Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Featured in: Light Grain Bowls & Everyday Lunches

This Mediterranean grain bowl offers a vibrant mix of tender grains and crisp vegetables, complemented by olives, feta, and pine nuts. The simple lemon and oregano dressing ties the flavors together, creating a fresh, colorful dish perfect for a light meal or side. Easy to prepare within 45 minutes, it suits vegetarian and gluten-free preferences when using the right grains. Customize with grilled chicken or plant-based feta for varied protein options and enjoy a balanced, flavorful bowl that pairs well with light wines.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:27:00 GMT
A colorful Mediterranean Grain Bowl filled with quinoa, vegetables, and creamy feta cheese. Save
A colorful Mediterranean Grain Bowl filled with quinoa, vegetables, and creamy feta cheese. | wheatkettle.com

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

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Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
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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.
Product image
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Freshly assembled Mediterranean Grain Bowl, perfect for a light lunch, drizzled with lemon dressing. Save
Freshly assembled Mediterranean Grain Bowl, perfect for a light lunch, drizzled with lemon dressing. | wheatkettle.com

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

Fluffy quinoa and vibrant veggies combine in this delicious Mediterranean Grain Bowl served in bowls. Save
Fluffy quinoa and vibrant veggies combine in this delicious Mediterranean Grain Bowl served in bowls. | wheatkettle.com
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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.

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

A nourishing bowl with fluffy grains, fresh vegetables, and flavorful Mediterranean toppings.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Lillian Roberts


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mediterranean

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Info Meat-Free

What You Need

Grains

01 1 cup quinoa (or farro, bulgur, or brown rice)
02 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth

Vegetables

01 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
02 1 cup cucumber, diced
03 ½ red onion, thinly sliced
04 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
05 ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced

Toppings

01 ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
02 ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
03 ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Dressing

01 ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 1 garlic clove, minced
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Cook grains: Rinse grains under cold water. Combine grains and water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender, approximately 15–20 minutes for quinoa. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.

Step 02

Prepare dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 03

Assemble base: Divide mixed greens among four serving bowls forming the base layer. Spoon cooked grains evenly over the greens.

Step 04

Add vegetables: Distribute cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and roasted red peppers over the grain layer in each bowl.

Step 05

Add toppings: Sprinkle Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts over the vegetables.

Step 06

Dress and serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over each bowl just before serving. Toss gently to combine or serve layered for presentation.

Essential Gear

  • Medium saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowls

Allergy Notice

Read each ingredient label for allergens and talk to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts).

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details here are for general info and aren't meant as medical advice.
  • Kcal: 390
  • Fats: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 11 grams