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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Easy Zesty Lemon Tahini Dressing

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A vibrant and fresh Mediterranean quinoa bowl featuring crunchy veggies and a creamy, zesty lemon tahini dressing. Perfect for quick meals with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced small
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • For the Zesty Lemon Tahini Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) tahini
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons / 45ml), freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) maple syrup or honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Water, as needed to thin the dressing

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170g) quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
  2. Transfer rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups (475ml) water.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  5. While quinoa cooks, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion, slice Kalamata olives, and chop parsley and mint (if using). Combine all in a large mixing bowl.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and minced garlic.
  7. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
  8. Add cooked quinoa to the veggies and toss gently to mix.
  9. Pour dressing over the bowl and toss again until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired.
  11. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa is essential to avoid bitterness. Add water slowly to the tahini dressing to achieve a smooth consistency. The bowl can be served immediately or chilled for better flavor melding. Keep dressing separate if storing leftovers to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/fresh-mediterranean-quinoa-bowl-recipe-easy-zesty-lemon-tahini-dressing/