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Fresh Mediterranean Grain Bowl with Grilled Halloumi

Mediterranean grain bowl with grilled halloumi - featured image
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A quick and easy Mediterranean grain bowl featuring grilled halloumi, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki, perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa (or bulgur, farro) – rinsed and cooked (about 185g / 6.5 oz)
  • 8 oz (225g) halloumi cheese, sliced about ½-inch thick
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Grate half a cucumber using the fine side of a box grater. Drain excess water using a fine mesh sieve or kitchen towel. In a bowl, mix grated cucumber with ½ cup Greek yogurt, minced garlic, 1 tsp lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and chill in the fridge.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Dice 1 cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, slice Kalamata olives, and chop parsley. Toss all veggies lightly in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from heat.
  6. Add cooked quinoa to the bowl with veggies, pour dressing over, and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed. Divide mixture into bowls.
  7. Top each bowl with grilled halloumi slices and a generous dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patience is key when grilling halloumi to get a golden crust without burning. Drain grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki. Toss dressing with grains and veggies just before serving to keep freshness. For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds. Quinoa can be cooked ahead and chilled to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean grain bowl, grilled halloumi, tzatziki, healthy lunch, quinoa bowl, easy recipe, vegetarian

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/fresh-mediterranean-grain-bowl-with-grilled-halloumi-easy-recipe-for-healthy-lunch/