Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever feel like your kitchen clutter is a culinary crime scene? This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is a delicious way to reclaim your space and your health. It is bursting with sunshine flavours.
Brief Overview
Hailing from the lands of sun-drenched shores, this quinoa bowl recipe is a staple of the Mediterranean diet . It’s unbelievably easy and takes around 35 minutes.
This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prep.
Main Benefits
This bowl is packed with nutrients. It's a healthy eating recipes option. It's perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.
What makes this recipe special? It's a simple way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
Ready to ditch the junk? This recipe is inspired by the idea to embrace a fresh start and understanding that there are 10 Things to Eliminate from your diet.
Let's talk ingredients. We are starting with 1 cup (200g) quinoa . It is the base of our tasty bowl. This little grain is a nutritional powerhouse!
Now, let's tackle the veggies. Grab 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper, a red onion, and some juicy cherry tomatoes.
They are colourful, tasty and super good for you! I usually saute them just a little but this is totally optional.
Don't forget the spice rack ! We'll need some dried oregano for that authentic Mediterranean flair. Plus, a little sea salt and black pepper to bring out all the flavours.
Oh my gosh, I almost forgot! For that extra bit of deliciousness, consider adding a sprinkle of feta cheese. But hey, if you're keeping things plant based, totally skip it! This quinoa bowl recipe is super versatile.
I truly believe decluttering your diet is as important as clearing out your pantry design . Say goodbye to processed foods , refined sugar , unhealthy fats , and artificial sweeteners , and hello to this vibrant bowl of goodness.
Let me be honest: I once tried to make a similar bowl with pre-made dressing. The result? Total disaster! That’s why I always make mine from scratch now with fresh lemon juice!
As you prepare to create this masterpiece, remember: Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or boring. It can be a joyful experience.
Alright, let's dive into making our amazing Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl ! It's all about ditching the junk and embracing healthy eating recipes , especially after thinking about 10 Things to Eliminate from your kitchen to detox your diet.
Trust me, this recipe is a winner. It's also a great way to get started with that Mediterranean diet we've all heard so much about.
I once made this for a potluck and it was gone in minutes! Let's clean up that Kitchen Clutter and start fresh!
Ingredients & Equipment
Ready to swap processed foods for something delicious? This Quinoa bowl recipe is your answer!
Main Ingredients
- Quinoa: 1 cup (200g) , rinsed. Quality quinoa should be light in color.
- Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (475ml) , low sodium.
- Olive Oil: 1 tsp (5ml) for the quinoa, 1 tbsp (15ml) for veggies, 1/4 cup (60ml) for dressing.
- Bell Peppers: 1 red, 1 yellow , diced.
- Red Onion: 1 small , thinly sliced.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (150g) , halved.
- Chickpeas: 1 (15 oz/425g) can , drained and rinsed. Honestly, canned chickpeas are fine. I've used them for years!
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup (75g) , pitted and halved.
- Feta Cheese: 4 oz (115g) , crumbled (optional).
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) , freshly squeezed. Fresh is key!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Sea Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish.
- Fresh Mint: For garnish (optional).
Seasoning Notes
This recipe is all about those Mediterranean flavours. The oregano, garlic, and lemon combo is essential. I also like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, but that's just me! You could also add a pinch of sumac for a zingy kick!
A great way to control refined sugar and unhealthy fats is by making your own dressing from scratch.
It's so easy, and you avoid all those hidden nasties. Take a look at your Spice Rack .
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gear! A medium saucepan with a lid is essential for the quinoa. A large bowl for mixing.
A whisk for the dressing. And a cutting board and knife for chopping. You got this! You can use Pantry Design to accommodate all of the ingredients.
Seriously, this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is a game changer. It shows that you can ditch the artificial sweeteners , processed foods , and refined sugar without sacrificing flavor.
Give it a go, and let me know what you think. If you are looking at 10 Things to Eliminate from your diet I think this is a great place to start.
The Spice Rack has all the flavor you will need to be creative. It's a healthy eating recipe that will make you feel amazing.
I'm telling you.
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl: Ditch the Junk, Embrace the YUM!
Alright, let's talk healthy eating recipes ! You know how we always mean to eat better, but then life gets in the way? Well, I've got the perfect solution: a Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl that's so delicious, you won't even realize it's good for you.
Honestly, I was inspired by this article, "10 Things to Eliminate from Your Kitchen Right Now" it got me thinking about all that kitchen clutter and how to actually use the good stuff.
Let's be real, pantry design is key to keeping things tidy. This bowl is all about ditching the processed junk and welcoming vibrant flavours.
The inspiration came about while redesigning my spice rack ; I looked at all the delicious spices and thought about how to best use them.
It is like a summer holiday in a bowl!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic!
Before we get started, let's talk prep. It's all about mise en place , darling! We are going to prepare the quinoa bowl recipe .
That means chopping your veggies, rinsing your quinoa, and getting your dressing ingredients ready. Organisation is KEY for saving time.
Safety first, though! Keep those knives sharp and your fingers out of the way. Honestly, I have cut myself so many times.
..
step-by-step to Mediterranean Deliciousness!
- Cook the Quinoa : Pop 1 cup (200g) of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups (475ml) of veggie broth (or water) and 1 tsp (5ml) of olive oil in a pan. Simmer for 15 minutes , covered, until the liquid is gone.
- Sauté (Optional) : In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil. Add 1 diced red pepper, 1 diced yellow pepper, and 1 thinly sliced red onion. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes, until soft.
- Combine EVERYTHING : In a large bowl, mix your cooked quinoa, sautéed veggies (if you used them), 1 cup (150g) halved cherry tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz/425g) rinsed chickpeas, and 1/2 cup (75g) halved Kalamata olives. If you're feeling fancy, chuck in 4oz (115g) of crumbled feta.
- Dressing Time : Whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, 3 tbsp (45ml) lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Dress It Up : Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss!
- Garnish & Serve : Sprinkle with fresh parsley and mint. Boom!
Pro Tips for a Bowl of Sunshine
Want to take it to the next level? First, never skip on using quality olive oil. Second, ditch the processed foods and embrace the fresh ingredients.
Seriously, they make all the difference. Be careful not to overload the dressing. This could be done beforehand, cook quinoa, and prepare the salad.
It’s perfect for healthy eating recipes . Also, 10 Things to Eliminate from your Pantry Design : Refined Sugar , Artificial sweeteners , Unhealthy fats , Artificial sweeteners , Processed foods , Refined Sugar , Artificial Sweeteners , Unhealthy Fats , Processed Foods , and Heavily Processed Oils .
This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl can be your gateway to a more conscious and delicious lifestyle!
Recipe Notes for Your Kitchen Detox Quinoa Bowl
So, you're about to whip up this smashing Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl ? Ace! Just a few extra nuggets of wisdom to make it even more you .
Plus, we're sneaking in some tips on saying sayonara to the Kitchen Clutter .
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look the Business!
Honestly, presentation is half the battle. Plating this is easy. Pile that quinoa bowl recipe high in a nice bowl.
Drizzle extra dressing artistically. Think sunshine on a plate! A sprig of mint or parsley adds a professional touch. On a hot day a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio would be amazing on the side.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This keeps like a champ. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .
The flavours actually meld and get even better. I haven't tried freezing it yet, tbh. I doubt it would freeze very well, the vegetables get very mushy when they get frozen.
When reheating, just give it a gentle toss. You know? Just like new!
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Got dietary needs? No worries! For a vegan version, just ditch the feta. You can also add some nutritional yeast to replicate some cheesy taste.
Swapping out seasonal ingredients is also awesome. In the winter this dish is amazing with roasted butternut squash instead of bell peppers!
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Awesome
Right, let's talk about why this quinoa bowl is a champion. It's loaded with protein from the quinoa and chickpeas.
Healthy fats from the olive oil. Lots of fibre too, which is very good for your health. And, it contributes to your Healthy eating recipes repertoire.
This is basically a hug for your insides! I'm no nutritionist, but even I can see this is good grub.
Oh my gosh, this bowl is your secret weapon for a healthy and delicious lifestyle. If you are trying to implement the article "10 Things to Eliminate from" your lifestyle, this is a great start.
Now go and create some magic in the kitchen! Also, you might want to start to consider doing some Pantry Design , it is always a good idea to have a Spice Rack organised, and be mindful of Processed foods , Refined sugar , Unhealthy fats and Artificial sweeteners .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! This bowl is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the quinoa, chop the veggies, and even make the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Just store everything separately in the fridge and combine them right before serving. Think of it as your ready-to-go sunshine in a bowl!
I'm trying to reduce inflammation and looking for a recipe that helps me think about "10 Things to Eliminate from" my diet, is this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl a good choice?
You bet! This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is a fantastic choice for reducing inflammation. It's packed with whole foods like quinoa, fresh vegetables, and olive oil, all known for their anti inflammatory properties.
Plus, by making it from scratch, you're skipping the processed ingredients and unhealthy additives that can contribute to inflammation. It’s a win-win!
I'm a bit of a culinary novice. Is this recipe really as easy as it sounds?
Totally! This recipe is designed to be super simple. If you can boil water and chop a few veggies, you've got this. There are no fancy techniques or complicated steps involved. Think of it like assembling a delicious Lego set only tastier!
I'm not a big fan of feta cheese. What can I substitute it with in this quinoa bowl?
No worries, there are plenty of options! For a similar salty, tangy flavour, you could try crumbled goat cheese or even halloumi (if you can get your hands on some). If you're going vegan, simply omit the cheese altogether or add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
You can also try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavour.
How long will the Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep in mind that the dressing might make the quinoa a bit softer over time, so it's best enjoyed sooner rather than later. It's a great option for lunch during the week!
Can I add some protein to this recipe? I need something to keep me going all day.
Absolutely! This bowl is a blank canvas for protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked tofu would be fantastic additions. You could also stir in some cooked lentils or add a handful of toasted nuts and seeds for extra protein and crunch. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect protein power-up!
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 8g |
