Looking for a dish that bursts with color and flavor while delivering a wholesome punch? Look no further than the Vibrant Spring Broccoli Buddha Bowl! This delightful vegetarian recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrients, making it the perfect choice for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. With its colorful array of fresh veggies, protein-packed chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, this bowl is designed to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. Ready to elevate your meal game? Dive into our recipe and discover how easy it is to create this vibrant, healthful dish that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa by rinsing it thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, wash the broccoli florets and bell peppers. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and dice the bell peppers into small, uniform cubes.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. To prevent overcooking, immediately transfer the steamed broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Drain the chickpeas if using canned, and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. If desired, lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Slice the avocado into thin, even slices. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Assemble the Buddha bowl by first spreading the cooked quinoa as a base in each serving bowl.
- Arrange the steamed broccoli, chickpeas, diced bell peppers, and avocado slices in separate sections on top of the quinoa.
- Season the entire bowl with additional salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can drizzle with a light vinaigrette or tahini dressing.
- Serve immediately while the quinoa is warm and the vegetables are fresh. Enjoy your nutritious and colorful Buddha bowl!
Tips
- Perfect Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness. For an extra flavor boost, consider cooking it in vegetable broth instead of water.
- Broccoli Brightness: To maintain the vibrant green color of the broccoli, immediately transfer it to an ice bath after steaming. This quick shock helps preserve its nutrients and crunch.
- Chickpea Seasoning: If using canned chickpeas, don't forget to pat them dry! A light sprinkle of salt and pepper can enhance their flavor, or you can roast them in the oven for added texture.
- Avocado Freshness: To keep your avocado slices from browning, drizzle them with lemon juice right after slicing. This not only preserves their color but also adds a zesty kick to your bowl.
- Creative Assembly: Feel free to get creative with your Buddha bowl! Add other seasonal veggies or grains like roasted sweet potatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Dressing Delight: For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling your bowl with a homemade vinaigrette or tahini dressing. It can elevate the dish and complement the fresh ingredients beautifully.
- Serving Size: This recipe yields four servings, making it perfect for meal prep! Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week for quick, nutritious lunches or dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 237kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
