Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this heaven in a bowl recipe! I stumbled upon it one sunny afternoon while trying to shake up my usual lunch routine. I had some quinoa sitting in my pantry, and I thought, “Why not?” Little did I know I was about to create a dish that would become a staple in my kitchen! The moment I took my first bite, I was hit with this delightful explosion of flavors and textures that made me feel so happy and satisfied. Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth! The crunch of fresh veggies combined with the nutty quinoa and a tangy dressing just brightens up my day. Whether I’m enjoying it on a lazy afternoon or serving it at a gathering with friends, it never fails to bring joy to everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dishing out your own bowls of heaven too!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you love!)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but oh-so-delicious!)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First things first, rinse your quinoa under cold water. This step is key because it helps remove any bitterness. Just give it a good rinse in a fine mesh strainer for about a minute.
- Next, grab a pot and bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. You can totally use water if you’re in a pinch, but the broth really amps up the flavor!
- Once the broth is boiling, add in the rinsed quinoa. Give it a gentle stir, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll want the quinoa to soak up all that delicious broth.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat, but don’t lift the lid just yet! Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. This helps the quinoa fluff up nicely.
- Now, it’s time to fluff! Remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the quinoa. Just take your time and be gentle; we want the grains to stay intact. Then, spread it out on a plate or a baking sheet to cool down a bit.
- While the quinoa is cooling, let’s chop those veggies! In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and chopped parsley. The colors are going to make you so happy!
- Once your quinoa has cooled to room temperature, it’s time to add it to the veggie mix. Just pour it in and give everything a good stir so that it all gets to know each other.
- For the dressing, grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing is what ties everything together, so don’t skip it!
- Pour that zesty dressing over your quinoa and veggies. Now, it’s time to toss gently to combine everything. You want to make sure it’s all coated nicely without squishing the veggies.
- Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top for that extra burst of flavor. You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature—both are delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten up your day with every bite.
- Loaded with nutritious ingredients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Versatile and customizable—switch up the veggies or add your favorite protein to make it your own!
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Serves beautifully as a side dish or a satisfying main course.
- It’s a true crowd-pleaser that will impress friends and family alike!
Tips for Success
- Rinse your quinoa: Don’t skip this step! It’s essential to remove the natural coating called saponin, which can make your quinoa taste bitter. Just rinse it well under cold water for a minute—trust me, it’s worth it!
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap in any vegetables you love or have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted veggies can work beautifully here. Just keep the ratios similar for balance!
- Make it a meal: If you want to turn this salad into a heartier dish, toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some avocado for added creaminess. It’s a fantastic way to amp up the protein and keep you satisfied!
Variations
- Herb explosion: Switch up the parsley for fresh basil, cilantro, or dill to give your salad a whole new flavor profile. Each herb brings its own unique touch!
- Colorful veggies: Get creative with your vegetable choices! Try adding roasted sweet potatoes, grated carrots, or even some shredded red cabbage for an extra crunch and a pop of color.
- Protein-packed: Toss in some grilled shrimp, diced grilled chicken, or even canned chickpeas to make this salad a complete meal. The added protein will keep you feeling fuller for longer!
- Nutty goodness: Sprinkle in some toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for an added crunch and healthy fats. It adds a delightful texture that really elevates the dish!
- Spicy kick: If you love a bit of heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your dressing. It’ll give your salad a zesty punch!
- Fruit flair: Add a handful of diced mango, apple, or pomegranate seeds for a sweet twist. The combination of sweet and savory is simply divine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This heaven in a bowl recipe is not only delicious fresh but also makes for great leftovers! Here’s how to keep it tasting fantastic:
- Storing: After you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftover quinoa salad cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the salad soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: If you prefer your salad warm, you can gently heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Just be careful not to overdo it! I recommend adding a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice before warming to keep it flavorful and moist.
- Serving cold: This salad is truly delicious served cold, so feel free to enjoy it straight from the fridge. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even more after a day in the fridge, making it even tastier!
For longer storage, you can also freeze the quinoa (without the fresh veggies and dressing) for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using it again. When you’re ready to enjoy, just mix in fresh veggies and dressing for that bright, zesty taste!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This heaven in a bowl recipe is not only a delight for your taste buds but also packs a nutritious punch. Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just an estimate. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
So, whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty side, this salad can fit beautifully into your healthy eating plan! Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s a wholesome choice that’s both satisfying and delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I make this heaven in a bowl recipe in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it! Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just prepare your salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Can I substitute the quinoa for another grain?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a quinoa fan or want a change, feel free to use couscous, bulgur, or even farro. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios might vary a bit.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! You could toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even diced hard-boiled eggs. This salad is versatile, so feel free to get creative with your protein choices!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this heaven in a bowl a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check the labels on any added ingredients, like feta cheese, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, which is perfect for picnics or potlucks! I love serving it in a big bowl so everyone can help themselves, but individual portions also look gorgeous for a dinner party!
For more information on the health benefits of quinoa, check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious dessert to pair with your meal, consider trying this Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe.
If you’re looking for more healthy recipes, visit our blog for inspiration!
Print
Heaven in a Bowl: 10 Comforting Flavors for Joyful Meals
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful mix of flavors and textures that brings joy in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- Add cooled quinoa to the vegetable mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the quinoa and vegetables.
- Toss gently to combine and top with feta cheese.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time.
- Adjust the vegetables based on your preference.
- Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: heaven in a bowl, quinoa salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy recipe