Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl Salad
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a trip to the Mediterranean? Me too! But until then, let's make these healthy summer salads . This Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl is packed with sunshine and flavour.
Brief Overview
This summer salad recipes takes inspiration from Greece. It's an easy and delicious way to eat healthy lunch ideas . This quinoa power bowl is ready in under 40 minutes.
Makes four satisfying servings.
Main Benefits
Quinoa is a complete protein. This salad is perfect for a light light summer dinners . The feta and vegetable salad is fresh and filling. It's basically summer in a bowl.
Let's dive into the ingredients!
step-by-step Guide to Building your Power Bowl
Cooking the Quinoa
First, rinse one cup of quinoa. This gets rid of any bitterness. Combine it with two cups water and a quarter teaspoon of salt in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork!
Veggie Prep Time
While the quinoa cooks, chop one pint of cherry tomatoes. Dice one cucumber and one red bell pepper. Thinly slice half a red onion. You're basically creating a colourful masterpiece.
Dressing It Up
In a small bowl, whisk together a quarter cup of olive oil. Add three tablespoons of lemon juice, two cloves of minced garlic.
Sprinkle in one teaspoon of oregano, half a teaspoon of salt. Finish with a quarter teaspoon of pepper. This lemon herb dressing recipe is a game changer.
Assembling the Magic
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, veggies, and half a cup of Kalamata olives. Crumble four ounces of feta cheese.
Add a quarter cup each of chopped parsley and mint. Pour on the dressing. Gently toss. Serve immediately or chill.
Taste and Enjoy
Taste the salad. Add more lemon juice or salt if needed. This easy summer salads recipe is so versatile. Feel free to adjust to your liking.
Serve this dish chilled with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect Summer quinoa recipes . This greek salad variations recipe will be a hit with everyone.
Enjoy!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Mediterranean Masterpiece
Alright, mate, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Mediterranean quinoa salad . This isn't your average bowl of lettuce, trust me! It's packed with flavour and good stuff.
This will be your next healthy lunch ideas for the summer.
Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks
- Quinoa: You'll need 1 cup (180g) of quinoa. Make sure you rinse it really well! Seriously, don't skip this step. It gets rid of the bitter taste. Use 2 cups (470ml) of water or vegetable broth to cook it. Add a pinch, about 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Veggies: Grab 1 pint (2 cups) of cherry tomatoes. Halve them. Chop up 1 cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, and 1/2 red onion.
- Extras: Get 1/2 cup (75g) of Kalamata olives. Also, 4 ounces (115g) of feta. Oh, and 1/4 cup (30g) each of fresh parsley and mint.
Seriously, the feta makes this salad. Don't skimp on it. And make sure you get good quality olives, you know? The ones swimming in olive oil are the best! This is how you do easy summer salads .
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters
For the dressing, you'll need: 1/4 cup (60ml) of extra virgin olive oil. Followed by 3 tablespoons (45ml) of lemon juice.
Add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Honestly, the lemon herb dressing recipe is magic!
Don't have oregano? Thyme works pretty well too. It's not exactly the same but it'll do in a pinch. I’ve used it myself when I ran out one time.
This is a good twist to many Greek salad variations .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You'll need a medium saucepan to cook the quinoa. A large mixing bowl for tossing everything together. A whisk for the dressing.
And, of course, measuring cups and spoons. This is how you make a perfect quinoa power bowl .
No fancy gadgets needed here. A fork will work just fine for fluffing the quinoa. And if you don't have a whisk, a fork will do the trick for the dressing too.
This is a summer quinoa recipes that is so simple, you'll make this on repeat. This makes it a good candidate for light summer dinners .
This recipe is more than just a feta and vegetable salad .
Cooking Method
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
Alright, before we dive into this Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl, let's talk prep. Good prep is like laying a solid foundation.
We need our mise en place sorted! That means everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. Honestly, this part is half the battle, you know?
Time Saving Organization Tips: Get all your veggies chopped while the quinoa cooks. This is seriously going to save you time.
And, for safety, always use a sharp knife. It is safer than a dull one.
Essential mise en place is all about getting organised, and organised you're a winner!
step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking
This is where the magic happens. Don't worry, it's easier than you think! Let's make some healthy summer salads !
Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (180g) quinoa, 2 cups (470ml) water or broth, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes . Watch it until all the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
Veggie Prep: While the quinoa's cooking, chop 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, and thinly slice 1/2 red onion.
Dress it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45ml) lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Salad Assembly: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, 1/2 cup (75g) halved Kalamata olives, 4 ounces (115g) crumbled feta, 1/4 cup (30g) chopped parsley, and 1/4 cup (30g) mint.
Dressing Time: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it all gently.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately or chill it for later. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add a bit more lemon or salt if you need it.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game
Alright, here are a few tricks to take your Mediterranean quinoa salad to the next level.
Expert Technique: Don't skip rinsing the quinoa. Seriously, it takes away any bitterness.
Common Mistakes: Be careful not to overcook the quinoa. Mushy quinoa is nobody's friend. It should be fluffy.
make-ahead Option: You can totally make this a day ahead. The flavours actually get better as they sit.
Wrapping it Up!
So, there you have it! Our Quinoa power bowl is ready to rock. This is one of my absolute favourite summer salad recipes .
It's perfect for a healthy lunch ideas , a light summer dinners , or a side dish at a BBQ.
Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. It's so versatile! You could even call it a fancy Feta and vegetable salad with a Lemon herb dressing recipe .
What else could you ask for!
Enjoy this easy summer salads ! Give this a try, and let me know what you think. I'm sure you'll love it.
Recipe Notes for Your Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl
Right, before we dive into the healthy summer salads , let's chat about some insider tips and tricks! honestly these can take your Mediterranean quinoa salad from good to OMG amazing .
I've learned a few things along the way, and I'm sharing them all with you!
Serving up Some Delicious Ideas
Plating is more than just dumping food on a plate, innit? For this feta and vegetable salad , think vibrant! Arrange the colours nicely.
A sprinkle of extra feta and fresh herbs? Chef's kiss! It's the perfect quinoa power bowl !
This salad loves company. How about grilled halloumi? Or a cheeky slice of crusty bread for mopping up that gorgeous lemon herb dressing recipe ? A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio is always a winner.
These easy summer salads are great for light summer dinners !
Storing Your Summer Goodness
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy summer salads keeps well.
Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days . Honestly, it tastes even better the next day as the flavours mingle.
Freezing? Nah, not recommended. The veggies will go a bit sad and soggy, you know? Reheating isn't really a thing either.
Just grab it from the fridge and enjoy! These simple summer quinoa recipes are great as healthy lunch ideas .
Remixing Your Salad
Fancy a change? No worries! Swapping ingredients is easy peasy.
Going vegan? Ditch the feta or find a good vegan alternative. Boom! Need more protein? Chuck in some chickpeas or grilled chicken. It's your salad, own it!
You could also swap out veggies depending on what's in season! Think roasted butternut squash in autumn or sweetcorn in late summer salad recipes .
This is how you can get creative with Greek salad variations .
A Bit About the Good Stuff
This salad isn't just tasty, it's good for you too! It's packed with protein, fibre, and vitamins. The quinoa keeps you full, the veggies give you a boost, and the feta adds a bit of calcium.
It's a proper winner for a healthy summer salads . Approximately 380 calories per serving, so you can enjoy without the guilt.
So there you have it! A few extra pointers to make your Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl even more special. Now go forth and create your culinary masterpiece! Don't be scared to experiment and have fun.
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these healthy summer salads ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! In fact, this Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl salad tastes even better after the flavours have had a chance to meld together. Just toss it with the dressing about 30 minutes before serving, or store the dressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Remember to store undressed salads even longer so the veggies don't become soggy.
How long will this salad last in the fridge? I don't want to waste any of this deliciousness.
If stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will last for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator. However, the texture of the vegetables may soften over time. For optimal freshness, it's best enjoyed within the first two days, especially if you've already added the dressing.
I'm trying to cut down on carbs. Any tips for making this healthy summer salad lower carb?
You can definitely tweak this recipe to be lower in carbs! Try reducing the amount of quinoa or substituting it with cauliflower rice for a significant reduction. You could also add more leafy greens like spinach or kale to bulk up the salad without adding extra carbs.
Finally, be mindful of the amount of feta cheese you add.
What are some good variations I can try with this Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl salad? I'm feeling adventurous!
Get your creative juices flowing! For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing. If you're not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or a vegan alternative.
You could even swap the quinoa for couscous or farro for a different texture and flavour profile. The possibilities are endless experiment and find your perfect version!
Is this a balanced meal? What are the nutritional benefits of these healthy summer salads?
You bet it is! This salad is a nutritional powerhouse. The quinoa provides complex carbohydrates and plant based protein, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and the feta cheese adds calcium.
This salad is a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full and satisfied, making it a well rounded and nutritious meal that would make even Mary Berry proud.
Can I freeze this? I always make too much, and my flatmates never eat my food!
While you can technically freeze this salad, I wouldn't recommend it. The vegetables will lose their crispness and become quite mushy upon thawing. The quinoa might also become a bit waterlogged. It's really best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Perhaps halve the recipe next time to avoid leftovers or challenge your flatmates to a cook off and get them to try it!
Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 380 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
