Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowls

$- 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Extra virgin olive oil - Juice of 2 limes - Ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeño, shredded cheese The ingredients in this recipe create a bright and fresh dish. Quinoa serves as a great base. It is a nutritious grain that cooks easily. The vegetable broth adds flavor and depth. Black beans bring protein and fiber. Corn adds a sweet crunch. The red bell pepper offers color and vitamins. Fresh cilantro gives the dish a distinct taste. Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Lime juice brightens each bite. Ground cumin adds warmth and a hint of spice. The olive oil brings everything together, making it rich and savory. Optional toppings let you customize your bowl. Diced tomatoes add juiciness. Jalapeños give a spicy kick. Shredded cheese adds creaminess. You can mix and match to make your bowl perfect. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Bring vegetable broth to a boil. Start by pouring the vegetable broth into a medium pot. Heat it on medium-high until it bubbles. 2. Add quinoa and simmer. Once the broth is boiling, add the rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot tightly. Cook for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. 3. Fluff and steam quinoa. After cooking, take the pot off the heat. Keep it covered for 5 more minutes. This helps the quinoa steam. Use a fork to fluff up the grains gently. 1. Combine quinoa with other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the fluffed quinoa. Then, mix in the drained black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and half of the chopped cilantro. Stir well so everything is evenly mixed. 2. Whisk dressing ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, and salt and pepper. This dressing will add great flavor. 3. Toss quinoa mixture with dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mix. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated. 1. Transfer to bowls. Use a large spoon to scoop the quinoa mixture into individual bowls. 2. Arrange avocado slices. Place the avocado slices on top of each bowl for a creamy texture. 3. Add remaining cilantro and optional toppings. Sprinkle the rest of the cilantro over the bowls. Feel free to add diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or shredded cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your colorful and tasty meal! - Rinsing quinoa helps remove the bitter saponins. This improves flavor and texture. - To keep quinoa fluffy, steam it for 5 extra minutes after cooking. This makes a big difference. - Adjust the seasonings to match your taste. If you like it spicy, add more lime or cumin. - To enhance flavor, mix in fresh herbs or roasted garlic. These little changes make the dish pop. - Get creative when serving. Use bowls or plates that contrast with the colors of the ingredients. - Add visual appeal by using fresh herbs or a lime wedge. This brightens up the dish and makes it more inviting. Pro Tips Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. Customize Your Beans: Feel free to substitute black beans with other varieties like kidney or pinto beans for different flavors and textures. Serve Chilled: This quinoa bowl can be served warm or chilled, making it a perfect option for meal prep or hot summer days. Experiment with Toppings: Add your favorite toppings such as feta cheese, olives, or diced mango to enhance the flavor profile and presentation. {{image_4}} You can switch up the black beans with chickpeas. Chickpeas add a nutty taste and good protein. They also work well with the other flavors in the bowl. Grilled chicken or shrimp is another great choice. These proteins add a hearty touch to your meal. Just grill them with some lime juice and spices for extra flavor. Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist. Zucchini, carrots, or even spinach can enhance the bowl. You can also use different bell peppers. Yellow or green peppers offer a sweet crunch. Mixing colors makes your dish look more appealing and fun. If you want a change from the lime dressing, try a citrus-based dressing. Orange or lemon juice can provide a bright zing. A creamy avocado dressing is also a great option. It adds richness and pairs well with the quinoa and veggies. Experiment with these dressings to find your favorite combination. To store your leftover cilantro lime quinoa bowls, let them cool first. Once cooled, place them in airtight containers. This helps keep the dish fresh and tasty. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. You can also use resealable bags for easy storage. Just make sure to squeeze out excess air before sealing. If you want to save quinoa bowls for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the bowls into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. This will prevent the containers from bursting. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. For quick reheating, use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warm. In the fridge, your quinoa bowls can last up to three days. If you freeze them, they can last for about two months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw them away. Keeping an eye on freshness ensures you enjoy your meal at its best! The best way to cook quinoa is to rinse it first. This removes the bitter coating called saponin. After rinsing, use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa. I prefer using vegetable broth for extra flavor. Bring the broth to a boil and add the rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Afterward, let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff it gently with a fork for the best texture. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. The main ingredients are already plant-based. Just ensure the vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. You can also add more veggies. Try using chickpeas instead of black beans for extra protein. Replace the olive oil with a vegan mayo for a creamier dressing. Adding more fresh herbs can enhance flavor without using animal products. To add more flavor, consider using spices and herbs. Cumin is a great start, as it adds warmth. You can also use garlic powder or onion powder for depth. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. Try adding a pinch of chili powder for heat. A splash of soy sauce or a dash of vinegar can also enhance the taste. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect blend! You’ve learned how to make a tasty quinoa bowl from scratch. We covered the important ingredients, from quinoa to fresh cilantro. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips. You can customize your bowl with protein and vegetables. Remember to store leftovers correctly, too. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy tasty meals packed with nutrition. Now, get creative and make it your own! Enjoy your cooking experience and share your bowls with family and friends.$

Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowls

A vibrant and healthy quinoa bowl with black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro, topped with avocado and lime dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
1 unit red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
1 unit ripe avocado, sliced into wedges
0.5 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 unit limes, juiced (about 4 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste unit salt and pepper
optional unit diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or shredded cheese

Instructions

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a roaring boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa to the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the saucepan tightly, and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed.
After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered for an extra 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to steam. Then, use a fork to fluff the grains gently.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa, drained black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and half of the chopped cilantro. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, ground cumin, and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture, and toss everything gently until all components are well coated with the dressing.
To serve, transfer the quinoa mixture to individual bowls, artistically arrange avocado slices on top, sprinkle with the remaining cilantro, and add any optional toppings as per your taste.

Notes

Elevate the presentation by serving each bowl with a lime wedge and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Keyword bowl, healthy, quinoa, vegetarian