Mediterranean Veggie Quinoa Bowl

 

# Mediterranean Veggie Quinoa Bowl

Elevate your meal prep with this **Mediterranean Veggie Quinoa Bowl**, a colorful and nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this bowl is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s get started!

## Ingredients

### For the Quinoa

- **1 cup quinoa**, rinsed

- **2 cups water or vegetable broth**

- **Salt**, to taste

### For the Bowl

- **1 cup canned chickpeas**, drained and rinsed

- **1 cup cherry tomatoes**, halved

- **1 cucumber**, diced

- **1/4 cup black olives**, sliced

- **1/4 cup red onion**, finely chopped

- **1 bell pepper** (any color), diced

- **1 avocado**, diced

- **Fresh parsley or mint**, chopped (for garnish)

### For the Dressing

- **1/4 cup tahini**

- **Juice of 1 lemon**

- **2 tablespoons olive oil**

- **2 garlic cloves**, minced

- **Salt and pepper**, to taste

- **Water** (to thin, as needed)

## Instructions

### Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or broth) along with a pinch of salt.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.

3. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

### Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Add water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside.

### Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

1. In a large bowl or meal prep containers, layer the cooked quinoa as the base.

2. Top with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, bell pepper, and avocado.

3. Drizzle with the tahini dressing and toss gently to combine.

### Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint for added flavor.

2. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

## Tips for Customization

- Feel free to add other vegetables like roasted zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients.

- For added protein, consider topping with feta cheese or grilled chicken.

- This bowl is great for meal prep; just keep ingredients separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.

Enjoy your vibrant Mediterranean Veggie Quinoa Bowl that’s sure to delight your taste buds while nourishing your body!

Citations:

[1] https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/chicken-quinoa-bowl/

[2] https://www.simplyquinoa.com/healthy-quinoa-bowls-6-delicious-ways/

[3] https://www.loveandlemons.com/quinoa-bowl/

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJkEs9B34X8

[5] https://www.thissavoryvegan.com/simple-mexican-quinoa-bowls/

[6] https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/mediterranean-quinoa-bowl/

[7] https://www.loveandlemons.com/sweet-potato-quinoa-chickpea-bowl/

[8] https://themodernproper.com/quinoa-bowl