Savory Blueberry & Quinoa Bowl with Herb Dressing
If you think blueberries belong solely in smoothies or desserts, think again! Our Savory Blueberry & Quinoa Bowl with Herb Dressing is a delightful twist on traditional grain bowls that will tantalize your taste buds. Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, this dish brings together the nuttiness of quinoa, the sweetness of blueberries, and a zesty herb dressing, making it a perfect addition to your healthy meal repertoire. Ideal for lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also provides an explosion of nutrients that your body will love.
Ingredients for the Savory Blueberry & Quinoa Bowl
Before you dive into this delicious creation, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Quinoa Bowl
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 medium cucumber (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced, any color)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Herb Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Preparation Steps
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s jump into the preparation:
Cooking the Quinoa
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water).
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Preparing the Herb Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dill, and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as desired, adding more oil for richness or vinegar for tanginess.
Assembling the Bowl
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, blueberries, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
- Drizzle with the herb dressing and add sliced avocado on top.
Health Benefits
This Savory Blueberry & Quinoa Bowl is not just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits:
- Quinoa: A complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a great plant-based protein source.
- Blueberries: High in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K, which support immune function and skin health.
- Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and fiber, avocados can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Vegetables: A variety of colorful veggies boosts your intake of vital nutrients and fiber, promoting digestive health.
Tips for Perfecting Your Bowl
- Feel free to customize: Swap out any of the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
- Make it ahead: This bowl can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
- Coat the quinoa: To enhance flavor, you can add spices like cumin or smoked paprika while cooking the quinoa.
Conclusion
The Savory Blueberry & Quinoa Bowl with Herb Dressing is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing dish that pleases the palate. With its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your meal planning. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, it offers endless possibilities for variation, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and enjoy every bite of this scrumptious bowl!