Description

This vibrant Green Goddess Bowl is a nutritious and refreshing meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It features a base of fluffy quinoa topped with fresh baby spinach, crunchy cucumber, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a creamy avocado and herb dressing. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this bowl is not only visually appealing but also full of flavor and texture, making it a satisfying and healthy choice.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water

Vegetables & Greens

2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Dressing

1 ripe avocado
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh herbs (basil and parsley)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Prepare Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, chop the cucumber into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside fresh baby spinach.
Make Dressing: In a blender, combine the ripe avocado, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fresh herbs (basil and parsley), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, gradually add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble Bowl: Once the quinoa has cooked and cooled slightly, scoop it evenly into four serving bowls as the base layer. Then layer fresh baby spinach, diced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes on top of the quinoa.
Add Dressing & Garnish: Drizzle the creamy avocado-herb dressing over each bowl. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or seeds if desired for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps remove the natural bitter coating called saponin.
You can substitute the fresh herbs with other favorites like cilantro or dill for a different flavor profile.
If you prefer a warm bowl, serve the quinoa warm but add fresh veggies and dressing chilled.
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For added protein, consider topping the bowl with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.