Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Bowls

This Mediterranean grain bowl combines fluffy quinoa or grains with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and mixed greens. Topped with salty Kalamata olives, crumbly feta, and toasted pine nuts, it’s finished with a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Easy to prepare in under an hour, it offers a colorful, nourishing dish ideal as a light meal or side. Variations allow for vegan or protein-rich options, making it versatile and flavorful.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:11:00 GMT
A colorful Mediterranean grain bowl, showcasing fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables and feta cheese. Pin it
A colorful Mediterranean grain bowl, showcasing fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables and feta cheese. | plumcrescent.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 has become a staple in my kitchen because it is so easy to customize and always fresh tasting.

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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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Fresh, vibrant Mediterranean grain bowl, ready to eat, with Kalamata olives and a flavorful lemon dressing. Pin it
Fresh, vibrant Mediterranean grain bowl, ready to eat, with Kalamata olives and a flavorful lemon dressing. | plumcrescent.com

This recipe brings my family together especially on busy weeknights when we want a healthy meal fast.

Tips for Grain Selection

Choose grains like quinoa for a complete protein or farro for a nuttier flavor.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to increase protein content.

Pairings

Pairs wonderfully with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé.

Delicious and healthy Mediterranean grain bowl, a delightful mix of textures and bright, Mediterranean flavors. Pin it
Delicious and healthy Mediterranean grain bowl, a delightful mix of textures and bright, Mediterranean flavors. | plumcrescent.com
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This Mediterranean Grain Bowl is a fresh tasty option perfect for nourishing your body any day.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What grains can I use for this bowl?

Quinoa, farro, bulgur, or brown rice work well; cook them tender before assembling.

How do I make the dressing?

Whisk olive oil with lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper for a bright, flavorful dressing.

Can this dish be prepared vegan?

Yes, simply omit feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to maintain creaminess.

What toppings add crunch to the bowl?

Toasted pine nuts give a satisfying crunch; almonds or sunflower seeds can be used instead.

How should I serve this grain bowl?

Serve layered or gently tossed to combine grains, vegetables, and dressing for a balanced flavor in every bite.

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

A wholesome bowl featuring fluffy grains, crisp greens, and Mediterranean toppings for a fresh, light meal.

Prep time
20 minutes
Time to cook
25 minutes
Overall time
45 minutes
Created by Avery Hayes

Recipe type One-Pot Comfort Bowls

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Mediterranean

Total made 4 Portions

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly, No gluten

Ingredient list

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 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
04 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
05 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

Toppings

01 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
02 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
03 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Dressing

01 1/4 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

How-to

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 extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 03

Assemble base: Distribute mixed greens evenly into four serving bowls as the base layer.

Step 04

Add grains: Top the mixed greens with the cooked and slightly cooled quinoa.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Finish with dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over each bowl immediately before serving.

Step 08

Serve: Gently toss the contents to combine flavors, or serve layered for an elegant presentation.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy warnings

Review all ingredients for allergy risks and speak with your healthcare provider if you're concerned.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts).

Nutrition details (per portion)

These details are for reference and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 390
  • Fat content: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 11 grams