Searching for a quick, healthy meal that won’t take up your entire evening? This 5-ingredient quinoa bowl is not only easy to prepare but packed with nutrition. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
Quinoa is a fantastic base for countless meals, and this recipe keeps things simple while still delivering on taste. Combine it with a few fresh ingredients, and you have a wholesome dish ready in no time. Perfect for meal prep or a light dinner, this quinoa bowl is a true kitchen lifesaver.
In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. With its nutty flavor and fluffy texture, the quinoa steals the show in this easy-to-make bowl.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Wholesome Meal
The foundation of this quinoa bowl is fluffy quinoa, known for its unique nutty flavor and rich texture. Quinoa is not only versatile but also packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it a wonderful choice for a health-conscious meal.
Adding vibrant cherry tomatoes brings a burst of color and sweetness to the dish. Their juicy nature complements the nutty quinoa beautifully. Crisp cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, enhancing the overall texture and offering a crisp contrast to the soft quinoa.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this colorful bowl is straightforward and quick. Start by cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth or water, which infuses flavor and ensures a fluffy consistency. The gentle simmer allows the quinoa to absorb all the liquid, creating the perfect base for your dish.
While the quinoa cooks, prep your vegetables. Halving the cherry tomatoes and dicing the cucumber can be done in a matter of minutes. This step adds freshness and reduces the overall cooking time, making it ideal for those with a busy schedule.
Mixing Flavors and Textures
Once the quinoa is cooked, it’s time to mix everything together. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains, then combine it with the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. This method ensures that each bite is filled with a delightful mix of flavors.
This bowl is not just about taste; it’s an explosion of colors. The bright reds and greens create an inviting visual appeal, making it a dish that is pleasing to both the eye and palate.
The Perfect Dressing
A light drizzle of olive oil adds richness and depth to the dish. The olive oil complements the fresh ingredients and enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering it. For an extra kick, a splash of lemon juice can be added to introduce a refreshing zest.
Seasoning with salt and pepper ensures that every component shines, allowing the natural flavors to come through. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This quinoa bowl is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, making it suitable for any time of day. Whether as a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a nutritious snack, it satisfies a variety of cravings.
For an added touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs. This not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the presentation, creating a dish that’s perfect for sharing or serving at gatherings.
Nutrition and Benefits
This meal is not only colorful and flavorful but also nutritious, boasting a well-rounded profile of macronutrients. Each serving is low in calories while providing healthy fats and proteins, making it an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The combination of quinoa, vegetables, and olive oil ensures that you’re getting fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats—all essential for a balanced diet. Enjoy this quinoa bowl as part of your meal prep, and you’ll have a delightful and nourishing option ready to go!
Quick and Healthy 5-Ingredient Quinoa Recipe
This quinoa bowl features fluffy quinoa paired with fresh vegetables and a light dressing. It’s a bright and colorful dish that is both satisfying and refreshing, with a delightful nutty flavor and a hint of zest from the dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional for added zest)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, dice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Mix the Bowl: Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil over the quinoa mixture and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve: Divide the quinoa bowl into servings and enjoy either warm or chilled.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 24g