Description
A vibrant and healthy Quinoa Bowl featuring fluffy quinoa topped with smoky grilled zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and corn, complemented by creamy avocado and fresh herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian and gluten-free dish is perfect for a nutritious main course, served warm or at room temperature with optional feta or tahini for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Base
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Grilled Vegetables
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (cut into wedges)
- 1 ear corn (kernels removed or grilled whole)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese or tahini drizzle
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Preheat Grill: While quinoa is cooking, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it ready for the vegetables.
- Prepare Vegetables: Toss sliced zucchini, red bell pepper, onion wedges, and corn kernels or whole ear with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Grill Vegetables: Place vegetables on the hot grill or grill pan. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have nicely charred grill marks.
- Prepare Avocado: Toss sliced avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning and keep it fresh.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among 4 bowls. Top each with a generous portion of grilled vegetables, sliced avocado, and fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. Add optional toppings such as crumbled feta or a drizzle of tahini or lemon vinaigrette as desired.
- Serve: Enjoy the quinoa bowls warm or at room temperature for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Customize this bowl with your favorite seasonal vegetables or add grilled tofu or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Leftovers store well and make for excellent meal prep options, tasting great served cold as well.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor in the quinoa.
