Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Got up close and personal with some of my neighbors this week. 🐮This is the closest I've gotten to anyone outside of my family in a month.  😂 These guys (and girls) are actually great company.  They're just as curious about me as I am about them.  

Panera introduced their warm grain bowls a few months ago and after exactly one bowl - they became my new favorite menu item at the restaurant.  Their Mediterranean bowl is a brown rice and quinoa base with arugula, chicken, tomatoes, olives, cucumber and hummus.  (I get mine without the greek yogurt and feta.)  It's simple and yet really satisfying and delicious.  I was so obsessed that I made a special trip to Panera the other day because I was craving one - only to find out that it's not on the limited drive-through only menu.  😢 I know - poor me.  

Since I can't get my Mediterranean Grain Bowl from Panera until the dining room reopens, I decided to make them at home for myself.  Best decision ever.  These are surprisingly easy to make and just as tasty as the Panera version.  I would love for you to taste the Panera grain bowls but if they're not available at your local restaurant either - give my homemade version a try.  You might just like my recipe better.  🤭

Mediterranean Grain Bowl
2 cups spring mix
2 cups cooked brown rice and quinoa (look for it in the freezer section)
2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
10 grape tomatoes, sliced
1/3 cup kalamata olives
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup hummus
1/2 lemon

Heat frozen rice and quinoa in microwave according to package directions.  (Mine took 5 minutes)

Combine and spoon into the bottom of 2 bowls. 

Top with lettuce.  Mine came from my garden.  

Top with sliced tomatoes.  

Spread olives on top.  

Top with sliced grilled chicken.  

Add a scoop of hummus and squeeze lemon over the top.  

I'm not usually one to choose prepared frozen foods over fresh but in this case - the frozen rice and quinoa was a huge time saver.  I microwaved both at the same time in 5 minutes!  I am loving this Grain Bowl and thank you Panera for the inspiration.  

​Ciao!