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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Dressing

Mediterranean quinoa bowl - featured image
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A fresh and vibrant Mediterranean quinoa bowl packed with wholesome veggies and a creamy, tangy tahini dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3–4 tablespoons water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Feta cheese crumbles (optional, or vegan alternative)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water for about 30 seconds to remove bitterness. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups water or vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. If quinoa feels crunchy, add a splash of water and cook a few minutes more.
  4. While quinoa cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice red onion and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite. Pit and halve the kalamata olives. Chop fresh parsley and mint.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup tahini, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 minced garlic clove.
  6. Slowly add 3 to 4 tablespoons water, whisking constantly until the dressing is smooth and pourable. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with all the chopped veggies and herbs.
  8. Pour the tahini dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Add sliced avocado and sprinkle feta cheese over the bowl if desired. Add lemon zest on top for extra brightness.
  10. Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes to meld flavors further.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness. Soak red onion in cold water to mellow sharpness. Whisk tahini dressing slowly adding water gradually to avoid graininess. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead. Use vegetable broth for more flavor. Fresh herbs are key for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean quinoa bowl, healthy lunch, tahini dressing, easy recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian, fresh vegetables

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-bowl-recipe-easy-healthy-lunch-with-creamy-tahini-dressing/