Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—the harvest quinoa bowl! Seriously, this bowl is a vibrant explosion of flavors and colors that just screams freshness. Packed with nutritious ingredients like crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, it’s not just a feast for the eyes, but also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. I love how easily customizable it is, making it the perfect healthy meal option for any time of the day! Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a meal prep champion to keep you on track, this quinoa bowl ticks all the boxes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
Gathering fresh ingredients is one of the most exciting parts! For my harvest quinoa bowl, you’ll need:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well under cold water
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water, but broth adds a lovely flavor)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for that juicy pop
- 1 cup cucumber, diced for a nice crunch
- 1 bell pepper, diced (I love using a mix of colors for vibrancy!)
- 1 avocado, sliced to add creaminess
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped for a little zing
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or a vegan cheese if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for that zesty brightness
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together to create a bowl that’s not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. Enjoy the process of prepping them; it’s a delight!
How to Prepare the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
Preparing the harvest quinoa bowl is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! First things first, let’s get that quinoa ready. Rinse it under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. This little step makes a world of difference!
Next, in a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and the vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Now, here’s a pro tip: don’t peek! Just let it do its thing. After 15 minutes, take it off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This is the secret to fluffy quinoa!
Now, fluff it up with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl. Add in those beautiful chopped veggies—tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion. Drizzle everything with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle toss to combine all those flavors. Top it off with crumbled feta cheese, and voilà! Your harvest quinoa bowl is ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid!
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This resting period is key for fluffy quinoa.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Finish by topping it off with 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment!
Nutritional Information
This harvest quinoa bowl is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients! Each serving, which is about one bowl, contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying option without weighing you down. You’ll also get around 10 grams of protein, which is great for keeping your energy up throughout the day. With about 15 grams of healthy fats primarily from the avocado and olive oil, it’s a heart-friendly choice. Plus, the bowl has around 45 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this nutritious meal guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with fresh, colorful vegetables for a nutrient boost.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients or proteins.
- Great for meal prep; enjoy it throughout the week!
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it accessible for everyone.
- Deliciously satisfying while still being light and healthy.
You’ll find this harvest quinoa bowl is not just a meal but a wholesome experience that brings joy and nourishment to your day!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your harvest quinoa bowl turns out perfect every time! First off, always rinse your quinoa well before cooking. This simple step removes any bitterness and results in a much better flavor. Next, when cooking your quinoa, keep the lid on during simmering to trap the steam—this is crucial for that fluffy texture we all love!
When it comes to veggies, go for the freshest ones you can find. Colorful, crisp vegetables not only taste better but also make your bowl visually stunning. Don’t be shy to experiment with different vegetables or even add some roasted ones for a nice twist! Lastly, remember to taste as you go—you might find that a little extra lemon juice or salt can take your dish to the next level!
Variations of the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
The beauty of the harvest quinoa bowl is its versatility! You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For a protein boost, toss in some chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even some shrimp for a delicious twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a warm, hearty element!
For veggies, consider swapping in roasted zucchini, steamed broccoli, or even shredded carrots. They all add different textures and flavors! And let’s not forget about dressings—while olive oil and lemon juice are classic, a tahini dressing or a spicy sriracha vinaigrette can really elevate the dish. Get creative and make it your own; the possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your harvest quinoa bowl is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s so delicious you might finish it before then! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold straight from the fridge or reheat it. For reheating, I recommend using the microwave—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Give it a little stir, and it’s ready to go!
FAQ about the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
Can I use different grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is my go-to for its nutty flavor and high protein content, you can easily substitute it with other grains like farro, barley, or even brown rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, there are some fantastic vegan cheeses available that crumble nicely. You can also try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. And if you’re not vegan, goat cheese can be a delicious alternative!
How can I make this dish more filling?
Adding a protein source is a great way to make your harvest quinoa bowl more filling. Chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even some sautéed tofu can amp up the protein content and keep you satisfied longer.
Can I prepare this bowl in advance?
Definitely! This quinoa bowl is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, mix them together for a fresh, delicious meal!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just give it a little stir before serving, and it’s good as new!
Harvest Quinoa Bowl: 10 Simple Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A nutritious and filling harvest quinoa bowl packed with fresh vegetables and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with feta cheese.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for later.
Notes
- Substitute feta with a vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Feel free to add your favorite proteins like chickpeas or grilled chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: harvest quinoa bowl, quinoa salad, healthy bowl, vegetarian recipe
