Mediterranean Diet Bird's Nest

Transform your meal routine with the vibrant and wholesome "Mediterranean Diet Bird's Nest," a creative twist on a classic healthy favorite. This savory recipe combines delicate zucchini and carrot nests baked to perfection, filled with a refreshing quinoa medley tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, fresh basil, and a bright squeeze of lemon. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant side dish, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and Mediterranean diet essentials like olive oil and nutrient-rich vegetables. Quick to prepare in under an hour and suitable for serving warm or cold, it’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that balances flavor and nutrition effortlessly. Ideal for those seeking Mediterranean diet recipes or veggie-forward ideas, this dish is as beautiful as it is satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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
• 0 to taste Salt
• 0 to taste Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Using a spiralizer, create zucchini and carrot noodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Bake the vegetable nests for 15 minutes or until they are slightly crisp around the edges.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Once the nests are ready, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Spoon the quinoa mixture into the center of each nest.

Step 8

Serve warm or cold. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Bird's Nest as a delightful and nutritious meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1684.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1326.3

Total Fat 58.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 66.8mg	0%
Sodium 9275.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 161.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 49.1g
Protein 43.6g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 600.5mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 2254.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.0%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 48.0%