Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

This colorful Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl transforms simple pantry staples into a vibrant and nourishing meal that's perfect for ADHD brains. The recipe's flexible nature means you can prep ingredients in any order while the quinoa cooks, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer non-linear cooking processes. Plus, the Mediterranean flavors provide a healthy dose of brain-boosting omega-3s and protein.

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Add quinoa and broth to a medium pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
3. While quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano.
4. Dice cucumber and halve tomatoes.
5. Once quinoa is done, let it cool for 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, spinach, cucumber, and tomatoes.
7. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
8. Top with crumbled feta cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Tips for ADHD Cooking Success:

**Use clear containers to organize pre-chopped vegetables, making assembly more visual and engaging
**Set two timers for the quinoa - one at 15 minutes to check, and one at 20 minutes as a backup
**Keep the recipe card visible throughout cooking, either propped up or taped at eye level
**Break down the recipe into smaller chunks - prep vegetables while quinoa cooks to maximize time

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 580
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Fiber: 12g
Fat: 32g
Iron: 4mg
Vitamin C: 45mg
Calcium: 280mg
Omega-3 fatty acids: 1.2g

This Mediterranean bowl provides a perfect balance of nutrients that support brain health and focus, making it an excellent choice for ADHD-friendly meal planning.

 

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