With the summer season in full swing, what’s better than having a refreshing quinoa bowl, simmered in tomato juice and combined with colorful veggies. The aroma of the sauteed garlic and Italian quinoa recipe seasonings will make you indulge in the magic of herbs. It’s nothing less than a breeze of fresh air!
So what are you waiting for? Hop into your kitchen and jazz up your dining table with this superb Italian Quinoa recipe!
Italian Quinoa Recipe
Ingredients Â
For the quinoa bowl
- 2 cups uncooked quinoa
- 3 cups  water, or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup tomato juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup sliced zucchini
- 1 medium shallot, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 cups freshly chopped basil
- 2 cups chopped arugula
- 2 cups sliced tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 5 oz cheese (feta or mozzarella), your choice
For the lemon garlic dressing
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey
InstructionsÂ
- Firstly, rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a strainer
- In a medium size saucepan, add two cups of water and bring it to boiling point
- Now, add the quinoa. Make sure to keep the flame low
- Simmer for 15 minutes until the water absorbed and quinoa has turned into a fluffy texture
- Once cooked, let the quinoa cool down to room temperatureÂ
- In a frying pan, heat olive oil and add garlic, shallot, and Italian seasoning
- Saute for 2 minutes
- Add this mixture and tomato juice to the cooked quinoa and stir well
- Next, take a large mixing bowl and add in all the veggies
- Add the cheese, salt and pepper, and any other seasonings of your choiceÂ
- Toss everything together and set it aside
- For the dressing, mix all the ingredients together and store them in an airtight containerÂ
- Keep the dressing in the fridge at least one hour before serving
- When it’s time to serve, add quinoa and veggies into the serving bowl
- Lastly, generously drizzle with the chilled lemony, garlicky dressing
- Voila! Grab a fork and dig in!
More veggies you can add
- Bell peppers ( green, yellow, red), Cucumbers, Avocado, Olives, Broccoli, Spinach, Onions, Beetroot, and Cabbage
Ever wondered why Quinoa bowls like the Whole Foods Quinoa Salad taste better the next day? It’s because the zesty, garlicky dressing gets absorbed into the quinoa overnight and becomes more flavorful.
More Protein-rich OptionsÂ
- Salmon fillets
- White/black beans or chickpeas
- Chicken breast
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, feta)
- ShrimpsÂ
- TofuÂ
- Tempeh sausages
- Nuts (cashews, almonds)
Some More Quinoa Recipes
Cherry Chicken Quinoa Bowl is another hearty meal enriched with a rich tomato flavor and other seasonings. It’s not just a salad, but a full-fledged, gluten free meal. If you’re on a cheat day, why not go for the Quinoa Mac and Cheese? Treat yourself to Gluten-free ice cream afterward.
Just like meat, lentils are a source of lean protein. Raw lentils may put you off, but try out this Lentil Quinoa Bowl Panera recipe for something different. If you’re under the weather and want to have something warm, this one’s for you. With a unique blend of spices, Lentil Quinoa Bowl has got more of a runny texture and is easy to swallow.
Do you have a thing for citrusy flavors? If so, this Tilapia and Quinoa recipe is your way to go! Perhaps, you could replace tilapia fillets with any other fish of your choice, but changing the spice herbs mixture would be a sin! The flavor of zesty lemon mixed with red pepper, white wine vinegar and oregano makes this recipe stand out!
Looking for a soothing dinner for a cold, winter night? The Traditional Peruvian Quinoa recipe will be your best friend! It’s more like a stew with sauteed vegetables and minimal spices. Just the right comfort food, right?
More Salad Dressings
Creamy, ranch dressings literally go with everything, whether it’s burgers, pizzas, or salads. Try out the Silken Tofu Ranch Dressing with our quinoa bowl. Or if a ranch dressing isn’t your cup of tea, then feed your tastebuds with the tangy, Wholegrain Mustard dressing.
Tips for Making Dressings
Ideally, olive oil is the best oil to include in your dressings because it supports cardiovascular health. Alternatively, you can opt for vegetable or even canola oil. The bottom line is to let go of the habit of buying store-bought dressings because of high sodium and artificial preservatives.
When it comes to choosing the vinegar, you can go for the brown rice vinegar or even white wine vinegar.Â
I am a yogi with a smoldering passion for nutrition and healthy living. I have been a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach for over 11 years and now I want to help you. My mission is to inspire as many people as I can to expand their awareness and broaden their horizons by giving a voice to the choices that create abundant, radiant health. Here I share deliciously simple plant-based recipes, nutrition resources, detox tips, and a glimpse into my whole lifestyle.
