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Mint Bento Box

A vibrant and fresh dish combining quinoa, garbanzo beans, and refreshing mint, perfect for sharing at gatherings or for a cozy dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Meal
Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa (or rice, if preferred)
  • 1 cup garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped The star of our show!
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: feta cheese, crumbled Adds a creamy contrast to the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water and cook according to package instructions, usually combining 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. While the quinoa is cooking, chop the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, cucumber, and chopped mint. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until well combined.
Serving
  1. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold. Rinse the quinoa to remove bitter coating for better flavor. Let the assembled box chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving for fresher taste.