Lunchtime alchemy, no wand required. This Mediterranean Protein Bowl is packed with protein-rich magic from Lifeway Farmer Cheese, rotisserie chicken, and quinoa, plus fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. The secret potion? A tangy, probiotic-packed vinaigrette made with Lifeway Kefir. Topped with Kalamata olives, red onion, and a sprinkle of dill, it’s bright, bold, and balanced. Filling without feeling heavy and fresh without being boring, it’s a little meal prep sorcery you can throw together in under 10 minutes. Call it gut-friendly magic. Call it a flavor miracle. Just make sure to call your favorite grocery store and tell them to order extra Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese!
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese, a creamy high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Prep Time: 2-5 mins Servings: 1-2Ingredients
- Bowl:
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa
- Handful of lettuce
- ½ cup cubed rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup cucumbers, sliced into half moons
- 2 tbs sliced kalamata olives
- 2 tbs diced red onion
- ¼ cup Farmer Cheese
- Freshly chopped dill, for garnish
- Creamy Red Wine Vinaigrette:
- 2 tbs red wine vinegar
- 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbs finely diced shallot
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced or pressed
- ½ tsp honey, plus more as needed
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tbs Organic Whole Milk Plain Kefir
Directions
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. While the quinoa is cooking, add all of the dressing ingredients in the order listed to a jar, then seal and shake vigorously until combined. Taste, and add more salt or honey as needed.
- To a medium bowl add ½-¾ cup of cooked quinoa and top with a handful of greens.
- To the same bowl add the chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, and farmers cheese.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top, garnish with some freshly chopped dill, and enjoy.
