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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

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A quick, easy, and vibrant Mediterranean quinoa bowl packed with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for a healthy, colorful meal any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove the natural coating called saponin.
  2. Toast the quinoa by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast, stirring frequently, until nutty and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add 2 cups water or vegetable broth to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  4. While quinoa cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Slice Kalamata olives and chop parsley and mint.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, olives, and herbs. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the bowl and toss lightly or leave on top for presentation.
  8. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa removes bitterness. Toasting quinoa adds nuttiness. Letting the bowl chill for 20-30 minutes helps flavors meld. For vegan option, omit or substitute feta with dairy-free cheese or avocado. Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra texture. Adjust dressing tanginess with a pinch of honey or maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean quinoa bowl, healthy quinoa recipe, easy quinoa salad, fresh quinoa bowl, vegetarian quinoa bowl, gluten-free quinoa recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-bowl-recipe-easy-healthy-vibrant-ingredients/