Prepare to experience the ultimate flavor explosion with this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl! As the bold culinary rebel from Maxivore.com, I’m thrilled to share this insanely delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will transform your breakfast routine into a legendary food adventure. Get ready to smash your taste buds with a burst of Mediterranean flair and nutrients that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl is an absolute game-changer in the breakfast world. Not only is it packed with an epic blend of flavors, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse that will fuel your day with the ultimate energy boost. Quinoa, the ancient superfood, is the star of the show, providing a satisfying base for a mouthwatering mix of fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Trust me, this dish is about to become your new breakfast obsession – it’s revolutionary, explosive, and completely irresistible.
Ingredients
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the most tempting aromas as you gather the ingredients for this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl. You’ll need fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, crunchy bell peppers, zesty lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and a touch of olive oil to bring it all together. This epic flavor combination is about to blow your mind!
- 1 cup – Quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup – Cucumber, diced
- 1 cup – Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup – Feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup – Bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp – Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 1/4 cup – Fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, or dill), chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or diced avocado (for a creamy, dairy-free option)
- Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs (if fresh are not available)
How to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl
Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl masterpiece!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions until it’s light and fluffy. While that’s happening, dice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the bell peppers. Chop the fresh herbs and crumble the feta cheese, because we’re about to take this dish to the next level of flavor.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, crumbled feta, and chopped herbs. Drizzle in the lemon juice and olive oil, then toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. Get ready for your kitchen to transform into a flavor paradise!
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
The final step is to give this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl a few final flourishes. Sprinkle on some extra feta cheese and fresh herbs, then give it one more gentle toss to ensure all the flavors are perfectly blended. Prepare to be amazed – this dish is about to cause some serious food jealousy among your friends and family.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Protein Boost: Add roasted chickpeas for an extra protein punch.
- Mediterranean Twist: Swap out the bell peppers for juicy kalamata olives to really amp up the Mediterranean flavors.
- Herb Explosion: Experiment with different fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, to create your own signature Mediterranean flair.
- Flavor Freestyle: Get creative and put your own spin on this dish – the possibilities are endless when you embrace your inner food rebel!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl is the ultimate breakfast or brunch showstopper. Scoop it into a large bowl and let your guests dive in for a truly epic food experience.
Storage: If you have any leftovers (which is highly unlikely), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just remember to give it a quick toss before serving to revive that explosive flavor.
Reheat: For best results, enjoy this dish chilled or at room temperature. The fresh ingredients taste even better when they haven’t been heated up.
Make-Ahead: This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the entire dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Prepare to be amazed – this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Quinoa is a complete protein, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The fresh veggies and tangy feta provide a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats to keep you feeling energized and satisfied all morning long. Get ready to fuel your day with this insane breakfast creation!
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the entire dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to give it a quick toss before serving to revive the flavors.
Can I use a different type of grain?
Of course! While quinoa is the star of this show, you can easily substitute it with other grains like bulgur, farro, or even cooked brown rice. Each option will provide a slightly different texture and flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The quinoa, veggies, and feta cheese are all gluten-free, so you can enjoy this epic breakfast without any worries.
Can I add any other toppings?
Absolutely! Get creative and add your own personal touch to this dish. Some delicious options could include roasted chickpeas, sliced avocado, toasted almonds, or a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of smoky flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl is perfectly suitable for vegetarians. The only animal-based ingredient is the feta cheese, but you can easily swap it out for a plant-based alternative, like crumbled tofu or diced avocado, to make it 100% vegetarian.
Try These Next
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Wrap
- Mediterranean Quinoa And Chickpea Bowl
- Savory Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Delightful Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Mediterranean quinoa salad bowl packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. 2. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add quinoa.
3. 3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. 4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
5. 5. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, olives, and parsley.
6. 6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
7. 7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
8. 8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: quinoa, salad, Mediterranean, healthy, breakfast