Name: Mediterranean Quinoa Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa; 1/2 cup cottage cheese; 1/4 cup chickpeas; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, diced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons tahini sauce

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Quinoa Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fresh and nutritious meal perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s easy to prepare and satisfying.

The dish is a white speckled bowl filled with colorful layers. At the bottom, light beige quinoa forms the base, topped with bright green cucumber slices on one side. Next to the cucumbers are pale yellow chickpeas, sitting beside deep purple sliced red onions. Cherry tomatoes, some whole and some halved showing juicy red interiors with seeds, fill another section. On the opposite side, a creamy white sauce sprinkled with red spice and chopped green herbs adds creaminess. Small diced cucumber cubes and chopped fresh green herbs are added around the bowl, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup chickpeas
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons tahini sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cottage cheese, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
Step 2: Drizzle the tahini sauce over the mixture.
Step 3: Toss gently to combine all ingredients well, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For added protein, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top.
Swap chickpeas with black beans or white beans for a different flavor and texture.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint to brighten the dish.
If you prefer a creamier texture, mix the tahini with a little lemon juice and water before drizzling.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep the tahini sauce separate and add just before serving. This bowl is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

In a white bowl with a speckled pattern, a colorful layered salad is neatly arranged. At the base, there is a layer of light-colored quinoa with a slightly grainy texture. On top, sections of vibrant vegetables and toppings are placed separately: quartered bright red cherry tomatoes, thin round slices of fresh green cucumbers, beige chickpeas clustered in the center, thin strips of purple-red onion, diced light green cucumber chunks, and a creamy white dollop with a sprinkle of red spice and green herbs on one side. Fresh chopped green herbs are scattered across the ingredients, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dry quinoa instead of cooked quinoa?

You should use cooked quinoa for this recipe. Dry quinoa needs to be rinsed and cooked before assembling the bowl for the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe contains cottage cheese, which is dairy-based. To make it vegan, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative such as tofu or vegan ricotta.