Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Vegetables

The lunch that Instagram influencers actually eat (and for good reason)! This nutrient-dense power bowl features protein-packed quinoa, fiber-loaded veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing that'll make you forget sugar was ever your friend. #BowlGoals 🌱

Prep Time: 15 minutes (therapeutic vegetable chopping included)

Cook Time: 30 minutes (just enough time to scroll through social media)

Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Nutrition Information

Calories: 677 | Protein: 23g | Carbs: 57g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 9g

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed (those tiny protein-packed circles that get stuck in your teeth)
• 1 cup water or vegetable broth (no added sugar – read those labels like a detective)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli), chopped (eating the rainbow, but healthier than Skittles)
• 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed (because protein doesn't always have to have a face)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff, not the sketchy bottle you've had since college)
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano – dealer's choice)
• 2 tablespoons tahini (liquid gold but healthier)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for that zing that wakes up your taste buds)
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin the dressing, not to drink – stay hydrated separately)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (vampire repellent that makes everything taste better)
• Salt and pepper to taste (be generous, we're fighting sugar here, not flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) (yes, you actually need to preheat, don't be lazy).
2. In a small pot, combine quinoa and water/broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes until water is absorbed (if it sticks to the pot, you've gone too far).
3. On a baking sheet, toss vegetables and chickpeas with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper (get your hands dirty for even coating).
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly browned (caramelization = flavor without sugar).
5. For the tahini dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, salt, and pepper (if it's too thick, add more water; if it's too thin, add more tahini – cooking is just science you can eat).
6. To assemble: Place cooked quinoa in a bowl, top with roasted vegetables and chickpeas, and drizzle with tahini dressing (arrange artfully for maximum social media impact).