Vegan Quinoa Avocado Bowl With Beans
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Looking for a fresh, healthy, and satisfying vegan meal? This Vegan Quinoa Avocado Bowl with Beans has you covered! It’s filled with protein-packed quinoa, creamy avocado, and flavorful beans, all tied together with a touch of fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch or a light dinner, this easy bowl will keep you feeling full and energized.
Mouthwatering and healthy, this Vegan Quinoa Avocado Bowl with Beans is so easy to make! I truly believe simple is best and this recipe really shines in simplicity!
Why You’ll Love Vegan Quinoa Avocado Bowl With Beans
- Nutrient-Packed and Satisfying: With protein-rich quinoa and beans, plus healthy fats from avocado, this bowl will keep you full and energized.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking mean you can have a delicious, homemade meal in under 30 minutes.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The parsley adds a fresh touch, balancing perfectly with the creamy avocado and hearty beans for a unique flavor combination.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is ideal for plant-based diets and those looking for gluten-free options, making it a great choice for guests with dietary needs.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a main dinner dish, or even as a side for larger gatherings. It’s as flexible as it is tasty!
This vegan dish is one that I really enjoy. It has such a unique and delicious combination of flavors that you won’t encounter anywhere else. This Quinoa Avocado Bowl with Beans recipe is easy to make and really packs a punch when it comes to flavor. Even with these simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself WOWed by a stunning combination. My personal favorite touch? The fresh parsley in this dish really adds something special. Don’t believe me? Just give it a try!
Ingredients For Vegan Quinoa Avocado Bowl With Beans
- Quinoa – A complete protein, quinoa is both filling and nutritious, providing a solid base for this bowl.
- Water – Used to cook the quinoa to fluffy perfection.
- Canned Kidney Beans – Rich in protein and fiber; use any variety you prefer to add flavor and texture.
- Avocado – Adds creamy richness and healthy fats, making the bowl more satisfying.
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped parsley brightens the flavors, adding a fresh, herbal note to the bowl.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
I love having this incredible quinoa bowl for lunch or dinner. It keeps me full but is so healthy and tasty. The delicious quinoa, filling beans, rich avocado, and fresh parsley create an amazing combination that you will love. With this Quinoa Avocado Bowl with Beans, you can ensure a healthy meal that will be ready in no-time. Just 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, this recipe is done and ready for digging in within 25 minutes from start to finish!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Vegan Quinoa Avocado Bowl With Beans
- Cooking Pot – Used to cook the quinoa to a light, fluffy texture.
- Knife – Essential for slicing the avocado and chopping the parsley.
- Cutting Board – A stable surface for prepping the avocado and parsley.
- Can Opener – Needed to open the can of beans if you’re using canned.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring quinoa, water, and seasonings.
Ready to give this recipe a shot? I knew you would be! Start by putting your quinoa and water in a pot and bringing it to a boil. Insider tip: if you have an Instant Pot or rice cooker, use it to cook the quinoa – SO fast and easy (see my recipes for Instant Pot quinoa and Rice Cooker quinoa)! Simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and add in some salt and pepper to taste. While your quinoa is cooking, peel and slice the avocado and chop up the parsley. Next, mix the chopped parsley in with the cooked quinoa and beans. Divide up the quinoa mixture between four plates and top with the avocado slices.
Serving Suggestions
- This quinoa bowl is delicious when served warm right after preparation, but it’s equally tasty chilled for a refreshing meal.
- Try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a drizzle of tahini, or a handful of tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- A light side salad like cucumber dill with lemon yogurt dressing complements the bowl perfectly.
- If you enjoy a little heat, add a few drops of buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a bread or pita on the side to turn this bowl into a heartier meal.
Presentation is everything! Your eyes will love this Quinoa Avocado Bowl with Beans as much as your tastebuds!
Tips For Success
- Rinse the Quinoa: To remove any bitterness, rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking. This helps reduce the natural saponin coating that can make quinoa taste slightly soapy or bitter.
- Choose the Right Avocado: Make sure your avocado is ripe but firm. If it’s too soft, it may not hold its shape well when sliced, but an underripe one won’t deliver the creamy texture that complements the bowl.
- Season to Taste: While salt and pepper are added to taste, don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings based on preference. A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of lemon juice can add a nice twist if desired.
- Fluff the Quinoa with a Fork: Once the quinoa is done cooking, use a fork to fluff it up. This will keep it light and airy, making it a better base for the other ingredients.
- Customize the Beans: Feel free to use any beans you prefer. Black beans or chickpeas can be great substitutes if you’re not a fan of kidney beans, and they’ll bring different textures to the bowl.
- Make It Ahead: This dish is ideal for meal prep. You can prepare the quinoa and beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then slice fresh avocado and assemble the bowl when ready to eat.
- Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley really enhances the flavors, but if you’re out, cilantro or basil can work as alternative herbs. These herbs bring unique flavors to the bowl while keeping it fresh and vibrant.
Simple has never tasted better than with this Quinoa Avocado Bowl with Beans. Full of flavor and supe healthy, you will want to enjoy this delicious bowl on a daily basis. It is perfect for dinner or lunch and will keep you satisfied. Serve this for a dinner party and your guests will be delighted by the combination of flavors and fresh presentation! You better write down the recipe ahead of time, because all your guests will want to recreate this dish at home!
Variations and Substitutions
- Switch Up the Grains: If you’re out of quinoa or want to try something different, feel free to substitute it with other grains like brown rice, farro, or bulgur. Each grain brings a unique texture and taste, while still making a hearty base for the bowl.
- Try Different Beans: Kidney beans are delicious in this recipe, but you can use any type of bean you have on hand. Black beans, chickpeas, or even lentils work well and offer different flavors and textures.
- Add More Veggies: To make this bowl even more nutritious, try adding vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes, shredded carrots, or sautéed bell peppers. These additions make the bowl colorful, flavorful, and even more filling.
- Herb Variations: Fresh parsley is a great choice, but you can switch it up with other herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill depending on your flavor preferences. Each herb brings its own unique twist to the bowl.
- Spice It Up: Add a little kick by sprinkling in some chili flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. This is a simple way to turn up the heat and add a punch of flavor.
- Boost with Nuts or Seeds: For added crunch and healthy fats, try topping the bowl with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. These additions add texture and make the bowl even more satisfying.
- Make it Creamy: For an extra layer of creaminess, drizzle the bowl with a bit of tahini, vegan yogurt, or a lemon-tahini dressing. This brings a tangy, rich component that pairs beautifully with the avocado and beans.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado separate if possible to prevent browning.
- Reheating Instructions: To enjoy the bowl warm, simply reheat the quinoa and beans mixture in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Add the fresh avocado slices after reheating.
- Meal Prep Tips: If preparing this bowl ahead of time, consider adding the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. You can also squeeze a little lemon or lime juice on the avocado slices to slow down browning.
- Freezing: While the quinoa and beans can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month, it’s best to add fresh ingredients like avocado and parsley after thawing. Let the quinoa mixture thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! This bowl is versatile and works well with other grains like brown rice, farro, bulgur, or even couscous. Each option will bring a slightly different texture, but the flavors will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning?
To keep avocado fresh, add it just before serving. If you need to prep it in advance, squeeze a bit of lemon or lime juice on the slices and store them in an airtight container. This acidity helps slow the browning process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Vegan Quinoa Avocado Bowl with Beans is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free quinoa. Just double-check any additional ingredients if adding other toppings.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally oil-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding oils. It’s satisfying and flavorful without any added oil, thanks to the creamy avocado and fresh ingredients.
How can I make this bowl higher in protein?
Adding a bit of tofu or tempeh to the bowl can give it an extra protein boost. You can also sprinkle on some hemp seeds, chia seeds, or use black beans and lentils, which tend to be higher in protein than some other beans.
What are some good dressing options for this bowl?
A simple lemon-tahini dressing, vegan yogurt, or even a dash of hot sauce works well. You can also mix a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a quick homemade vinaigrette.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the avocado separate and add it fresh to each serving to maintain its color and texture.
Quinoa Avocado Bowl With Beans
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 15 oz canned kidney beans or any kind of beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 bunch parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- Put quinoa and water in a pot and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until all the water in absorbed. Fluff quinoa with fork and add salt and pepper to taste.
- While quinoa is cooking, peel and slice the avocado and chop the parsley.
- Mix chopped parsley with cooked quinoa and beans.
- Divide the quinoa mixture between 4 plates and top with avocado slices.
Notes
- If you own rice cooker or Instant Pot, you it to cook quinoa - it's so much easier than stove top! See my recipes for Instant Pot Quinoa and Rice Cooker Quinoa.
- If you want to cook beans from scratch instead of using canned, see my Instant Pot beans recipe.
Nutrition
If you like this easy quinoa avocado bowl, you will also love these easy vegan quinoa recipes:
- Vegan Eggplant Spinach Quinoa Bowl – this simple quinoa bowl is so healthy and filling, a true comfort food!
- Vegan Quinoa Pesto Salad – this salad is so unique, it has chickpeas, cherry tomatoes and quinoa colored green from the pesto!
- Papaya Quinoa Salad – don’t eat papaya often enough? Here’s your excuse to buy it now and make this mouthwatering salad!
- Chickpea Quinoa Mason Jar Salad – this beautiful layered vegan salad is perfect for meal prep! Imagine these mason jars waiting for you in the fridge!
- Sweet Potato Spinach Quinoa Bowl – another colorful vegan quinoa bowl, it’s Insta-worthy!