Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Featured in: Light & Bright Bowls

This Mediterranean grain bowl blends tender quinoa or grains with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mixed greens. Roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta add layers of flavor, while a lemon-oregano dressing ties it all together. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this colorful dish offers a light, nutritious option perfect for any occasion. Optional swaps allow for vegan adaptations or added proteins, making it versatile and satisfying.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:43:00 GMT
Mediterranean Grain Bowl with vibrant colors and a light lemon dressing, ready to eat! Pin It
Mediterranean Grain Bowl with vibrant colors and a light lemon dressing, ready to eat! | cedarlemon.com

A vibrant, wholesome bowl featuring fluffy grains, crisp greens, and Mediterranean-inspired toppings. Perfect as a light meal or a nourishing side, this dish bursts with fresh flavors and color.

This Mediterranean Grain Bowl quickly became a family favorite because of its fresh ingredients and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Grains: 1 cup quinoa (or farro, bulgur, or brown rice), 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 cup cucumber diced, 1/2 red onion thinly sliced, 2 cups mixed greens (arugula spinach or romaine), 1/2 cup roasted red peppers sliced
  • Toppings: 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved, 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • Dressing: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 garlic clove minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Rinse the grains under cold water. In a medium saucepan combine grains and water (or broth). Bring to a boil reduce heat cover and simmer until tender (about 15 20 minutes for quinoa adjust for other grains). Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
Step 2:
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice garlic oregano salt and pepper.
Step 3:
Arrange the mixed greens in the base of four bowls. Top with cooked grains.
Step 4:
Add cherry tomatoes cucumber red onion and roasted red peppers over the grains.
Step 5:
Sprinkle with olives feta cheese and toasted pine nuts.
Step 6:
Drizzle each bowl with the dressing just before serving.
Step 7:
Toss gently to combine or serve layered for a composed presentation.
A fresh Mediterranean Grain Bowl showcases fluffy quinoa with assorted colorful vegetables, perfect for a light lunch. Pin It
A fresh Mediterranean Grain Bowl showcases fluffy quinoa with assorted colorful vegetables, perfect for a light lunch. | cedarlemon.com

Our family enjoys this bowl for its balance of fresh ingredients and easy customization to suit everyone’s tastes.

Notes

Swap pine nuts for toasted almonds or sunflower seeds if preferred. Pairs well with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé.

Required Tools

Medium saucepan Knife and cutting board Small mixing bowl Whisk Serving bowls

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts) Omit or substitute ingredients as needed Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Enjoy this flavorful Mediterranean Grain Bowl; a healthy medley of grains, veggies, and feta cheese, ready to serve. Pin It
Enjoy this flavorful Mediterranean Grain Bowl; a healthy medley of grains, veggies, and feta cheese, ready to serve. | cedarlemon.com

This Mediterranean Grain Bowl is an easy go-to for fresh healthy eating any day of the week.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What grains can I use for this bowl?

Quinoa, farro, bulgur, or brown rice all work well. Choose based on preference and cooking time.

How is the dressing prepared?

The dressing is a simple mix of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper whisked together.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

What are good protein additions?

Grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added for extra protein to make the bowl more filling.

Are there potential allergens in this dish?

This bowl contains dairy from feta cheese and tree nuts from pine nuts. Adjust ingredients accordingly for allergies.

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Fluffy grains combined with crisp vegetables and Mediterranean toppings for a nourishing, colorful meal.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Duration
25 min
Time Required
45 min
Created by Victoria Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diets Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Grains

01 1 cup quinoa
02 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth

Vegetables

01 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
02 1 cup cucumber, diced
03 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
04 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
05 0.5 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

Toppings

01 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
02 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
03 0.25 cup toasted pine nuts

Dressing

01 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 1 garlic clove, minced
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 Salt, to taste
06 Black pepper, to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Cook Grains: Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.

Step 02

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until combined.

Step 03

Assemble Greens and Grains: Place mixed greens evenly into four serving bowls. Spoon cooked quinoa over the greens.

Step 04

Add Fresh Vegetables: Distribute cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and roasted red peppers atop the grains.

Step 05

Add Toppings: Sprinkle Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts over the vegetables.

Step 06

Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over each bowl just prior to serving. Toss gently to combine or serve layered for a composed presentation.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowls

Allergy Notes

Review ingredients for allergens and ask your provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts).

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Details are for general information and not a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Energy: 390
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 11 g