Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Featured in: Light Everyday Sweet Bowls

This vibrant grain bowl features fluffy quinoa or other grains paired with crisp greens like arugula and spinach. Fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and roasted red peppers add bright color and texture. Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and toasted pine nuts provide savory richness, all brought together with a tangy lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for a nourishing light meal or side, offering fresh Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:03:00 GMT
Mediterranean Grain Bowl with vibrant colors and toppings, perfect for a healthy lunch. Save
Mediterranean Grain Bowl with vibrant colors and toppings, perfect for a healthy lunch. | cocoabluff.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 favorite in my kitchen for its balance of textures and ease of 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

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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.
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Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
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Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
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| cocoabluff.com

This dish often sparks lively family dinners filled with conversations about flavors and health

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.

Freshly made Mediterranean Grain Bowl featuring fluffy quinoa, vegetables and crumbled feta cheese. Save
Freshly made Mediterranean Grain Bowl featuring fluffy quinoa, vegetables and crumbled feta cheese. | cocoabluff.com
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This Mediterranean grain bowl is a versatile and healthy addition to your meal rotation sure to impress and satisfy

Recipe FAQs

What grains can I use for this grain bowl?

Quinoa is a great choice, but farro, bulgur, or brown rice work well too, offering different textures and flavors.

How can I make the dressing for the bowl?

Whisk extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a bright and tangy dressing.

Can this bowl be made vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly option.

What toppings add extra texture and flavor?

Kalamata olives, toasted pine nuts, and roasted red peppers add savory richness and crunchy contrast to the fresh vegetables.

Are there suggestions for adding protein?

Grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added for extra protein, enhancing the bowl’s heartiness.

What tools are needed to prepare this dish?

A medium saucepan for cooking grains, a small bowl for mixing dressing, a knife, cutting board, whisk, and serving bowls are recommended.

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Wholesome bowl combining grains, fresh vegetables, and savory Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Time Required
45 minutes
Recipe by Aubrey Gray


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mediterranean

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian Friendly

What You’ll Need

Grains

01 1 cup quinoa (or farro, bulgur, or brown rice)
02 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth

Vegetables

01 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
02 1 cup cucumber, diced
03 ½ red onion, thinly sliced
04 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
05 ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced

Toppings

01 ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
02 ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
03 ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Dressing

01 ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 1 garlic clove, minced
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Cook grains: Rinse the grains under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine grains and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender—approximately 15 to 20 minutes for quinoa. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.

Step 02

Prepare dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 03

Assemble base: Divide mixed greens evenly among four serving bowls. Top with the cooled cooked grains.

Step 04

Add vegetables: Layer halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and roasted red peppers over the grains.

Step 05

Add toppings: Scatter Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts on top of the vegetables.

Step 06

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

What You Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every item to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts). Verify labels and adjust ingredients to suit allergen requirements.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

This nutrition data is here for reference and shouldn’t substitute for your medical professional’s advice.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fat content: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 11 grams