Oh, friends, let me tell you about my latest obsession: the *Mediterranean Grain Bowl*! Seriously, if sunshine had a flavor, this would be it. I’ve been whipping these up like crazy lately, and I just HAD to share the recipe with you. It’s bursting with all those vibrant, fresh flavors I adore – think juicy tomatoes, salty olives, crunchy cucumbers, and a zingy dressing that ties it all together.
What I really love is how versatile it is! You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, swap out the grains, and even add some protein to make it a complete meal. Plus, it’s so good for you! My doctor is always happy when I tell her I’ve been eating my *Mediterranean Grain Bowl*. Trust me, once you try this *Mediterranean Grain Bowl*, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Okay, so why should *you* make this? Lemme tell ya:
- It’s crazy quick to throw together – huge win on busy nights!
- Seriously packed with good stuff – nutrients galore!
- You can totally make it your own – swap in your fave veggies!
- Meal prep superstar – makes lunch a breeze!
- And the best part? It’s ridiculously delicious!
Quick and Easy Mediterranean Grain Bowl Recipe
Seriously, this is faster than ordering takeout. I’m talking weeknight dinner hero material! You can whip up a batch of this Mediterranean Grain Bowl while the quinoa cooks. Boom. Dinner is served!
Nutritious and Delicious Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Forget boring salads! This Mediterranean Grain Bowl is actually GOOD for you! We’re talking whole grains, tons of veggies, and healthy fats – a total win-win. It’s like a party in your bowl and your body will thank you!
Mediterranean Grain Bowl Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Mediterranean Grain Bowl. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa – the base of our delicious bowl!
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed – gotta get those little guys ready!
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – for roasting the chickpeas!
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil – for the dressing, we want the good stuff!
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – adds a little zing!
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice – trust me, fresh is best here!
- 1 clove garlic, minced – because everything’s better with garlic (almost!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – just a pinch!
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced – adds that refreshing crunch!
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – little bursts of sweetness!
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted – that salty, briny flavor is a MUST!
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – for a little bite!
- 1/4 cup hummus, store-bought or homemade – creamy goodness!
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – my favorite part! Smells amazing!
- Salt and pepper to taste – because we’re fancy like that!
How to Make the Best Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, it’s super easy! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Mediterranean Grain Bowl in no time. I promise, you can’t mess this up!
Cooking the Quinoa for Your Mediterranean Grain Bowl
First things first: the quinoa! This is important: rinse it *really* well under cold water. Seriously, don’t skip this! It gets rid of any bitterness. Then, pop it in a saucepan with twice as much water as quinoa (so, 2 cups of water for our 1 cup of quinoa). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork – ta-da! Perfect quinoa!
Roasting the Chickpeas for Added Flavor in Your Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Next up: chickpeas! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While it’s heating up, drain and rinse those little guys. Toss them with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and that 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them for 10-15 minutes, but don’t forget to toss them halfway through! This is key! Roasting them gives them this amazing crispy texture and brings out so much flavor. Seriously, roasted chickpeas are life-changing!
Assembling Your Delicious Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Now for the fun part! Grab your favorite bowl and get ready to assemble your masterpiece. I like to start with a base of quinoa, then layer on the cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onion. A dollop of hummus in the center is a must! Finally, sprinkle with fresh basil and drizzle with that yummy balsamic dressing. You can totally arrange it however you like, but I find layering it like this makes every bite a perfect mix of flavors. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste, and you’re done! Enjoy!
Tips for a Perfect Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Want to take your Mediterranean Grain Bowl to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips. First, always taste and adjust the seasoning! A little extra salt or pepper can make a HUGE difference. Fresh ingredients are key, too! Seriously, the better the tomatoes, the better the bowl. I learned that the hard way. Nobody wants a soggy bowl, so don’t dress it until you’re ready to eat! And hey, don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s how the magic happens!
Mediterranean Grain Bowl Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic bowl – now let’s get crazy! Seriously, the possibilities are endless. Try swapping the basil for fresh mint or parsley – it’ll give it a whole new vibe! A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, too, if you’re into that kinda thing. Wanna add some protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp would be amazing! And don’t even get me started on veggies – roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts would be delicious. Oh! And feta cheese? Yes, please! Just have fun with it and make it your own!
Storing Your Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These bowls are fantastic the next day. Just pop them in an airtight container (I love using glass!), and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. I usually skip reheating mine – I think they’re even better cold! But if you prefer yours warm, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me about this Mediterranean Grain Bowl:
Can I make this Mediterranean Grain Bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is meal-prep gold! But here’s the secret: keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Otherwise, things can get a little soggy. You can cook the quinoa, roast the chickpeas, and chop all the veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Then, when lunchtime rolls around, just toss everything together with the dressing. Easy peasy!
What other vegetables can I add to my Mediterranean Grain Bowl?
Oh, the possibilities! Seriously, anything goes! But if you want to stick with that Mediterranean vibe, try adding some roasted bell peppers (red or yellow are my faves!), grilled zucchini, artichoke hearts (the marinated kind are extra delicious!), or even some sun-dried tomatoes. Trust me, they’re all amazing!
Is this Mediterranean Grain Bowl gluten-free?
Good question! As written, yes, this recipe *is* gluten-free! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and so are all the veggies and other ingredients. Just be sure to double-check the label on your hummus to make sure it doesn’t contain any sneaky gluten-containing additives. And if you’re super sensitive, make sure your balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free, too. Better safe than sorry!
Nutritional Information for Mediterranean Grain Bowl
Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info, right? Well, here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and honestly, it’s tough to give you exact numbers ’cause it all depends on the brands you use and how big your servings are. But just know this Mediterranean Grain Bowl is packed with good stuff! Lots of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. So, enjoy it! Just keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, okay?
Enjoy Your Homemade Mediterranean Grain Bowl!
Alright, my friend, that’s it! You’ve officially made your very own Mediterranean Grain Bowl! I’m so excited for you to try it! Seriously, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on social media! I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy bowl-ing!
Print
Mediterranean Grain Bowl: 3 Vital Tips for a Flawless Bowl
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean quinoa salad is made with grains, produce, and a homemade dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cucumbers sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup hummus
- 1/4 cup basil chopped
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Drain and rinse the chickpeas then toss them in the olive oil and salt. Roast them for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking.
- Mix dressing ingredients and set aside.
- Wash and prep all ingredients according to the ingredient list.
- Assemble the bowl with all of the ingredients.
Notes
- This grain bowl can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days in a closed container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 485kcal
- Sugar: 6.5g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 19.5g
- Saturated Fat: unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: unknown
- Trans Fat: unknown
- Carbohydrates: 63.3g
- Fiber: 13.7g
- Protein: 17.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
