Healthy Vegetarian Southwestern Grain Bowl with Quinoa
With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients, my healthy vegetarian Southwestern Grain Bowl recipe is sure to become your new favorite quinoa bowl recipe!
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Indulge in a burst of flavors with this quick and healthy vegetarian Southwestern Grain Bowl recipe! This vibrant dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, combining fluffy quinoa with black beans, corn, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices. Topped with creamy avocado slices and a splash of fresh lime, this bowl is a nutritious and satisfying meal choice that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
What is a Southwestern Grain Bowl?
A Southwestern grain bowl is a delicious and nutritious dish inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest. It typically includes a base of cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice, topped with various ingredients commonly found in Southwestern cuisine, such as black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro. Some variations might also incorporate grilled chicken or tofu for added protein. The bowl is often seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, and lime juice to give it that signature Southwestern flavor profile. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
What Makes this Vegetarian Southwestern Grain Bowl Healthy
My Southwestern Grain Bowl recipe is brimming with health benefits. Quinoa is a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, it’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestive health and overall well-being. Paired with nutrient-dense ingredients like black beans, bell peppers, and avocado, this bowl offers a nutrient-packed meal that’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, perfect for maintaining a balanced diet.
RELATED: Vegan Winter Kale and Quinoa Salad with Avocado Dressing – Dive into a winter wonderland of flavor with this Vegan Winter Kale and Quinoa Salad! Roasted sweet potatoes bring a touch of sweetness to a nutrient-packed mix of quinoa, black beans, and chopped baby kale. Topped with a creamy avocado dressing, crunchy pepitas, and sliced scallion, this vibrant bowl is a celebration of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love this Southwestern Grain Bowl Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with my Southwestern Grain Bowl recipe for its tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. The combination of fluffy quinoa, hearty black beans, sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, and zesty spices creates a mouthwatering sensation with each bite. Topped with creamy avocado slices and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, this bowl offers a refreshing and satisfying meal experience that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you crave a nutritious yet fuss-free meal.
Ingredients you’ll need to make a Southwestern Quinoa Salad
For the salad
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the dressing
- lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the optional toppings
Shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, & hot sauce.
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Salad making essentials
ALLIGATOR CHOPPER
Cheese grater
SALAD SPINNER
LEMON SQUEEZER
ELEGANT SALAD BOWL
MASON JARS
How to make this Southwestern Grain Bowl
Follow these simple steps to create your own Southwestern Grain Bowl with Quinoa masterpiece:
- Rinse and drain quinoa, then cook it in vegetable broth until fluffy.
- Prepare vegetables by chopping bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Combine cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
- Add lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture, tossing well to combine.
- Divide the mixture among serving bowls and top with sliced avocado and shredded cheese.
- Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce according to your preference.
Make this Healthy Quinoa Bowl, then check out my Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl with Maple Balsamic Dressing and more of my vegetarian friendly recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I make this Grain Bowl recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quinoa and chop the vegetables in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the bowls and add toppings.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences by adding or substituting ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, diced jalapeños, or grilled tofu.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare a batch of Southwestern Quinoa Bowls at the beginning of the week and portion them into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as quinoa is a gluten-free grain. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you use, such as spices or toppings, are also gluten-free.
How do I make this a Vegan Quinoa Bowl?
To make this vegan use vegan cheese and skip the sour cream.
How to Store this Southwestern Grain Bowl Recipe
Store any leftover Southwestern Quinoa Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if needed to prevent drying out.
With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients, my vegetarian Southwestern Grain Bowl recipe is sure to become a favorite in your healthy eating repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned quinoa enthusiast or new to the world of grain bowls, this dish offers a delightful culinary adventure that’s both nourishing and satisfying. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and savor the goodness of this quick and easy vegetarian meal. Bon appétit!
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Other Quinoa salad recipes to try
- TikTok Quinoa Salad (aka The Jennifer Aniston Salad)– With just a few simple ingredients, this salad is a great way to get the essential nutrients you need to feel good and stay healthy. Plus, it only takes minutes to prepare – the perfect meal for a busy day!
- Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad – a delightful mix of texture and flavors of autumn and fall. Made with roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, red apple, spinach, sunflower seeds, protein-rich quinoa, and an apple cider vinaigrette, this gluten-free, plant-based recipe is a show-stopper!
- Easy Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe – Made with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, kalmata olives and of course quinoa, this quinoa salad is light, fresh and loved by everyone.
- Walnut Quinoa Vegan Stuffed Peppers – this healthy recipe combines three nutritional superfoods: Bell Peppers, Quinoa and Walnuts. The combination of textures – juicy pepper, soft quinoa, crunchy walnuts and gooey vegan melted “cheese” really make for an enjoyable eating experience.
Healthy Vegetarian Southwestern Grain Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
For the dressing
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture. Toss well to combine, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Divide the mixture among serving bowls. Add diced avocado and fresh shredded cheese on top.
- Garnish the bowls with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce according to your preference.
Nutrition
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