Cooking can often feel like a chore, especially when you’re juggling the demands of daily life or caring for a family. That’s why I consider this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken to be pure comfort. It’s not just a meal; it’s a fulfilling experience, combining vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that nourish the body and delight the senses. Once you give it a try, I am sure you will think of it as your new go-to recipe for any occasion.
The brilliance of this dish lies in its simplicity and the vibrant ingredients that shine through in every bite. The quinoa serves as a hearty base, paired beautifully with grilled chicken that’s both tender and flavorful. You’ll love how the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion contribute a fresh crunch, while feta cheese and olives add a salty depth that elevates the dish. Drizzled with a light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic powder, this bowl brings together a wonderful mix of flavors that dance on your palate.
Making this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is a straightforward process that anybody can master. Start by rinsing the quinoa and cooking it in water or chicken broth until fluffy. Once that’s done, mix in your grilled chicken and chopped vegetables. A simple whisking of the dressing ingredients brings it all together before garnishing with fresh parsley. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.
Looking for a versatile dish? This bowl is great for any occasion—be it a light lunch, a barbecue with friends, or ready for meal prep. It’s equally suited for serving at potlucks or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken
- Quick: This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: The components are not only easy to find but also wholesome.
- Healthful: Packed with protein and vitamins, it’s a balanced meal.
- Customizable: You can add or swap ingredients for personal taste.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Grilled Chicken Tips
When selecting chicken for your Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl, opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. They should appear plump and free from blemishes. If you’re grilling, consider marinating them beforehand in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for an added flavor boost. This simple step will ensure your chicken remains juicy and flavorful as it cooks. Always check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Options for Substitutions
- Quinoa: Swap for couscous, brown rice, or farro for different textures.
- Chicken: Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein source.
- Feta Cheese: Substitute with goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free option.
- Olives: Swap with capers or pickled jalapeños for an added zing.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use diced bell peppers or roasted vegetables.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil or mint can replace parsley for a fresh twist.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake when preparing quinoa is not rinsing it adequately. Skipping this step can lead to a bitter taste, as quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that should be washed away. Be sure to rinse under cold water before cooking.
Another area to be cautious about is the cooking time. Overcooking quinoa can result in a mushy texture, which is far from what you want in this bowl. Aim for about 15 minutes of simmering before checking for doneness, and remember to let it rest off the heat for an additional five minutes.
When assembling your bowl, make sure not to add the dressing until just before serving. Dressing the salad too early can lead to soggy ingredients, diminishing that delightful crunch.
What to Serve With Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken?
This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, a fresh Greek salad, or even some pita bread with hummus. These sides not only enhance the meal but also complement the rich flavors of your quinoa bowl.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freeze: You can freeze the cooked quinoa and chicken for up to three months. Just be mindful that fresh vegetables are best added after thawing.
Reheat: For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water to prevent sticking and heat on low. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 650 – 750
Protein: 55 – 60 grams
Fat: 30 – 35 grams
Carbohydrates: 50 – 60 grams
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Cook Quinoa
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This step is important as it removes the natural saponin that can impart a bitter flavor. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with two cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Simmer the Quinoa
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. After that, take it off the heat and let it sit covered for five more minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
While the quinoa is cooking, grill your chicken breasts until fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes on each side depending on thickness. Slice them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced olives.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of brightness.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Dish
Your Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and savor the delightful flavors in every bite.
In conclusion, this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken offers a delicious and uncomplicated way to bring healthy eating into your routine. The balance of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a winner in any household. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes. Share your thoughts or even your own variations in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this bowl is great for meal prep! You can cook the quinoa and chicken ahead and assemble the bowl just before eating.
What if I am not a fan of quinoa?
You can easily substitute quinoa with other grains such as brown rice or couscous. Both will work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I prevent the chicken from getting dry?
To keep your chicken juicy, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and consider marinating it before grilling for extra moisture.
Print
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A vibrant and wholesome Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl featuring grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and cook quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with water or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer the quinoa: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Grill chicken breasts until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Slice into bite-sized pieces and combine with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and olives in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine. Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your dish: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
This bowl is excellent for meal prep and can be customized with different proteins and vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 75mg