Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Featured in: Light Forest-Inspired Bowls

This grain bowl features tender quinoa or your choice of grains, complemented by fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and mixed greens. Roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and toasted pine nuts add bursts of flavor and texture. A zesty dressing with lemon, garlic, and oregano brings everything together into a light and nourishing meal or side.

Perfect for quick preparation, this dish suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets when using appropriate grains. Variations include vegan substitutions or added protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Ideal for warm-weather dining or as a vibrant, healthful option any day.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:36:00 GMT
Mediterranean Grain Bowl with vibrant colors and a lemon-herb dressing, ready to eat. Pin It
Mediterranean Grain Bowl with vibrant colors and a lemon-herb dressing, ready to eat. | birchoven.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 favorite in my home for quick lunches and easy dinners with lots of variety and textures.

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

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.
A delicious Mediterranean Grain Bowl with feta, olives, and toasted pine nuts piled high. Pin It
A delicious Mediterranean Grain Bowl with feta, olives, and toasted pine nuts piled high. | birchoven.com

Sharing this bowl at family meals always sparks conversations about flavors and memories of Mediterranean travels.

Nutritional Information

Calories 390 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 38 g Protein 11 g per serving

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts). Omit or substitute ingredients as needed. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Required Tools

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

Fresh ingredients make up this colorful Mediterranean Grain Bowl, perfect for a light lunch. Pin It
Fresh ingredients make up this colorful Mediterranean Grain Bowl, perfect for a light lunch. | birchoven.com

This Mediterranean Grain Bowl is perfect for meal prep and tastes great served cold or at room temperature.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Which grains can I use in this bowl?

Quinoa, farro, bulgur, or brown rice all work well; choose based on your preference or dietary needs.

How do I make the dressing?

Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper for a bright, herbaceous dressing.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

What nuts can I substitute for pine nuts?

Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds make great alternatives if pine nuts aren't available or preferred.

Is this bowl suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, using gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice ensures this dish meets gluten-free requirements.

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Fluffy grains paired with fresh veggies and Mediterranean flavors for a wholesome, colorful dish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Published by Zoey Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings Yielded 4 Total Servings

Dietary Information Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Grains

01 1 cup quinoa (or farro, bulgur, or brown rice)
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 Make It

Step 01

Cook grains: Rinse grains under cold water. Combine grains and water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes for quinoa. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 02

Prepare dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.

Step 03

Assemble greens and grains: Distribute mixed greens evenly among four serving bowls. Top each with a portion of cooked grains.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Dress and serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over each bowl just before serving. Toss gently if desired or serve as is for a composed presentation.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Please double-check ingredients for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (pine nuts).

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These nutrition estimates are for general reference only—always consult your doctor for specific advice.
  • Kcal: 390
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 11 g