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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl Recipe with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Mediterranean quinoa bowl - featured image
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A quick, easy, and healthy Mediterranean quinoa bowl featuring fresh veggies and a creamy lemon tahini dressing, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup (50g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled (use dairy-free feta for vegan)
  • For the Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) tahini
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons / 45ml)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove bitterness. Drain well.
  2. Add quinoa and 2 cups (475ml) water to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  3. Simmer gently for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  4. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
  5. While quinoa cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, finely chop red onion, slice Kalamata olives, and chop parsley and mint. Add all to the bowl with cooled quinoa.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and water. Adjust consistency by adding more water until smooth but creamy.
  7. Season dressing with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika. Taste and tweak seasoning.
  8. Pour the creamy lemon tahini dressing over the quinoa and veggies. Gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
  9. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
  10. Give the bowl one last gentle toss if desired, or leave feta as a topping.
  11. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld. Enjoy warm or cold.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Adjust dressing thickness with water. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead. Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra texture. Omit feta or use plant-based alternative for vegan diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa bowl, Mediterranean, healthy meal, lemon tahini dressing, easy recipe, vegetarian, vegan option, gluten-free

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-bowl-recipe-with-creamy-lemon-tahini-dressing-easy-and-healthy-meal-idea/