Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl with Grilled Halloumi

Summer Meal Prep Grilled Halloumi Quinoa Power Bowl

By Emma PrescottSeptember 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Craving sunshine on a plate? This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with grilled halloumi is your answer. It's my go-to when I need a delicious summer meal prep that actually tastes like a holiday.

Honestly, have you ever met anyone who doesn't love halloumi?

Brief Overview

Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, this salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients. It's a pretty easy summer recipe , perfect for beginners.

You will be done in under 45 minutes. This recipe makes 4 servings. It's ideal for prepping lunches or light dinners for the week.

Main Benefits

This quinoa power bowl is packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized all day long. Think of it as a taste of the Mediterranean diet meal prep .

This halloumi salad meal prep is so special because it's so versatile. You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand, and it gets better as it sits.

Time to talk ingredients!

Ingredients: What You'll Need for this make-ahead Salad Recipe

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this healthy meal prep recipe . First, the base: 1 cup of quinoa. Make sure you rinse it first!

Then, we need veggies like 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper. Half a cucumber and some cherry tomatoes too.

Don’t forget the salty goodness of olives, you'll need 1/4 cup. If you're feeling cheesy (and who isn't?), grab 1/4 cup of feta.

Finally, for the star of the show, you will need 8 ounces of halloumi.

Dressing: The Secret Sauce

The dressing is what really makes this summer meal prep sing. I like to keep it simple with 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and mint.

Some garlic and oregano are also key. A pinch of salt and pepper to season. This Mediterranean quinoa salad dressing is zesty and herbaceous, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.

It is the most important part of this amazing and easy meal prep lunch ideas .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Summer Meal Prep Party Started!

Okay, so we're diving into this Mediterranean quinoa salad adventure. It’s seriously one of my fave easy summer recipes , and perfect for meal prep lunch ideas .

This quinoa power bowl is all about fresh ingredients, so quality matters!

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

For the quinoa itself, you'll need 1 cup (190g) . Make sure you rinse it! Otherwise, it can taste a bit… soapy.

For the liquid, go for 2 cups (473ml) of water or veggie broth. I prefer broth, it adds a little extra oomph .

And don't forget that pinch of salt.

The dressing needs 1/4 cup (60ml) of good extra virgin olive oil. It makes a difference. We're also using 3 tablespoons (45ml) of fresh lemon juice bottled just doesn’t cut it, honestly! Then, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of chopped fresh mint.

For garlic just 1 clove, minced . The spices should be 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .

For the veggies, you’ll need 1 red bell pepper, diced , 1 yellow bell pepper, diced , 1/2 English cucumber, diced , and 1/2 cup (75g) of cherry tomatoes, halved.

And don't forget the 1/4 cup (35g) of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved.

Now, for the halloumi grab 8 ounces (225g) . Seriously, don't skimp on the halloumi. It’s the star of the show in this grilled halloumi recipe ! Quality halloumi should be firm and squeaky.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)

For this make-ahead salad recipes the key is the herbs and lemon. They bring that bright, fresh Mediterranean vibe. If you don’t have fresh parsley or mint, dried will do in a pinch, but fresh is always best.

Honestly? The aroma alone is worth it!

Not a fan of oregano? Thyme or marjoram are great substitutes. A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice little kick, too.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this healthy meal prep recipes . A medium saucepan for the quinoa is a must.

You'll also need a whisk for the dressing and a large bowl to toss everything together. For the halloumi, a grill pan or skillet will do the trick.

And of course, a chopping board and a sharp knife.

Ready to nail this halloumi salad meal prep ? I promise, it’s easier than ordering takeout!

**Let's Get This Summer Meal Prep Party Started!**

Alright, babes, listen up! We're diving headfirst into summer meal prep with a recipe that screams sunshine and good vibes.

Forget sad desk lunches and hello Mediterranean quinoa salad ! Honestly, this is gonna be your new go-to. The grilled halloumi recipe adds a salty, savory kick that you will go insane for.

Prep Steps: Getting Our Mise en Place On!

First, let's talk prep. Chopping veggies might feel like a chore, but trust me, it's worth it. A good mise en place is key for success.

Chop your bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Mince that garlic like you mean it. Doing all this beforehand saves time and reduces stress.

You know?

Grillin' Halloumi Like a Pro!

Rinse your 1 cup quinoa under cold water. Important!
Cook the quinoa with 2 cups of water (or broth) and a pinch of salt for 15 minutes. Simmer is key!. Fluff with a fork.
Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon mint, 1 minced clove of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and salt & pepper for the dressing.
Grill 8 ounces halloumi slices over medium high heat for 2- 3 minutes per side. We are aiming for golden perfection!
Combine cooled quinoa, chopped veggies, olives, and feta (if using) in a large bowl.
Pour over the dressing and toss gently.
Top with grilled halloumi . You can portion it into containers for meal prep lunch ideas .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Summer Meal Prep Game

Want to take this quinoa power bowl to the next level? Pat the halloumi dry before grilling for that perfect sear.

Don't overcook the quinoa nobody likes mushy grains! This recipe is perfect for healthy meal prep recipes , especially if you're aiming for a Mediterranean diet meal prep .

Honestly, this halloumi salad meal prep situation is gonna change your life. Make it ahead for easy lunches all week long.

It's one of those easy summer recipes that feels super fancy but is actually dead simple.

It's perfect for those who love make-ahead salad recipes ! Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Recipe Notes

Alright, you've got the recipe! Let's chat about some extra bits. You know, the things that'll make this Mediterranean quinoa salad even better? Honestly, it's already pretty awesome, but these tips will take it to the next level.

Serving Suggestions

Plating and Presentation: Picture this: Pile that beautiful quinoa power bowl high in a rustic bowl. Drizzle extra lemon herb dressing on top.

Maybe sprinkle with a few extra herbs for a pop of colour. If you are feeling fancy, arrange the grilled halloumi recipe slices artfully on top.

Serve with some warm pita.

Complementary Sides and Beverages: This make-ahead salad recipes screams sunshine! A light, crisp white wine or some homemade lemonade would be divine.

As for sides, how about some hummus and crudités? Or some stuffed vine leaves? Yum!

Storage Tips

Refrigeration Guidelines: This is where the healthy meal prep recipes really shine. This summer meal prep will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

This makes it great as meal prep lunch ideas . The halloumi is best eaten within 2 days or may become rubbery.

Freezing Options: While the salad itself isn’t ideal for freezing, you can freeze the cooked quinoa! Just portion it out and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions: No reheating needed! This is a make-ahead salad recipes , so enjoy it cold or at room temperature. So simple, isn't it?

Variations

Dietary Adaptations: Want a vegan halloumi salad meal prep ? No worries! Just skip the halloumi and feta. You can add some chickpeas for extra protein.

Going gluten-free? This is already gluten-free, so you're good to go!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: During the autumn and winter, swap out bell peppers for roasted butternut squash, or toss in some dried cranberries.

Nutrition Basics

Simplified Nutrition Information: This quinoa power bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Basically, all the good stuff! You're getting a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the veggies too.

Key Health Benefits: Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Which is super important.

Olive oil is heart healthy. Plus, this Mediterranean diet meal prep is low in saturated fat and high in antioxidants. Winner winner!

So there you have it! A delicious and nutritious easy summer recipes that's perfect for summer meal prep . Give it a go, and let me know what you think.

Cooking should be fun, remember? You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad good for summer meal prep, and how long does it last?

Absolutely! This Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl is perfect for summer meal prep. The flavors actually meld together even better after a day or two. Properly stored in airtight containers in the fridge, it will happily keep for up to 4-5 days.

Just like leftovers from your favourite Sunday roast, this salad gets better with time!

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free? What are some good substitutions?

You bet! To make it vegan, simply omit the halloumi and feta. You can substitute the halloumi with grilled tofu or a vegan halloumi alternative if you can find it. Adding a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas provides a protein boost and helps keep you full, much like swapping the sausage in your full english for a veggie alternative!

How can I prevent my quinoa salad from getting soggy when doing summer meal prep?

Nobody likes a soggy salad! Make sure to let the quinoa cool completely before adding the dressing. Also, don't overcook the quinoa in the first place; it should be fluffy and slightly al dente, not mushy.

Consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving for optimal texture, similar to how you might keep the croutons separate from your soup until serving.

Can I customize this recipe? I'm not a huge fan of olives.

Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. If you're not keen on Kalamata olives, feel free to leave them out or substitute them with black olives or even some sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavour punch. You could also add other vegetables you enjoy, like roasted zucchini or artichoke hearts.

Think of it like building your own Mr. Potato Head customize to your liking!

How can I grill the halloumi without it sticking to the pan?

Halloumi can be a bit sticky, but a few tricks will help. First, make sure your grill pan or skillet is properly preheated over medium high heat. Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil before grilling. Also, pat the halloumi dry with a paper towel before cooking; this helps it get a nice sear.

Think of it like making pancakes the right pan and a little oil make all the difference!

What are the nutritional benefits of this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad?

This salad is packed with goodness! Quinoa is a complete protein and provides fibre. The vegetables offer plenty of vitamins and minerals. The halloumi adds protein and calcium (though it is higher in sodium, so consume in moderation). The olive oil provides healthy fats.

It's a wholesome meal, perfect for keeping you energised on those long summer days much better than a bag of crisps and a chocolate bar!