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Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

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A vibrant, wholesome dish perfect for summer lunches, weekday meal prep, or a healthy dinner. Packed with plant-based protein, crisp veggies, and a smoky roasted red pepper sauce, it’s a fresh take on the classic Mediterranean flavors we all love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the quinoa bowls:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

  • 2 cups mixed greens or arugula

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Olive oil, for drizzling

For the roasted red pepper sauce:

  • 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled (or 1 jar roasted red peppers, drained)

  • 1/4 cup raw cashews (soaked for 30 minutes, optional)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt to taste

  • Water, to thin as needed

Instructions

  • Bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff and let cool slightly.

  • Roast red bell peppers over an open flame or broil until charred. Place in a bowl, cover, steam for 10 minutes, then peel and remove seeds.

  • In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, soaked cashews, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding water to thin as needed.

  • Assemble bowls: Divide quinoa among bowls, top with greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, chickpeas, olives, and feta.

    • Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spoon over the red pepper sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Substitute couscous, farro, or brown rice for quinoa if desired.

  • Omit feta for a fully vegan version.

  • Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or falafel for extra protein.

Find it online: https://cookingworthy.com/mediterranean-quinoa-bowls-with-roasted-red-pepper-sauce/