Save A vibrant, wholesome bowl featuring fluffy grains, crisp greens, and Mediterranean-inspired toppings. Perfect as a light meal or a nourishing side, this dish bursts with fresh flavors and color.
This Mediterranean grain bowl quickly became a favorite for weeknight dinners and satisfying lunches. The combination of textures and tastes keeps every bite exciting.
Ingredients
- Grains: 1 cup quinoa (or farro, bulgur, or brown rice), 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 cup cucumber diced, 1/2 red onion thinly sliced, 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine), 1/2 cup roasted red peppers sliced
- Toppings: 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved, 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Dressing: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 garlic clove minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Rinse the grains under cold water. In a medium saucepan combine grains and water (or broth). Bring to a boil reduce heat cover and simmer until tender (about 15 &ndash 20 minutes for quinoa adjust for other grains). Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Step 2:
- Prepare the dressing In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice garlic oregano salt and pepper.
- Step 3:
- Arrange the mixed greens in the base of four bowls. Top with cooked grains.
- Step 4:
- Add cherry tomatoes cucumber red onion and roasted red peppers over the grains.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle with olives feta cheese and toasted pine nuts.
- Step 6:
- Drizzle each bowl with the dressing just before serving.
- Step 7:
- Toss gently to combine or serve layered for a composed presentation.
Save This bowl has become a staple at family gatherings especially during warmer months when fresh produce is plentiful.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan knife and cutting board small mixing bowl whisk serving bowls
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts). Omit or substitute ingredients as needed. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutrition
Calories 390 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 11 g per serving
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Enjoy this colorful bowl as a quick nutritious meal that’s easy to customize to your taste.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What grains work best for this bowl?
Quinoa, farro, bulgur, or brown rice all blend well, each offering unique textures and flavors. Choose based on preference and dietary needs.
- → Can the dressing be prepared in advance?
Yes, the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano dressing can be whisked and refrigerated up to a day before serving for enhanced flavors.
- → How can I make this bowl vegan?
Simply omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep the dish dairy-free while maintaining creaminess.
- → Are there suitable nut substitutes for this bowl?
Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds work well in place of pine nuts, offering similar crunch and a complementary taste.
- → What are good protein additions to this dish?
Grilled chicken or chickpeas enhance protein content and texture, making the bowl more filling and balanced.