprisingly good.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Medium saucepan. For cooking the quinoa.
- Cutting board. Obvious, right?
- Chef's knife. A good one makes chopping easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy matters!
- Whisk. For the dressing.
- Large mixing bowl. Or two smaller ones, for serving your perfect Buddha bowl .
Don’t have a whisk? A fork works just fine. This recipe is all about flexibility!
Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl: Sunshine in a Bowl!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good bowl recipe? They're quick, easy, and packed with goodness. Today, we're diving into a Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl that will blow your socks off! This isn't just another healthy bowl recipe; it’s a flavor party! Plus, it’s totally adaptable.
This recipe is one of my favorite lunch bowl ideas. Let's get started!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first: let's get organized. We're talking about essential mise en place , people! Chop 1 cup (150g) of cucumber, 1 cup (150g) of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup (75g) of red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup (75g) of red onion.
Halve 1/2 cup (50g) of Kalamata olives. If you're using chicken, slice 6 oz (170g). Grab 1 cup (170g) of cooked chickpeas too! Don't forget 1/4 cup (30g) of crumbled feta, if you're feeling cheesy.
Trust me, prepping everything beforehand will save you a ton of time, perfect for quick weeknight dinners . I forgot once, and almost set the kitchen on fire rushing to chop veggies while the quinoa boiled.
Oops!
Bowl Building Bonanza: step-by-step
Cook the Quinoa: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup (200g) of rinsed quinoa, 2 cups (475ml) of vegetable broth, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes . Fluff with a fork.
Veggie Time: Make sure all your veggies are prepped and ready to go.
Dressing Magic: Whisk together 3 tablespoons (45ml) of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon (15ml) each of chopped parsley and mint, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
This lemon herb dressing is the key!
Bowl Assembly: Divide the quinoa between two bowls. Top with all those gorgeous chopped veggies, chickpeas (or chicken), and feta (if using).
Dress It Up: Drizzle generously with the lemon herb dressing.
Serve immediately : or chill for later.
Pro Tips for Bowl Brilliance
- Rinse that quinoa! Seriously, don't skip this step. It gets rid of any bitterness.
- The dressing is the boss! Make a double batch of the Lemon herb dressing . It keeps for days in the fridge and elevates any salad bowl meals.
- Avoid the quinoa mush! Don't overcook it . It should be fluffy, not gloopy.
This isn’t just a Quinoa bowl recipe ; it's a celebration of flavour and good health. It’s also a great base for experimenting with other grain bowl recipes.
Trust me, once you make this Mediterranean bowl, you'll be hooked! So go ahead, give it a go, and tell me what you think.
Recipe Notes for Your Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl
Alright, let's talk about making this Mediterranean bowl truly yours . This healthy bowl recipe is more of a guideline than a rigid set of rules.
Feel free to experiment and make it your own power bowl masterpiece.
Serving Up Sunshine: Plating & Presentation
Honestly, half the fun is how it looks, right? I love arranging all the colorful veggies in little sections on top of the quinoa bowl recipe , kinda like a rainbow.
It makes it feel extra special. For a little extra oomph , sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. A drizzle more of that amazing lemon herb dressing never hurts, either.
Sidekicks & Sip: What Goes Well with This Bowl
This buddha bowl is pretty darn satisfying on its own. You know? If you're feeling fancy, a side of warm pita bread for scooping up all the deliciousness is always a win.
A refreshing glass of iced tea or even some sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is perfect to wash it all down.
It's one of the great lunch bowl ideas .
Storage Savvy: Keeping Your Bowl Fresh
This salad bowl meals can absolutely be prepped ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat, that way nothing gets soggy.
Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftover components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days . Freezing Options: I wouldn't recommend freezing the whole thing, as the veggies will get a bit mushy.
However, you can freeze the cooked quinoa for up to a month. Reheating Instructions: Reheat the quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Mix It Up: Variations to Try
Wanna shake things up? Here are a few ideas.
Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan version, just skip the feta cheese. Easy peasy! It is one of the great grain bowl recipes .
Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, swap out the bell peppers for roasted butternut squash. In the spring, some asparagus would be divine.
Goodness Inside: A Little Nutrition Talk
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but I know this power bowl is packed with good stuff. We're talking protein from the quinoa and chickpeas, loads of vitamins and minerals from the veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
It’s a great option for quick weeknight dinners .
Here's a quick look at the key health benefits. High in fibre from the quinoa and vegetables. Good source of protein.
Provides essential vitamins and minerals. And let's face it, it tastes amazing!
So there you have it! Don't be afraid to play around with the ingredients and make this bowl your own. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this power bowl ahead of time for meal prep, or will it get soggy?
Absolutely! You can definitely prep this Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the quinoa and veggies from getting soggy nobody wants a soggy bottom, as Prue would say!
Store the assembled bowl (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The dressing can be stored separately for up to a week.
I'm not a fan of quinoa. Can I substitute something else as the base for this bowl?
No worries, you've got options! If quinoa isn't your cup of tea, try couscous or brown rice. Both are great alternatives that will soak up the delicious lemon herb dressing. You could even use a bed of leafy greens like spinach or arugula for a lighter, lower carb bowl option.
What other proteins would work well in this Mediterranean power bowl besides chickpeas or chicken?
This bowl is very adaptable! If you’re looking for other protein sources, grilled halloumi cheese, baked falafel, or even some hard boiled eggs would be fantastic. For a different take, try adding some canned tuna or salmon for a boost of Omega-3s.
Tofu that's been pressed and pan-fried is an excellent addition for a vegetarian option, as well.
Is this bowl recipe healthy, and what are the nutritional benefits?
You bet! This Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl is packed with goodness. It's a great source of protein from the quinoa and chickpeas (or chicken), fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil and feta cheese (if using). Plus, it's loaded with vitamins and minerals.
It's the kind of meal that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied much better than a cheeky Nandos!
My lemon herb dressing tastes a little bland. What can I do to boost the flavor of the bowl?
A bland dressing is easily fixed! First, make sure you've added enough salt and pepper it often makes a big difference. A squeeze of extra lemon juice will give it more zing. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.
You can also try adding a touch of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick and emulsification.
How can I prevent my chopped vegetables from browning before I assemble the bowl?
Browning can be a bummer, especially with avocados, but this bowl doesn't contain any! Lightly coat the chopped veggies (especially the red onion) with a little lemon juice or olive oil. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to prevent oxidation, which is what causes browning.
Store the chopped vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps them stay fresh and vibrant until you're ready to assemble your bowl.
Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl With Lemonherb D
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 10g |
