Serve to the kids on the road in dixie cups
This citrusy, protein-packed quinoa salad has been my secret weapon for road trips, parties, and make-ahead lunches for years. I started making it when my kids were little for road trips, so we could skip fast food, and now it’s tradition — a big container packed in the cooler, ready to go! Built for steady energy, a healthy gut, and balanced metabolism.
A Mediterranean-style metabolic support bowl!
LASTS FOR DAYS IN THE REFRIGERATOR!
Greek Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 2 C. Uncooked quinoa (makes approximately 6 C. cooked quinoa)
- 8 T. Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 C. Olive oil
- 1 Small red onion (sliced small and thin)
- 12-15 Small, crunchy cucumbers (chop as desired)
- 8 Radishes cut in half and sliced
- 1 large bundle Fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 C. Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 C. Kalamata olives drained
- 1/2 C. Capers
- A Dash Himalayan sea salt or to taste
- 3-6 drops Young Living Black Pepper Vitality essential oil*
- 3-6 drops Young Living Lemon Vitality essential oil*
- 6-12 drops Young Living Basil Vitality essential oil*
- Garlic Powder to taste
- handful Fresh Basil (optional) chopped
Instructions
- Cook quinoa and cool completely before tossing with veggies and cheese.
- Mix essential oils into the olive oil and lemon juice by shaking together in a mason jar.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and serve!
Notes
Let’s Talk Health Benefits
This is a metabolic power bowl right here.
Quinoa (base)
- Complex carbs
- Fiber
- Protein
Some resistant starch if cooled→ Slow, steady energy instead of spikes
Avocado + Olive Oil
- Healthy fats
- Slow digestion
- Help you feel full longer
- Improve absorption of nutrients from veggies
Fresh Lemon Juice
- Acid slows starch digestion
- Can blunt blood sugar rise
- Supports digestion
Veggies
- Fiber = even slower glucose release
- Feeds gut bacteria
- Adds volume without many calories
Feta Cheese
- Protein
- Fat
- Extra satiety
- Adds flavor so you feel satisfied (huge for weight control)
🫒 What olives bring to the party
Healthy fats (monounsaturated)
→ Further slow digestion
→ Help prevent blood sugar spikes
→ Increase fullness
Polyphenols
Olives are rich in antioxidant compounds that:
- Support gut bacteria
- Help reduce inflammation
- Support metabolic health
Salt + satisfaction
That savory element makes meals feel complete, which can reduce the urge to snack later.
Nitrate-free pepperoni
- Protein + fat = blood sugar stability
- Makes the meal satisfying enough that you don’t go hunting for snacks
Why this works for weight & metabolism
This bowl gives:
Carbs + fiber + protein + fat + acid
That combo:
Slows glucose entry into bloodstream Prevents energy crashes Reduces cravings later Supports gut bacteria Keeps you full
