Vibrant Nourishing Bowl (Printable version)

Wholesome grain bowl with vegetables, protein, and creamy tahini dressing for a balanced meal.

# Ingredients list:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water

→ Proteins

03 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed OR 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 10 oz), sliced

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 cup shredded carrots
06 - 1 cup baby spinach
07 - 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
08 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
09 - 2 radishes, thinly sliced
10 - 2 tbsp pickled red onions

→ Dressing

11 - 3 tbsp tahini
12 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
15 - 2 tbsp water
16 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
17 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Toppings

18 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
19 - Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - For tofu: Toss cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden. For chicken: Season slices with salt and pepper. Sauté in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until cooked through.
03 - Halve cherry tomatoes, shred carrots, steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, slice avocado and radishes.
04 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
05 - Divide cooked grains among 4 bowls. Arrange vegetables and protein on top in sections. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh herbs. Add pickled onions if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its the perfect everything bowl that adapts to whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper drawer
  • You can prep all components ahead and assemble in under five minutes for busy weeknight dinners
02 -
  • Press your tofu for at least fifteen minutes if you want it to crisp up in the oven instead of steaming in its own moisture
  • The tahini dressing may seize at first when you add lemon juice—keep whisking and it will emulsify into silky perfection
03 -
  • Let your roasted vegetables cool slightly before assembling so they do not wilt the fresh greens
  • Warm the tahini dressing for ten seconds in the microwave if it has thickened in the refrigerator
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