Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this harvest quinoa bowl! It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it’s not just healthy, it’s bursting with flavor and color! You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Packed with fresh vegetables, wholesome quinoa, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s basically a hug in a bowl. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or proteins! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this nutritious and delicious dish!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
Getting your harvest quinoa bowl ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute! Let’s dive right in and break it down step by step.
Rinse the Quinoa
First things first, rinse your quinoa! This step is super important because it helps wash away the saponins, which can make the quinoa taste bitter. Just place it in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water for a minute or two. Trust me, this little bit of effort makes a huge difference in flavor!
Cook the Quinoa
Next, grab a pot and combine your rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat—don’t walk away because it can bubble over quickly! Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when all the water is absorbed, and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff it up with a fork and let it cool for a bit.
Combine the Vegetables
While your quinoa is cooking, it’s time to prep those beautiful veggies! Chop up your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion. I like to use a big mixing bowl for this, so you have plenty of room to toss them around without making a mess. It’s such a vibrant mix—you’ll love the colors!
Mix Everything Together
Once your quinoa has cooled down, gently fold it into the bowl with the veggies. Drizzle the whole thing with olive oil and lemon juice for that refreshing zing, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently so you don’t mash the avocado—nobody wants guacamole here!
Serve the Harvest Quinoa Bowl
And voila! Your harvest quinoa bowl is ready to shine. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, which makes it perfect for picnics or meal prep. I love enjoying it as a light lunch or even as a side dish at dinner. Feel free to add your favorite protein on top if you like, and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables
- Vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for plant-based eaters
- Versatile for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy it all week
- Customizable—add your favorite proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas
- Colorful and vibrant, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack
- Great for gatherings—everyone loves a refreshing and healthy option!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect harvest quinoa bowl is easy with a few handy tips! Here’s what I’ve learned over the years that really helps elevate this dish.
- Fluff that Quinoa: After cooking, make sure to fluff the quinoa gently with a fork. This keeps it light and airy, rather than clumpy. You want each grain to shine on its own!
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables you can find. The crunchiness of fresh veggies really makes a difference in texture and flavor. Plus, it’s so colorful!
- Protein Boost: If you’re looking for extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. They pair beautifully with the flavors in the bowl and will keep you feeling satisfied.
- Customize to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try adding different seasonal vegetables or herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist. Even a sprinkle of nuts or seeds can add a delightful crunch!
- Chill Time: If you have time, let your bowl chill in the fridge for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making every bite even more delicious!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the harvest quinoa bowl. Enjoy every colorful, tasty bite!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a harvest quinoa bowl, it’s nice to know just how nutritious it is! This bowl is estimated to provide around 350 calories per serving, making it a satisfying meal without weighing you down. You’ll get about 18 grams of fat, mostly from that delicious avocado and olive oil, along with 10 grams of protein to keep you energized. Plus, it packs in 40 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of fiber, which is fantastic for your digestion. Remember, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, but trust me, this bowl is a wholesome choice!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your harvest quinoa bowl? I’ve got answers! One common question is about storage—this bowl keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep everything fresh! If you want to switch things up, feel free to substitute any of the veggies for what you have on hand; zucchini or spinach work great too! And for serving suggestions, it’s delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a side of hummus. Enjoy experimenting with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your harvest quinoa bowl is super simple! Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients might settle a bit.
If you prefer your bowl warm, you can gently reheat it in the microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it from drying out, cover it loosely, and heat it in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. But honestly, this bowl is just as delightful served cold or at room temperature, so don’t hesitate to enjoy it straight from the fridge. It’s all about your preference! Enjoy every delicious bite!
For more information on the health benefits of quinoa, you can check out this article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, you might enjoy this quinoa black bean salad or a Mediterranean quinoa salad.
Print
Harvest Quinoa Bowl: 7 Colorful Ways to Savor Health
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthy and nutritious harvest quinoa bowl packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, 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 water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion.
- Add cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Top with feta cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: harvest quinoa bowl, quinoa salad, healthy bowl
