Sardine Quinoa Mediterranean Bowl

A gut-friendly, fiber-rich Mediterranean bowl with sardines and quinoa.

Protein Rich Mediterranean
92%

Match for Gut Health

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and the data in the InnerBuddies database showing the effect of these ingredients on gut bacteria and functions.

Coming soon: personalization based on your profile and/or your gut microbiome test results.

Recipe description

This Sardine Quinoa Mediterranean Bowl pairs protein-packed sardines with quinoa and a bright medley of vegetables. Built for everyday balance, it provides fiber from quinoa and polyphenols from colorful produce. The combination supports gentle digestion and helps nourish diverse gut bacteria, while olive oil and herbs add flavor and healthy fats. Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, this bowl offers a practical way to enjoy a variety of plants and nutrients in one meal.

June 10, 2026
Sardine Quinoa Mediterranean Bowl
Prep 15 min Cook 20 min Easy
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Why this recipe fits you

  • Rich in fiber from quinoa and vegetables.
  • Colorful plant foods and olive oil add polyphenols.
  • Balanced with sardine protein, healthy fats, and slow carbs.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
85
🍇 Polyphenol density
80
🧬 Diversity support
85
🛡️ Inflammation support
85
🫧 Fermentation support
0
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
80

Ingredients

Sardine 1 piece
Sardine
Quinoa 1 serving spoon
Quinoa
Oil, olive 2 tablespoon
Oil, olive
bell pepper 1 piece
Cucumber 1 bowl
Cucumber
red onion 0.5 piece
Parsley 1 tablespoon
Parsley
Lemon 0.5 piece
Lemon

Instructions

1

Rinse the quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions.

2

In a bowl, combine diced bell pepper, cucumber, and chopped red onion.

3

Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool and then mix it with the vegetables.

4

Add the sardines to the quinoa and vegetable mixture.

5

Drizzle olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture.

6

Garnish with chopped parsley and mix well.

7

Serve the Mediterranean bowl chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

580 kcal Calories
30 g Protein
62 g Carbohydrates
9 g Fiber
6 g Sugar
32 g Fat
4 g Saturated fat
1.0 g Salt

FAQ

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes—it's naturally gluten-free if you use plain quinoa and avoid gluten-containing add-ins; watch for cross-contamination.
What nutrients does it provide?
It supplies protein from sardines and quinoa, plus fiber from quinoa and vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil.
Can I make it vegan or vegetarian?
Yes—swap sardines for plant-based protein like chickpeas or beans, and add extra veggies.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool promptly and refrigerate in an airtight container; best eaten within 2–3 days; keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
How can I customize it with more vegetables?
Use any mix of cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, olives, or roasted vegetables; finish with a lemon-olive oil dressing.
What ingredients can replace sardines?
Other oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel; or plant-based proteins like chickpeas or white beans.
Is this suitable for people with seafood allergies?
If you have a fish allergy, omit the sardines or substitute with plant-based protein.
How long does it take to prepare?
About 20–30 minutes from start to finish, including cooking quinoa and assembling the bowl.
Can I meal-prep this bowl?
Yes—cook quinoa and chop vegetables ahead of time; store separately and assemble before serving.

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