Healthy Mediterranean Grain Bowls
A vibrant and wholesome grain bowl featuring tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, fresh Mediterranean vegetables, briny feta, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chickpeas canned
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 cups mixed greens or spinach
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly. Combine quinoa and water/broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Cook chicken: While quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
- Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa and mixed greens among two serving bowls. Top each with cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, sliced red onion, and chickpeas.
- Finish: Sprinkle each bowl with crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle generously with the lemon-herb vinaigrette before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add more chickpeas or roasted vegetables. Prepare components ahead for quick assembly. Store dressing separately to prevent greens from wilting. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for extra flavor.