Mediterranean Quinoa Bake

Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson September 26, 2023 This post may contain affiliate links.

This Mediterranean Quinoa Bake is so delicious and flavorful, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is! Everything cooks together in one dish for a veggie-packed meal that only takes a few minutes to prepare.

I love baked quinoa and once I discovered that I could make delicious quinoa in the oven, it was a game changer! I love how quick and easy it is to add the ingredients to a baking dish and pop it in the oven. I based this recipe on the America’s Test Kitchen baked quinoa, but I gave it my own spin and made it a little healthier. This recipe is extremely easy to prepare, so it’s great for busy weeknights!

You can enjoy this as a side dish or a main dish. If you want to make it a little more filling, I recommend serving it with falafel, halloumi, or bread!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Kale– Adds a hearty, leafy green base to the dish, providing fiber, vitamins, and a delightful texture. If you don’t have kale, you can use spinach, mustard greens, or Swiss chard.
Quinoa– The star of this dish, quinoa is a protein-packed grain that forms the base of the meal. It’s fluffy and slightly nutty, providing essential nutrients.
Vegetable Broth– This adds flavor to the dish while cooking the quinoa. You can use water if you don’t have vegetable broth but you’ll need to add seasonings like garlic, celery salt, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Chickpeas– These legumes bring protein and a satisfying, heartiness to the recipe. They pair perfectly with Mediterranean flavors. If needed, you can swap the chickpeas for white beans or cannellini beans.
Olive Oil– A touch of olive oil adds richness and a hint of Mediterranean flavor, while also helping to cook the quinoa and chickpeas. If you wanted to make this recipe oil free, you can skip it.
Lemon– We add both juice and zest for a citrusy brightness to the dish that helps balance the flavors. If you don’t have lemon, you can use a splash of red wine vinegar for tanginess.
Oregano-This dried herb infuses the dish with a distinct Mediterranean taste.
Roma tomatoes– Fresh tomatoes add juicy sweetness and a burst of color. Cherry or grape tomatoes can be substituted.
Feta Cheese– The creamy, tangy feta crumbles contribute a rich, salty element to complement the other flavors. You can use a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option, if desired.

Do I Need to Rinse Quinoa?

Most quinoa should be rinsed before cooking. Some bagged varieties will come pre-rinsed but if you’re not sure, give it a rinse just to be safe. This removes the bitter outer coating of the quinoa. I place it in a fine-mesh strainer and then run it under cool water. Be sure it’s a very fine mesh strainer so the quinoa doesn’t fall through. This strainer on Amazon is a great one for quinoa!