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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl Recipe with Easy Lemon Tahini Dressing for Healthy Meals

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A vibrant and satisfying Mediterranean quinoa bowl featuring fresh vegetables and a creamy lemon tahini dressing, perfect for a healthy and fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (75g) kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup (70g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • ¼ cup (60g) tahini
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons / 45ml)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170g) quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove the natural bitterness.
  2. Transfer quinoa to a medium saucepan with 2 cups (480ml) water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and let quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam fully. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  4. While quinoa cooks, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice kalamata olives, finely chop red onion, and chop fresh parsley. Place all in a large mixing bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Gradually add water until dressing reaches a pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add cooked quinoa to the bowl with vegetables. Pour lemon tahini dressing over and toss gently to combine.
  7. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and fold lightly.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  9. Let the bowl sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa is crucial to remove bitterness. Let quinoa cool before mixing with fresh veggies to avoid sogginess. Whisk dressing gradually adding water to maintain creamy texture. Toss gently to keep veggies crisp and feta intact. Quinoa can be cooked in a rice cooker as a hands-off alternative.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-bowl-recipe-with-easy-lemon-tahini-dressing-for-healthy-meals/