Grilled Veggie Quinoa Power Bowls (Printable)

Vibrant bowls with grilled vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and creamy tahini drizzle for a nourishing meal.

# What you'll need:

→ Quinoa

01 - 1 cup quinoa
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Grilled Vegetables

04 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
05 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
07 - 1 red onion, cut into wedges
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
13 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Tahini Drizzle

14 - 1/3 cup tahini
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
16 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
17 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
18 - 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water for thinning
19 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnishes

20 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
21 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
22 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds

# Method:

01 - Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
02 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until hot.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, toss zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
04 - Place seasoned vegetables on the hot grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until tender with light char marks. Transfer to a plate.
05 - In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, and salt. Gradually add warm water one tablespoon at a time while whisking until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
06 - Divide the fluffed quinoa evenly among 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled vegetables. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
07 - Top each bowl with fresh parsley, crumbled feta cheese if desired, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately while vegetables are still warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Rich: Packed with plant-based protein from quinoa and a variety of colorful vegetables.
  • Great for Meal Prep: These bowls hold up well in the fridge, making them ideal for healthy weekday lunches.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs and seasonal produce.
  • Flavorful: The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and creamy tahini provides a complex, satisfying taste profile.
02 -
  • Rinse Well: Always rinse quinoa to remove the natural saponin coating which can taste bitter.
  • Tahini Texture: When making the drizzle, add the water slowly. The mixture may seize up at first but will become creamy and smooth as you continue whisking.
  • High Heat: Make sure the grill pan is properly preheated to get those distinct grill marks and a smoky flavor.
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