Hello everyone, I’m Yasmeen Mahdi, and I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts on Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Quinoa Delight. I was born and raised in Iraq, where food is an essential component of our culture. I came to the U.S to study and eventually settled here. The recipe is relevant to me because it reminds me of the many delicious meals I enjoyed with my family back home. Additionally, as a social worker, I always encourage my clients to incorporate healthy meals into their diet, and this recipe is perfect for that!
Yasmeen is a social worker who has spent her career advocating for marginalized communities. She’s also an avid traveler, artist, and foodie.
Yasmeen Mahdi currently resides in the United States and grew up in Iraq.
The Mediterranean Quinoa Delight recipe has its roots in Greece and the Middle East, where quinoa has been a staple for centuries.The traditional Mediterranean diet is widely recognized as one of the healthiest diets worldwide, with the use of olive oil, fresh produce, and whole grains. Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, ideal for vegans and vegetarians. Kalamata olives add a unique tangy flavor, while feta cheese brings just the right amount of saltiness to the dish. Fun fact, did you know that quinoa was considered so valuable to the Incan Empire that they referred to it as ‘the mother of all grains’?
In today’s world, where fast food is the norm, and many people are challenged to find healthy food options, Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Quinoa Delight is not only nutritious but also delicious. With the global pandemic showing no signs of abating, many of us are still working from home. This recipe is perfect for those who need a healthy and filling lunch or dinner while working from home. It is also an excellent option for those who want to meal prep and have something readily available in the fridge that you can quickly warm up. Overall, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy individuals who are looking for quick, easy, and healthy meals. Trust me. Your taste buds will thank you!
What you need
Looking for a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than my favorite recipe for Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Quinoa Delight! Packed with flavorful ingredients like red bell pepper, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, this savory dish is perfect for anyone looking to add some Mediterranean flair to their mealtime. With simple steps like cooking the quinoa, chopping the veggies, and whisking together a quick dressing, this recipe comes together in no time at all. Just mix everything together, chill for a bit in the fridge, and voila! You’ll have a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a vegan, a vegetarian, or a gluten-free foodie, this recipe is sure to please. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients:
- Quinoa – Used to add protein, fiber and texture to the dish. Can be substituted for other grains like couscous or rice.
- Red bell pepper – Adds sweet flavor and colorful texture to the dish. Can be substituted with yellow or orange bell pepper
- Cucumber – Adds freshness and crunchiness to the dish. Can be substituted with diced tomatoes.
- Chickpeas – Adds protein and earthy flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with white beans or black beans.
- Feta cheese – Adds salty flavor and creamy texture to the dish. Can be substituted with goat cheese.
- Kalamata olives – Adds briny flavor and Mediterranean flair to the dish. Can be substituted with green olives.
- Red onion – Adds sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with shallots.
- Lemon juice – Adds fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with lime juice.
- Olive oil – Used to make the dressing for the dish. Can be substituted with any neutral oil.
- Garlic – Adds pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with garlic powder.
- Parsley – Adds fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with cilantro.
- Salt and black pepper – Enhances flavor of the dish. Can be substituted with any seasoning of choice.
Utensils:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small mixing bowl – Optional. Can use a jar with lid to shake the dressing instead.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Colander or strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Kalamata Olives
I love adding Kalamata olives to my Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Quinoa Delight. Not only do they give it a salty and briny flavor, but they are also rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. In fact, Kalamata olives are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. Despite all these benefits, many people tend to shy away from olives because of their high sodium content. However, in moderation, they are a great addition to any dish and can really elevate the flavors.
Red Bell Pepper
Red bell peppers are a colorful and flavorful addition to the Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Quinoa Delight recipe. They add a sweet and fruity taste to the dish, while also providing a ton of vitamin C and other antioxidants. As someone who always tries to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, I appreciate that red bell peppers are low in calories and high in fiber. They are also a great source of vitamin A, folate, and potassium, which are essential for maintaining good health. Plus, their bright red color makes the dish look more appetizing and visually appealing!
What to serve it with?
One of my favorite ways to serve Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Quinoa Delight is with grilled chicken breast. The combination of the savory quinoa and the tender chicken is simply mouth-watering. As someone who loves to experiment with different spices and flavors, I like to marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon, garlic, and za’atar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend. It makes the chicken extra delicious and complements the Mediterranean flavors of the quinoa perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to add even more protein to the dish. This meal is a perfect option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or even to pack for lunch at work.
Summary
Aside from its delicious taste, Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Quinoa Delight brings back so many fond memories of meals shared with loved ones in my home country. This recipe has allowed me to share those experiences with friends here in the United States. I highly encourage each one of you to give this recipe a try and share it with someone special. Make sure to let us know in the comment section about your experience making Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Quinoa Delight! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? Did you pair it differently? I can’t wait to hear from you all.
Here’s the recipe:
Trader Joe's Mediterranean Quinoa Delight
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small Mixing Bowl
- cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Colander or strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 1 Red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup, diced Cucumber
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed Chickpeas
- 1/2 cup, crumbled Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, pitted and chopped Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup, diced Red onion
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped Parsley
- To taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa - Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup of quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. - To add more flavor to the quinoa, you can use vegetable broth instead of water. Also, make sure to fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- Prepare the vegetables - While the quinoa is cooking, chop the red bell pepper and red onion into small pieces. Dice the cucumber and chop the parsley. Set aside in a large mixing bowl. - To save time, you can use a food processor to chop the vegetables uniformly. Make sure the vegetables are chopped roughly the same size, so they cook evenly.
- Make the dressing - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside. - For a creamier dressing, you can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini. You can also adjust the seasoning to taste, by adding more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice.
- Assemble the salad - To the large mixing bowl with the vegetables, add the cooked quinoa, drained and rinsed chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped Kalamata olives. Pour the dressing on top and toss everything together until well combined. - To make the salad more filling, you can add some protein like grilled chicken or tofu. You can also use any other type of cheese or beans that you prefer.
- Chill and serve - Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until ready to serve. Before serving, garnish with extra chopped parsley and enjoy! - Make sure to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for a while so that the flavors can meld together. You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
