Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

A vibrant and nourishing bowl filled with juicy grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumber, and sweet‑tart pomegranate seeds — finished with a refreshing yogurt‑mint dressing and fresh lemon. It’s a light yet satisfying meal packed with Mediterranean flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bowl is a perfect harmony of protein, fiber and bright flavors. The warm, fluffy quinoa and tender chicken pair beautifully with the refreshing crunch of cucumber and pop of pomegranate, while the creamy yogurt‑mint dressing ties everything together for a wholesome, flavorful meal you can enjoy any time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 cup cooked black or red quinoa
  • 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 lemon slices
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

For the Yogurt Mint Dressing:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then fluff and let cool slightly
  2. Season and grill the chicken breast until fully cooked; let it rest briefly, then slice thinly .
  3. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped mint, salt and pepper to make the dressing (onebalancedlife.com).
  4. In a bowl, layer quinoa, sliced chicken, diced cucumber and pomegranate seeds.
  5. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint. Serve the bowl alongside the yogurt-mint dressing or drizzle it on top.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 2
  • Prep time: ~10 minutes
  • Cook time: ~15 minutes
  • Total time: ~25 minutes

These values align with popular mediterranean bowl recipes, where quinoa bowls typically prepare in under 30 minutes with 2–4 servings

Variations

  • Veggie boost: Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives or roasted broccoli—found in similar recipes to enhance flavor and texture .
  • Grain swap: Substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur or brown rice for variation.
  • Protein swap: Replace chicken with chickpeas, shrimp, or tofu—common in Mediterranean bowl variations
  • Sauce twist: Try tahini or hummus drizzle instead of yogurt dressing, as seen in many Mediterranean bowl recipes

Storage/reheating

  • Storage: Refrigerate ingredients separately in airtight containers up to 3–4 days . For best texture, keep dressing and fresh produce separate.
  • Reheating: Warm quinoa and chicken gently in the microwave or in a bowl with slight moistening, then reassemble and top with fresh ingredients before serving.

FAQs

### Can I meal‑prep this bowl?

Yes. Cook and store quinoa and chicken separately. Chop veggies ahead and assemble on the day of eating. Most Mediterranean bowls hold well for several days in the fridge

What’s the quinoa‑to‑water ratio?

Use a 1:2 quinoa-to-water ratio when cooking on the stovetop for fluffy grains

Should I rinse quinoa?

Yes—rinsing removes bitter saponins and improves taste .

How do I avoid soggy cucumber?

Dice cucumber, then pat dry or let drain before adding. Store separately if prepping in advance.

Can I use pre‑cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well for convenience .

Is this gluten‑free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (including any store‑bought dressing) are gluten‑free.

Can I freeze this bowl?

You can freeze cooked quinoa for up to 3 months and thaw for future use . Fresh veggies and dressing shouldn’t be frozen.

What dressing alternatives work?

Tahini dressing, hummus or lemon‑oregano vinaigrette are excellent Mediterranean-style alternatives (inquiringchef.com).

How many calories per bowl?

Typically around 480‑560 kcal depending on portion size and additions, as seen in similar recipes .

Can I add greens?

Yes—spinach, arugula or mixed greens are common and add nutritional value and volume .

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a colorful, flavorful, and balanced meal that comes together easily in under 30 minutes. With fresh, flexible ingredients and a creamy dressing, it delivers satisfying texture and taste perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it fresh, or meal‑prep the components for a quick, healthy option during busy days.

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Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

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  • Author: Emma Delaney
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant and nourishing bowl filled with juicy grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumber, and sweet-tart pomegranate seeds—finished with a refreshing yogurt-mint dressing and fresh lemon. It’s a light yet satisfying meal packed with Mediterranean flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup cooked black or red quinoa
  • 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 lemon slices
  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff and let cool slightly.
  2. Season and grill chicken breast until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice thinly.
  3. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. In a serving bowl, layer quinoa, grilled chicken, cucumber, and pomegranate seeds.
  5. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint. Serve with yogurt mint dressing on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

  • Use leftover grilled chicken for a quicker meal.
  • Black or red quinoa adds color and texture, but white quinoa works too.
  • The dressing can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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