Mediterranean Quinoa Sliders

Name: Mediterranean Quinoa Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 sliders
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Simple Healthy Recipes

I absolutely love making these Mediterranean Quinoa Sliders for gatherings or a quick meal. They’re packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a delightful option for anyone seeking a healthy bite. The combination of quinoa, herbs, and vegetables not only delivers a taste of the Mediterranean but also provides a hearty texture that keeps you satisfied. I often serve them with a tangy yogurt sauce which elevates the sliders to a whole new level. If you're looking for a unique and wholesome dish, these sliders will not disappoint!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-06T22:42:31.508Z

When I first experimented with quinoa sliders, I was surprised at how versatile and filling they could be. I decided to infuse them with Mediterranean flavors: think olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The result? A delightful fusion that I couldn’t stop munching on! This method works beautifully because the quinoa acts as a fantastic binder and provides a perfect textural base.

One of my favorite moments was when I served these sliders at a barbecue. Everyone raved about how satisfying they were, even the die-hard meat lovers! A tip I can share is to press the mixture well when shaping the patties to ensure they hold together during cooking. These sliders are a true crowd-pleaser!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Fresh and zesty Mediterranean flavors in every bite
Nutrient-packed quinoa is a great alternative to traditional burgers
Perfectly suited for vegetarians and meat lovers alike

      

Understanding Quinoa

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient not only celebrated for its nutty flavor but also for its impressive nutritional profile. It’s gluten-free, high in protein, and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a fantastic option for those seeking plant-based proteins. When cooked, quinoa should have a light and fluffy texture, which provides a satisfying base for the hearty ingredients in these sliders. Ensuring the quinoa is thoroughly rinsed before cooking helps eliminate any bitterness, setting the stage for a delightful flavor combination in your sliders.

The choice of vegetable broth instead of water to cook the quinoa elevates the overall flavor of the dish. A rich, seasoned broth infuses the grains, allowing them to absorb a depth of flavor that plain water simply cannot provide. For an extra layer of taste, consider adding a sprig of thyme or a bay leaf to the broth while cooking, then discard it before mixing it into the slider patties.

Flavor Pairings and Variations

This recipe shines with the balance of flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in delivering that authentic Mediterranean taste. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture, while Kalamata olives contribute a briny richness. You can experiment with other Mediterranean ingredients, such as feta cheese for creaminess or roasted red peppers for a smoky touch, customizing the sliders to suit your taste preferences.

If you wish to add a bit of heat to your sliders, mixing in some crushed red pepper or diced jalapeño can do the trick. Additionally, consider swapping out the breadcrumbs for ground oats or almond flour to cater to gluten-free diets. Simply ensure that whatever substitution you choose adheres to the desired texture; you want your patties compact yet still tender.

Ingredients

Gather these wholesome ingredients to create delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Sliders:

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Olive oil for cooking

With these fresh ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a healthy and delicious dish!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Mediterranean Quinoa Sliders:

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, red onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

Form Patties

Shape the mixture into patties, about 2 inches in diameter. Ensure they are compact to hold together during cooking.

Cook the Sliders

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden and crisp.

Serve

Serve the sliders on whole grain buns with your choice of toppings, like yogurt sauce or fresh veggies.

Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean-inspired sliders!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, try adding feta cheese to the mixture or serve with a homemade tahini sauce for dipping.

Cooking Technique Tips

When forming the patties, make sure to compact the mixture well so they hold together during cooking. If you notice that your mixture is too crumbly, add a splash of vegetable broth or a little extra olive oil as a binding agent. Conversely, if your mixture is too wet, incorporating more breadcrumbs will help in achieving the right consistency. Once shaped, you can chill the patties in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to help firm them up, making frying easier.

Pay attention to the heat when cooking; medium heat is ideal to ensure that the outside gets golden brown without burning while allowing the inside to heat through. Keep an eye on the sliders, flipping them when you see golden edges forming, which typically takes about 5 minutes on each side. This process not only creates a delightful crust but also enhances the overall flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These quinoa sliders are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While whole grain buns are a wholesome choice, they can also be served atop salad greens for a lighter option or even as a filling for lettuce wraps. Layer them with your favorite toppings, such as a tangy yogurt sauce, fresh spinach, or even a slice of avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.

Additionally, consider pairing them with a side of roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. The contrasting textures and flavors complement the sliders perfectly. If you have leftovers, these patties can easily be reheated in a skillet over a medium flame for about 3-4 minutes per side or in the microwave for a quick lunch option.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Yes, you can make the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them before cooking.

→ Are these sliders gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, these sliders can be gluten-free.

→ What can I serve with these sliders?

They pair wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even sweet potato fries.

→ Can I freeze the sliders?

Absolutely! Freeze them after forming the patties. Just thaw and cook when you're ready to enjoy.