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Healthy Protein-Packed Black Bean and Quinoa Bowl

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A quick, nutritious, and versatile black bean and quinoa bowl perfect for easy meal prep, packed with fresh veggies and a zingy lime-cumin dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 large lime
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (30g) roasted pepitas
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170g) quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
  2. Transfer quinoa to a medium saucepan with 2 cups (480ml) water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  5. While quinoa cooks, whisk together juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Dice red bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion, and roughly chop cilantro. Prepare corn kernels if fresh or thaw if frozen.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, drained black beans, and all prepped vegetables.
  8. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to combine. Add more olive oil or lime juice if mixture seems dry.
  9. Sprinkle roasted pepitas on top for crunch.
  10. Optionally, add diced avocado or a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness and fluff gently after cooking to keep grains separate. Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and canned taste. Toast pepitas lightly on medium-low heat for extra nuttiness if roasting yourself. Prepare veggies and dressing while quinoa cooks to save time. Keep dressing separate if storing for meal prep to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean quinoa bowl, healthy quinoa bowl, protein-packed meal, easy meal prep, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/healthy-protein-packed-black-bean-and-quinoa-bowl-recipe-for-easy-meal-prep/