Vibrant Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Feta Dressing

When the sun blazes and your taste buds yearn for something vibrant, refreshing, and utterly delicious, a Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Feta Dressing calls out to you. Imagine a medley of grains, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta dressing merging to create a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl Each bite brings a burst of freshness, making you feel like you’re dining in a sun-soaked garden while wearing sunglasses and sipping lemonade.

This grain bowl isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you to lazy summer afternoons spent laughing with friends or enjoying quiet moments in the sun. Whether it’s a picnic at the park or a light dinner on your patio, this dish is the perfect companion. I promise you’ll be counting down the days until summer arrives again just for another taste! For more inspiration, check out this Hearty Lentil Stew recipe.

I once served this dish during a family get-together, and my cousin declared it “life-changing.” He might have been exaggerating slightly, but who am I to argue when it comes to compliments about food?

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa: A fantastic base packed with protein; rinse it well before cooking to remove bitterness.

• Chickpeas: Canned or cooked from scratch, they add hearty texture and nutrients.

• Cucumber: Use fresh cucumbers for crunch; English cucumbers are especially sweet. For more inspiration, check out this Cucumber Salad Delight recipe.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet bursts of flavor that bring brightness; halving them allows their juices to mingle.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced to add a sharp bite; soaking in water can mellow its flavor if preferred.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled for creamy tanginess; opt for high-quality feta for the best taste.

• Fresh Herbs (Basil & Parsley): Add these fragrant herbs for depth; chop finely before tossing into the bowl.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances flavors—bottled won’t do!

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor; it’s essential for dressing.

• Garlic: Minced garlic adds an aromatic punch; fresh is always best.

• Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget to season; adjust according to taste!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Grains: Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until it runs clear. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.

Prep Your Veggies: While quinoa cooks, dice your cucumber and halve those cherry tomatoes. Slice red onion thinly and soak in cold water if you want a milder flavor.

Whip Up the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese with minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy—feel free to adjust consistency with more olive oil or lemon juice.

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, diced cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Drizzle generously with that glorious dressing before tossing gently—make sure everything gets coated.

Add Final Touches: Taste your grain bowl masterpiece! Adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve immediately or chill for later—a great option if you’re prepping meals ahead!

Enjoy this delightful Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Feta Dressing as part of your sunny day celebrations! It’s not just food; it’s summer on a plate! cold noodle dish. chicken with mango salsa.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your grains first; while they simmer, prep your veggies and dressing for a seamless flow.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out grains or veggies based on what you have; even nuts or seeds work beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of summer picnics with my family, where laughter and delicious food filled the air. dill pickle pasta salad.

FAQ

How can I make this summer grain bowl vegan?

Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative for a vegan version.

What grains work best for this grain bowl?

Quinoa, farro, or brown rice are great options that add distinct flavors and textures.

Can I meal prep this dish in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare everything ahead and assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

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Refreshing Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Feta Dressing

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• Author: Teprod
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the essence of summer with this vibrant Summer Grain Bowl, featuring a delightful combination of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Green Goddess Feta Dressing. Each bite bursts with freshness, making it perfect for picnics, light dinners, or meal prep. This customizable dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also brightens up your table with its colorful presentation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water until clear. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
2. While the quinoa cooks, prepare the veggies: dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and slice red onion. Soak sliced onion in cold water if milder flavor is desired.
3. For the dressing, mix crumbled feta cheese with minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped herbs in a bowl until creamy.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Drizzle dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is coated.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately or chill for later.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Bowl
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Customize with seasonal veggies or swap grains like farro or brown rice. This grain bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.