Description
This Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl is a nutrient-packed, vibrant dish featuring protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a light yet satisfying dinner, this bowl is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and can be customized with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
- 1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
For the Fresh Mediterranean Veggies:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Protein (Choose One or Mix & Match):
- 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained)
- 1 lb grilled chicken breast, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ons:
- ½ cup baby spinach or chopped kale
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced (for an Easter-friendly touch)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse quinoa and cook in boiling water or broth for 12-15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Prepare the Protein: Drain chickpeas or grill chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and oregano until fully cooked. Slice into strips.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, chop parsley, and slice olives.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Bowl: Layer quinoa, vegetables, protein, and feta cheese in serving bowls.
- Drizzle & Serve: Pour dressing over the bowl, toss gently, and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make it vegan: Swap feta for a dairy-free alternative and use chickpeas instead of chicken.
- For a warm quinoa bowl, lightly sauté the vegetables before serving.
- Meal prep tip: Store dressing separately and add before serving to keep everything fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean quinoa power bowl, quinoa power bowl recipe, healthy quinoa meal, Greek quinoa bowl, meal prep quinoa bowl