Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl Recipe

Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl is a nutrient-dense meal featuring a blend of cilantro-lime grains, crisp vegetables, and savory hummus. Ideally the brown rice and quinoa mixture should be tossed with the lemon and cilantro while still hot to ensure the flavors absorb thoroughly into the grains.

Jump to Recipe

Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl Recipe Ingredients

The Grains:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

The Bowl Toppings:

• 2 cups baby arugula or mixed greens
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup hummus (classic or lemon garlic)
• 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)

The Lemon Tahini Dressing:

• 2 tbsp tahini paste
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp warm water (to thin)
• 1/2 tsp maple syrup or honey
• Salt and pepper

How To Make Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl Recipe

1. Prepare the Grains: Cook the brown rice and quinoa separately (or together if timing allows) according to package directions. In a medium bowl, combine the warm cooked rice and quinoa. Stir in the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly (it should be warm, not piping hot).
2. Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and maple syrup. If the dressing is too thick, add warm water one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prep the Vegetables: Wash and dry the arugula. Slice the tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the olives. Keeping the vegetables bite-sized ensures a perfect mix of flavors in every forkful.
4. Assemble the Base: Divide the arugula between two serving bowls. Top with a generous scoop of the cilantro-lime grain blend.
5. Add Toppings: Arrange the tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives in distinct sections around the bowl.
6. The Creamy Elements: Add a scoop of hummus and a dollop of Greek yogurt to the center of the bowl. Sprinkle the crumbled Feta cheese over the top.
7. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the lemon tahini dressing over the entire bowl just before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Warm vs. Cold: The signature of this bowl is the temperature contrast. The grains should be warm, which slightly wilts the arugula underneath, while the cucumber, tomato, and yogurt should be fridge-cold.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This is an excellent meal prep recipe. Store the dressed grains, vegetables, and greens in separate compartments. Keep the dressing in a small container and assemble right before eating to prevent sogginess.
• Protein Boost: While the vegetarian version is standard, Panera often serves this with citrus-pepper chicken. You can add grilled chicken slices or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
• Tahini Quality: Use a high-quality, smooth tahini. If your tahini has separated in the jar, give it a vigorous stir before measuring, or the dressing will be oily.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl

Grain bowl accompaniments are wholesome additions frequently served to add extra texture and dipping options to the meal. Ideally the pita bread should be toasted until crisp to provide a crunchy vessel for scooping up the creamy hummus and grains.

• Warm pita bread or pita chips
• Panera Bread Green Tea
• Fresh fruit slices (apple or melon)
• A cup of lentil soup

How To Store Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl

• Refrigerate: Store the components separately for the best results. The grain blend will keep for 5 days, and the chopped vegetables for 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the rice and quinoa mixture in the microwave for 45 seconds before assembling the bowl. Do not heat the vegetables or dressing.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked brown rice and quinoa blend for up to 1 month. The fresh vegetables and dairy components do not freeze well.

Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480 kcal (per bowl)
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 2 large bowls.

FAQs