How to Make a Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Garlic Dressing

Greetings, culinary companions! Today, I’m excited to share with you my Mediterranean Bliss Bowl—a lunchtime creation inspired by the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean. Join me on this homemaker’s culinary odyssey as we embark on a journey of wholesome ingredients and vibrant tastes that transport us to the azure shores of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients:

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa, the hearty base
• 1 cup chickpeas, roasted with a sprinkle of cumin and paprika
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, a touch of briny goodness
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, the Mediterranean indulgence
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

For the Lemon-Garlic Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Quinoa Symphony: Cook quinoa according to package instructions, creating a symphony of grains that will serve as the foundation for our blissful bowl.
2. Chickpea Crescendo: Roast chickpeas with a sprinkle of cumin and paprika until golden and crispy. These little legumes add a crunchy crescendo to our Mediterranean melody.
3. Vibrant Ensemble: Assemble the Quinoa Bowl with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Let the colors and textures harmonize in the bowl.
4. Feta, the Mediterranean Muse: Crumble feta cheese over the bowl, infusing it with the rich, tangy notes that are quintessentially Mediterranean.
5. Fresh Parsley Finale: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the bowl—a verdant finale that adds a burst of freshness.
6. Lemon-Garlic Dressing Sonata: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to create a zesty dressing. Drizzle this lemon-garlic dressing over the bowl, ensuring each bite is kissed with Mediterranean sunshine.
7. Toss and Revel: Gently toss the ingredients, allowing the dressing to embrace each element in the bowl. Revel in the aroma and the anticipation of savoring this Mediterranean bliss.

As you enjoy the Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl, let the flavors transport you to the azure coasts and sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean. May this culinary odyssey fill your lunchtime with the warmth and vibrancy of this beloved region. Here’s to savoring the beauty of homemade goodness.

Buon appetito!