Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—the harvest quinoa bowl! This bowl is like a colorful garden on your plate, bursting with fresh veggies and wholesome goodness. I love how it’s not just pretty to look at but also incredibly nutritious. Packed with protein from the quinoa, vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and that creamy avocado on top, it’s a meal that makes you feel good inside and out. What’s more, it’s perfect for lunch prep or a quick dinner after a long day. I whip this up whenever I want to feel energized and satisfied. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation forever!
Ingredients for the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
Getting this harvest quinoa bowl ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! First, let’s start with cooking the quinoa. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, just turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. This little resting period makes it fluffy!
While the quinoa is cooking, grab a large bowl and toss in your chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Once the quinoa is ready, fluff it with a fork and add it to the bowl with the veggies. Drizzle everything with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for that zesty kick. Finally, season it all with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and give it a gentle toss. Top it off with those beautiful avocado slices right before serving. You’re all set!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and parsley.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the vegetable mixture.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to combine, and top with sliced avocado just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with healthy ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious.
- Vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
- Customizable to fit your taste—throw in your favorite veggies!
- It’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone.
Tips for Success with Your Harvest Quinoa Bowl
To elevate your harvest quinoa bowl, I’ve got some fantastic tips! First, make sure to toast your quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking. This adds a lovely nuttiness that really enhances the flavor! You can also mix in some spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding roasted vegetables or some chickpeas for added texture and protein. And don’t forget, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can bring a whole new level of freshness. Trust me, these little tweaks can turn a good bowl into an unforgettable one!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my harvest quinoa bowl. Each bowl packs about 350 calories, with 15 grams of healthy fats and 10 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. You’ll also get 45 grams of carbohydrates, including 8 grams of fiber, making it a filling and nutritious choice. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a solid idea of the goodness you’re fueling your body with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your harvest quinoa bowl is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold right out of the fridge or reheat it gently in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat—30-second intervals should do the trick until it’s warmed through. If you prefer, you can add a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors again. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
Can I make the harvest quinoa bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bowl is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the avocado slices right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What other vegetables can I add?
The beauty of this harvest quinoa bowl is its versatility! Feel free to toss in any veggies you love—zucchini, carrots, or even roasted sweet potatoes make great additions. Just think about what you enjoy and have on hand!
Can I use something other than vegetable broth?
Definitely! If you’re in a pinch, water works just fine, but using broth really amps up the flavor. You could also try chicken broth if you’re not strictly vegan.
Is this bowl gluten-free?
Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this harvest quinoa bowl a safe and delicious choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
How long will leftovers last?
Your leftovers will stay tasty in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just make sure to give it a good stir before enjoying it again!
Serving Suggestions for Your Harvest Quinoa Bowl
If you really want to take your harvest quinoa bowl to the next level, consider pairing it with some crusty whole-grain bread or pita for a satisfying crunch! A light, tangy yogurt dressing on the side can also bring a delightful creaminess that complements the vibrant flavors. You might even enjoy it alongside a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for an extra pop of freshness. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
For more information on the health benefits of quinoa, check out this Healthline article.
Additionally, if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, you might enjoy this Caprese Salad or Greek Salad.
Imprimer
Harvest Quinoa Bowl: 7 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Vegan
Description
A nutritious harvest quinoa bowl packed with vegetables and flavors.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- Add cooked quinoa to the bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Top with avocado slices before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 12g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 8g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: harvest quinoa bowl, healthy bowl, quinoa salad
