Packed with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and nourishing ingredients, the Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl is a feel-good dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Every bite is a joyful mix of fluffy quinoa, crisp veggies, briny olives, tangy feta, and zesty dressing—plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome lunch, a satisfying dinner, or the perfect meal prep star, this bowl brings the best of the Mediterranean right to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl is how each ingredient shines on its own while coming together for a harmonious, crave-worthy meal. These simple staples deliver big on taste, texture, and color, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
- Quinoa: This ancient grain forms the hearty, protein-packed base and cooks up fluffy in just minutes.
- Water: Just enough to perfectly cook the quinoa and keep it light instead of mushy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness add a fresh, vibrant burst to the bowl.
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, diced cucumber gives a cool crunch that balances the rich flavors.
- Kalamata Olives: Briny and bold, these olives are the secret to that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a little bite and a pop of color—soak them in cold water if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangy, crumbled feta is the ultimate finishing touch.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings a lemony, herby freshness that lifts up all the flavors.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil adds richness and ties the dressing together.
- Lemon Juice: Bright and citrusy, lemon juice wakes up every ingredient in the bowl.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Just a splash gives the dressing a subtle tang.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that adds earthy, savory notes to the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Optional: Hummus or Tzatziki: A generous scoop on top makes the bowl even more satisfying and creamy.
How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water—this simple step removes any bitterness and helps the grains cook up fluffy. Combine one cup of quinoa with two cups of water in a medium saucepan, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Fluff it with a fork to keep those grains light and airy.
Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
While your quinoa is cooking, get your veggies ready. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, slice the Kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the parsley and crumble the feta cheese. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembly a breeze and keeps your bowl super fresh.
Step 3: Mix Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing is bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—it should be zippy and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the slightly cooled quinoa to a large bowl, then toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, feta, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the top and use a large spoon to gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated and colorful. It’s as simple as that!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
You can enjoy your Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl immediately while it’s just slightly warm, or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold meal later. For a finishing touch, top each bowl with a scoop of creamy hummus or cool tzatziki if you wish. Dig in and savor every Mediterranean-inspired bite!
How to Serve Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, a few more crumbles of feta, or a drizzle of olive oil always make the bowl pop. For a little crunch, try adding toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds. If you like a kick, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can add extra personality to your Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair your bowl with warm pita bread, crisp pita chips, or a simple side of marinated chickpeas. If you want to make your meal even heartier, a small bowl of lentil soup or a plate of roasted vegetables will complement the flavors and textures beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, arrange the ingredients in sections over the quinoa base for a gorgeous, deconstructed look—let guests build their own Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl! Or pack it into mason jars for a portable, layered lunch that’s as pretty as it is practical. Individual bowls with different toppings like hummus, tzatziki, or grilled chicken let everyone customize their meal just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl is a meal prep dream! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, so it’s just as tasty (if not better) the next day. Just be sure to keep any extra dressing or garnishes separate until you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste.
Freezing
While the fresh veggies and feta don’t love the freezer, you can freeze cooked quinoa on its own for up to 2 months. Simply cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to whip up another Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl.
Reheating
If you prefer your bowl warm, you can gently reheat the quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding your fresh toppings. Avoid reheating the full assembled bowl, as the veggies and feta are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I add protein to my Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp work wonderfully for extra protein. Just toss them in with the rest of the ingredients or serve them on top for a more filling meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and all the other ingredients are safe for gluten-free diets. Just double-check your store-bought dressings or toppings if you’re adding anything extra.
What dressing alternatives can I use?
If you want a creamier dressing, try whisking in a bit of tahini or plain Greek yogurt. You can also swap the red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar depending on what you have on hand.
How can I make this bowl vegan?
Simply leave out the feta cheese or substitute it with your favorite vegan feta. Also, choose a plant-based dip like hummus instead of tzatziki to keep everything dairy-free.
Can I make Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowls ahead for lunches?
Definitely! Assemble the bowls in individual containers, keep the dressing on the side, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pour on the dressing and enjoy a fresh, flavorful lunch anywhere.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make, the Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl is a no-brainer. It’s the kind of dish that never gets old and always leaves you feeling energized. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it every week!
Print
Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and nutritious Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, perfect for a healthy vegetarian and gluten-free meal.
Ingredients
Quinoa Base
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
Fresh Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Hummus or tzatziki for serving
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the quinoa cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the Kalamata olives, thinly slice the red onion, crumble the feta cheese, and chop the fresh parsley. Place all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Bowl: Add the cooked and slightly cooled quinoa to the bowl with the vegetables and feta. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together to evenly coat.
- Serve: Serve immediately for a fresh, warm bowl, or chill in the refrigerator for a cold, refreshing meal. Optionally, top each serving with a scoop of hummus or tzatziki for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- This bowl is ideal for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to increase the protein content.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to taste for more tang or richness.
- Use fresh herbs like mint or basil for variation.
- Ensure quinoa is rinsed well to remove saponins for a less bitter flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
