Vibrant Mediterranean bowl with sautéed spinach, feta, and fresh vegetables over fluffy grains for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa uncooked or brown rice
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water
→ Vegetables
03 - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small cucumber, diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Dairy
08 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Optional Toppings
14 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# How To Make It:
01 - In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Stir in quinoa or brown rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes for quinoa or 35 minutes for brown rice. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until just wilted. Remove from heat.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Divide cooked grains evenly among 4 serving bowls. Top each portion with sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
05 - Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over each bowl.
06 - Drizzle with prepared dressing. Top with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds and fresh parsley if desired.
07 - Serve immediately while warm or allow to cool to room temperature.
