Mediterranean Diet Bird's Nest
Transform your mealtime with the vibrant and healthy Mediterranean Diet Bird's Nest—a light yet satisfying dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. This recipe combines oven-crisped nests of spiralized zucchini and carrots with a bright and zesty filling of fluffy quinoa, juicy cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, fresh basil, and red onion. Enhanced with lemon juice and a drizzle of heart-healthy olive oil, this gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly recipe is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Perfect as a main course or a stunning side dish, these vegetable "nests" are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making them ideal for any occasion. Packed with wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flair, this dish is a delicious way to stay on track with your healthy eating goals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 large Zucchini
- 2 medium Carrots
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 medium Red onion
- 1 medium Lemon
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Using a spiralizer, create zucchini and carrot noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons.
Mix the zucchini noodles and carrot noodles in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Divide and arrange them into 'nests' on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the vegetable nests for 15 minutes or until they are slightly crisp around the edges.
While the nests bake, rinse the quinoa under cold water and combine it with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
In another bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh basil, and diced red onion. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and the juice of one lemon. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mix well.
Once the nests are ready, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Spoon the quinoa mixture into the center of each nest.
Serve warm or cold. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Bird's Nest as a delightful and nutritious meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1326 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.4 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.8 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 9276 mg | 403% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 161.8 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.1 g | ||
| Protein | 43.6 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 600 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2255 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
