Spinach White Bean Protein Bowl (Printable)
Protein-rich vegetarian bowl with white beans, spinach, quinoa, and creamy lemon-tahini dressing
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
→ Beans & Vegetables
03 - 2 cups packed baby spinach
04 - 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Toppings
08 - 1 avocado, sliced
09 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
10 - 2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tbsp tahini
12 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1 tbsp water (plus more as needed)
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Add additional water to thin consistency if desired.
03 - Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with equal portions of baby spinach, white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
04 - Arrange avocado slices over each bowl and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds. Add crumbled feta cheese if using.
05 - Drizzle the lemon-tahini dressing generously over each bowl immediately before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's the kind of meal that leaves you energized instead of needing a nap afterward
- The lemon-tahini dressing is so good you'll want to put it on everything
02 -
- The dressing thickens as it sits, so keep a little water handy to thin it out again
- Room temperature quinoa works best, cold quinoa can make the dish feel less vibrant
03 -
- Toasting pumpkin seeds takes 3-4 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat, watch them closely so they don't burn
- The dressing needs at least 10 minutes to meld, so make it first and let it sit while you prep everything else