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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Feta and Olives

Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl - featured image
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A vibrant and satisfying Mediterranean quinoa bowl featuring fluffy quinoa, creamy feta, briny olives, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) dry quinoa, rinsed well
  • ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (75g) red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup (40g) red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh sieve to remove the bitter saponin coating.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, 2 cups (475ml) water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa appears translucent with the white spiral visible.
  4. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool to room temperature.
  5. While quinoa cooks, dice cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and finely chop red onion, parsley, and mint. Set aside.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Add diced veggies, olives, and crumbled feta to the cooled quinoa. Pour dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
  8. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
  9. Let the bowl sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld or serve immediately at room temperature with an optional extra drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Avoid stirring quinoa while cooking to keep it fluffy. Gently break feta by hand to preserve creaminess. Adjust salt carefully due to salty olives and feta. For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa bowl, Mediterranean, feta, olives, healthy meal, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy recipe, fresh salad

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-bowl-with-feta-and-olives-easy-recipe-for-healthy-meals/