Quinoa Power Bowl

πŸ•’ Prep: 10 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Quinoa Power Bowl is a delightful mix of fresh veggies, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty tahini dressing that’ll lift your spirit and energize your day. It's a quick, versatile dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner, offering a vibrant burst of flavors and textures.

Ingredients for Quinoa Power Bowl

Quinoa is the star here, providing a protein-rich base with a subtle nutty flavor. Make sure you rinse it well to remove any bitterness. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness, while the cucumber brings a refreshing crunch. Baby spinach gives a boost of vitamins and a tender texture. The red onion slices add a mild zing, and pumpkin seeds provide a delightful, crunchy contrast. For the dressing, tahini offers a creamy, nutty richness, balanced by the tanginess of lemon juice and the sweetness of maple syrup. A touch of olive oil adds smoothness, while garlic, salt, and pepper enhance the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, toast the quinoa in the saucepan for a couple of minutes before adding water.
  • Double the recipe to have leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
  • Adjust the dressing to your taste by playing with the lemon juice and maple syrup ratios.

Serving Suggestions

This Quinoa Power Bowl pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for added protein. Serve it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up any extra dressing. It’s also delightful alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Yes, you can substitute with couscous, farro, or bulgur if you prefer!
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is there a substitute for tahini?
You can use almond butter or peanut butter for a different flavor twist.

Quinoa Power Bowl Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step is key to removing that natural coating, saponin, which can taste a bit soapy. Once rinsed, place the quinoa into a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring it all to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for the quinoa to be fluffy and for the water to be fully absorbed. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool down while you prep the rest.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of tahini, the juice of one lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and a minced clove of garlic. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to taste. This dressing should be smooth and well-combined.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 cup of baby spinach, and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over this beautiful medley and toss it all together until everything is evenly coated.

Finish off your bowl by sprinkling 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds over the top, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare β€” ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Packed with nutrients and plant-based protein.
  • Customizable with your favorite seasonal veggies.
  • Perfect for meal prep β€” stays fresh in the fridge.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup baby spinach
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup tahini
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, baby spinach, and red onion.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the bowl and mix well to coat.
6. Top the bowl with pumpkin seeds before serving.

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