Imagine a culinary journey that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, all topped with a creamy, dreamy cashew tzatziki sauce that will make your palate dance with joy! This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl isn't just a meal—it's an experience that brings together fresh, colorful ingredients in a symphony of taste and nutrition. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a flavor seeker, or someone looking to impress at your next dinner gathering, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa cooks, prepare the cashew tzatziki sauce by soaking cashews in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain cashews and add to a food processor with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Dice cucumber into small, uniform cubes. Halve cherry tomatoes and slice olives.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let stand covered for 5 minutes to steam.
- Divide quinoa evenly among four serving bowls, creating a base layer.
- Top each bowl with diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced olives.
- Drizzle cashew tzatziki sauce generously over each bowl.
- Serve immediately while quinoa is warm and vegetables are fresh.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural saponin coating, which can taste bitter. Use a 1:2 quinoa to water ratio for fluffy results.
- Sauce Smoothness: For the creamiest tzatziki, soak cashews in hot water before blending to ensure a silky-smooth texture.
- Veggie Prep: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for both visual appeal and even distribution of flavors.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the bowl while the quinoa is still warm to enhance the overall taste experience.
- Customization Option: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra substance.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare quinoa and tzatziki sauce in advance to streamline your meal preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 5mg
