Herby Lemon–Dijon Quinoa (Gluten-Free Mediterranean Bowl)

Gluten-free • Plant-based • ~15g protein per serving

After a night of chips, chips, and more chips, this was exactly what my body was craving. Fresh herbs, fluffy quinoa, sweet roasted squash, peppery arugula, and a bright lemon–Dijon dressing made with Brightland olive oil — simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

This bowl works beautifully warm or chilled and makes an ideal make-ahead lunch or easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the quinoa bowl

• 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

• 2 cups roasted squash (butternut or delicata), cubed

• 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

• 1 cup chopped cucumber

• 2 big handfuls arugula

• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, mint, or a mix)

• Salt & black pepper

For the Lemon–Dijon dressing

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (I use Brightland)

• 2½ tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1½ tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

• 1 tsp herbs de provence

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• Fresh black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa
Bring quinoa and liquid to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

2. Roast the squash
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until caramelized and tender.

3. Make the dressing
Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.

4. Assemble the bowl
In a large bowl, toss warm quinoa with chickpeas, roasted squash, red onion, and most of the dressing.

5. Finish fresh
Fold in cucumber, arugula, and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more dressing if needed.

Serving Tips

• Serve warm, room temp, or chilled

• Add vegan feta, toasted pine nuts, or avocado if desired

• For meal prep: store without arugula and add greens just before serving

Why You’ll Love This Bowl

• ✔️ Naturally gluten-free

• ✔️ ~15g plant protein per serving

• ✔️ Fresh but still cozy

• ✔️ Perfect post–Super Bowl reset (no deprivation energy here)

Variations

• Swap the grain: farro (not GF) or brown rice

• Add crunch: toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds

• Boost protein: add lentils or extra chickpeas

Final Thoughts

This is one of those bowls that feels resetting without feeling restrictive — bright, herby, nourishing, and deeply comforting. Exactly what I want when I’m easing back into the week.

If you make this, tag me @kellysgreenkitchen_— I love seeing your bowls 💚