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Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Sushi Rolls

Mediterranean quinoa sushi rolls - featured image

A fresh, wholesome, and easy-to-make sushi roll recipe that combines Mediterranean flavors with quinoa for a healthy twist on traditional sushi.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed well)
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup hummus
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves (a handful)
  • 46 sheets large nori seaweed (roasted)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve until water runs clear.
  2. Place quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  5. Fluff with a fork and stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Let quinoa cool completely before assembling rolls.
  6. While quinoa cooks, julienne the cucumber and shred the carrot. Slice kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes thinly. Roughly chop parsley or mint leaves. Set all aside in separate bowls.
  7. Place one nori sheet shiny side down on a bamboo rolling mat or flat surface.
  8. Spread a thin, even layer of cooled quinoa over the nori, leaving about 1 inch free at the top edge for sealing.
  9. Spread about 2 tablespoons of hummus across the quinoa layer, then arrange cucumber, carrot, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and herbs in a line across the bottom third of the sheet.
  10. Using the bamboo mat, carefully lift the edge closest to you and roll it over the filling, pressing gently but firmly to keep everything tight.
  11. Continue rolling until the seam is sealed with the 1-inch free edge. Give it a gentle squeeze along the roll for compactness.
  12. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 6-8 bite-sized pieces. Wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts to keep slices clean and prevent sticking.
  13. Arrange the Mediterranean quinoa sushi rolls on a plate. Serve with extra hummus or a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to avoid bitterness. Wet hands slightly when spreading quinoa on nori to prevent sticking. Do not overfill rolls to keep them neat. Use a sharp knife and wipe between slices for clean cuts. Assemble rolls just before eating to keep nori crisp. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 2 days; avoid microwaving to prevent soggy nori.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean, quinoa, sushi rolls, healthy, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free, light dinner, fresh, hummus, nori