Ingredients
Scale
For the Veggie & Quinoa Bowl:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
- 1 red onion, sliced into thick rings
- 1 small eggplant, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Tahini-Lemon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
Step 3: Grill the Vegetables
- Arrange the vegetables on the preheated grill, making sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Grill the vegetables for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they have grill marks and are tender but not mushy. Cherry tomatoes may take less time.
- Remove the vegetables from the grill and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Tahini-Lemon Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and maple syrup or honey.
- Gradually add warm water to the dressing until you reach your desired consistency—smooth and pourable.
- Season the dressing with salt, pepper, and ground cumin, adjusting the flavors as needed.
- If using, stir in the chopped fresh dill for added flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
- In a large serving bowl, layer the cooked quinoa as the base.
- Top with the grilled vegetables, arranging them neatly over the quinoa.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach if using.
- Drizzle the bowl generously with the Tahini-Lemon Dressing.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, crumbled feta cheese for a tangy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 300mg
- Protein: 10g