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Fresh Quinoa Buddha Bowl Recipe with Easy Creamy Tahini Dressing

fresh quinoa buddha bowl - featured image
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A quick, colorful, and nourishing quinoa bowl with fresh veggies and a smooth, nutty tahini dressing. Perfect for a light but filling meal any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170 g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded or thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • Optional: ½ cup cooked chickpeas
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Toasted sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds for garnish
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170 g) quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove bitterness.
  2. Transfer rinsed quinoa to a medium saucepan with 2 cups (480 ml) water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
  3. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork.
  4. While quinoa cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, shred carrot, slice avocado, and rinse baby spinach or mixed greens. Drain and rinse chickpeas if using.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and minced garlic. Gradually add warm water while whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with more warm water if needed.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, spinach, and chickpeas. Toss gently to mix.
  7. Arrange avocado slices on top.
  8. Drizzle tahini dressing over the bowl or serve on the side.
  9. Sprinkle with toasted sesame or pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs if desired.
  10. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures. Keep dressing separate if making ahead.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Let quinoa rest off heat after cooking to fluff properly. Warm water helps tahini blend smoothly. Slice avocado just before serving to avoid browning. Toast seeds in a dry pan for extra crunch. Store dressing separately to keep veggies fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa bowl, buddha bowl, tahini dressing, healthy lunch, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, easy recipe, meal prep

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/fresh-quinoa-buddha-bowl-recipe-with-easy-creamy-tahini-dressing/