Harvest Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Dressing
A vibrant and nutritious dish featuring fluffy quinoa, roasted vegetables, creamy avocado, and a luscious tahini dressing, perfect for meal prep and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Quinoa and Base Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for added flavor.
- 1 cup diced roasted vegetables (like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini) Feel free to mix your favorite vegetables.
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed Canned chickpeas work well.
- 1 whole avocado, sliced Add freshness and creaminess.
Tahini Dressing
- 2 tablespoons tahini This is the base of the creamy dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Adds brightness to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or cilantro) Use your choice of herbs.
Instructions
Preparation of Quinoa
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating (saponin) that can make it taste bitter.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.
Roasting Vegetables
- While the quinoa cooks, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread your choice of diced vegetables on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast them for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
Preparing the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of tahini, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- If the dressing is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Bowl
- Once the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are roasted, it's time to assemble!
- In a serving bowl, layer the quinoa as the base, followed by the roasted vegetables, drained chickpeas, and topped with sliced avocado.
Finishing Touch
- Generously drizzle your creamy tahini dressing over the assembled bowl, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color and flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious textures and flavors of your homemade Harvest Quinoa Bowl!
Notes
For variations, feel free to use other vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. You can also substitute chickpeas with beans of your choice for additional protein. Leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.