Refreshing Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Dressing

Sometimes life throws you those hot, sunny days when all you want to do is lounge around with a refreshing meal that tastes like summer. Enter the Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Feta Dressing—a dish that combines vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a whole lot of goodness in each bite. antipasto chickpea salad Picture a bowl filled with fluffy grains, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing drizzled on top, inviting you to dive right in.

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This grain bowl is not just a feast for your taste buds; it’s also a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I remember the first time I whipped this up for a picnic at the park with my friends. We sprawled out on a blanket under the sun, laughing while stuffing our faces with this colorful concoction. Nothing says summer like sharing good food and great company!

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was—one even claimed it was “life-changing.” Not sure if I’d go that far, but it definitely made the day memorable!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa or Brown Rice: Choose whichever grain you prefer; both add heartiness and texture to the bowl.

• Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch; opt for English cucumbers for fewer seeds. refreshing cucumber recipes.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes elevate every bite; pick ones that are plump and vibrant.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a zesty kick; soak them in water for 10 minutes to mellow bitterness.

• Avocado: Ripe avocado lends creaminess; look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. corn avocado pasta salad. For more inspiration, check out this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe recipe.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds salty richness; choose high-quality feta for the best flavor experience.

For the Dressing:

• Fresh Herbs (Basil & Parsley): Bright herbs inject freshness into the dressing; don’t skip them!

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.

• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: A base for creaminess; Greek yogurt gives added protein too!

• Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil for richness and depth in flavor.

• Garlic Clove: Minced garlic adds aromatic goodness; adjust quantity based on your love for garlic!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook Your Grains: Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa or brown rice under cold water. Cook according to package instructions until fluffy—about 15 minutes for quinoa.

Prepare Your Veggies: While your grains are cooking, chop 1 cucumber, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and slice half a red onion thinly. Set aside.

Create Your Dressing: In a blender, combine 1 cup of fresh herbs (basil and parsley), juice of 1 lemon, 1 cup Greek yogurt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add minced garlic clove and blend until smooth.

Toss It All Together: Once your grains cool slightly, combine them in a large bowl with chopped vegetables. Drizzle half of your Green Goddess Feta Dressing over the mixture. For more inspiration, check out this Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta recipe.

Add Toppings: Slice one ripe avocado and crumble around half a cup of feta cheese over your grain bowl masterpiece. Drizzle with more dressing if desired!

This Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Feta Dressing is perfect for those lazy summer afternoons or whenever you’re craving something light yet fulfilling. Enjoy every delightful bite while soaking up those warm rays!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the grains first. While they simmer, prepare your vegetables and whip up the dressing. This multitasking ensures everything is ready to assemble at once.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap quinoa for farro or add roasted chickpeas for extra protein. Toss in seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a personal flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain texture without overcooking.

Sometimes it’s the simplest dishes that create lasting memories. I recall serving this grain bowl at a sunny picnic, and everyone kept asking for seconds—talk about a confidence boost!

FAQ

What grains work best for this summer grain bowl?

Quinoa, farro, or brown rice are great options for this dish.

Can I make the green goddess feta dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days.

How can I add more protein to my bowl?

Consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein boost. grilled shrimp tacos.

Print

Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Feta Dressing

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• Author: recipesnew
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Enjoy a burst of summer flavors with this vibrant Summer Grain Bowl, featuring fluffy grains, crisp veggies, and a delightful Green Goddess Feta Dressing. This refreshing dish is perfect for warm days and can easily be customized based on your favorite ingredients. Share it with friends or savor it solo—either way, every bite is a celebration of fresh goodness!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa or brown rice
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup fresh basil and parsley (mixed)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced

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Instructions

1. Cook your grains: Rinse quinoa or brown rice under cold water and cook according to package instructions until fluffy (about 15 minutes for quinoa).
2. Prepare the veggies: While the grains are cooking, chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion. Set aside.
3. Make the dressing: In a blender, combine fresh herbs, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth.
4. Assemble the bowl: Once grains have cooled slightly, combine them in a large bowl with chopped veggies. Drizzle half of the dressing over the mixture.
5. Add toppings: Layer sliced avocado and crumbled feta cheese on top. Drizzle with remaining dressing if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Swap quinoa for farro or add roasted chickpeas for extra protein. Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.