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
Scale
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
