Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe
I’m so excited to share this **Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe** with you because it’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel GOOD inside and out. Bright, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients, it feels like a hug in a bowl, whether it’s a quick lunch or a nourishing dinner. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for days when you need that little boost of health and happiness.
Why This Recipe Works
- Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Turmeric, cumin, and sweet potatoes team up to fight inflammation deliciously.
- Balanced Nutrients: Protein-packed quinoa and chickpeas with healthy fats from avocado create a filling, nourishing meal.
- Flavorful Creamy Sauce: The tahini-yogurt drizzle adds a tangy richness that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- Simple Preparation: Easy steps and common kitchen ingredients make this glow bowl a fantastic weeknight winner.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe brings together super simple, clean ingredients that not only taste amazing but also provide powerful health benefits. Shopping for fresh veggies and quality staples like good tahini and olive oil makes a world of difference here.
- Quinoa: A complete protein that cooks up fluffy and nutty, the perfect grain base.
- Sweet Potatoes: Loaded with beta-carotene and fiber, roasting them brings out a natural sweetness.
- Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a boost of vitamins without overpowering the bowl.
- Chickpeas: Rich in protein and fiber; sautéing with turmeric creates a crunchy, spiced bite.
- Avocado: Creamy healthy fats balance the spices and textures perfectly.
- Tahini: Adds depth and nuttiness to the yogurt sauce; look for a creamy, well-mixed jar.
- Plain Yogurt: Brings tang and creaminess, making the tahini sauce light and luscious.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity.
- Ground Cumin & Turmeric: The dynamic duo for earthy warmth and anti-inflammatory magic.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Healthy fat to roast sweet potatoes and sauté chickpeas, boosting flavor and nutrition.
- Salt & Pepper: Necessary seasoning to harmonize all flavors.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re vegan, love a bit of spice, or want to add your own favorite veggies, this bowl is a fantastic base to customize.
- Variation: Once, I roasted some Brussels sprouts along with the sweet potatoes, and it added a wonderful crunch and earthiness that I couldn’t get enough of.
- Swap: If you don’t eat dairy, swap the yogurt for a creamy coconut yogurt; it pairs beautifully with tahini.
- Extra Flavor: Drizzle a bit of harissa or sriracha over the top if you crave a little heat.
- Leafy Green Twist: Try baby kale or arugula in place of spinach for a pepperier bite.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook Your Quinoa
I always start by rinsing my quinoa under cold water to get rid of any bitterness—that small step really helps make it light and fluffy. Then, I put it in a saucepan with twice the amount of water, bring it to a boil, cover, and let it simmer gently. About 15 minutes later, the water’s absorbed, and you’re left with perfectly tender quinoa that makes a lovely base for your bowl.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
While the quinoa cooks, toss your diced sweet potatoes in olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. I like to spread them out on a baking sheet so they roast evenly and get a little caramelized edge. Roasting at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes makes them tender, sweet, and bursting with flavor—a real highlight of this glow bowl.
Step 3: Sauté Chickpeas with Spices
Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in drained chickpeas seasoned with turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. I like to give them a good 10-minute sauté until crispy on the outside—that crunch adds such a lovely texture contrast against the soft sweet potatoes and creamy avocado.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Whisk together tahini, plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Add water gradually to get a smooth, pourable consistency. This sauce is the glue that brings all the flavors together—creamy, tangy, and a little nutty. It’s the thing that really makes this bowl stand out in my book.
Step 5: Assemble Your Glow Bowl
Now for the fun part! Start with a bed of fluffy quinoa, pile on roasted sweet potatoes and crispy chickpeas, then add fresh baby spinach leaves and sliced avocado for creaminess. Finish it off with a generous drizzle of your tahini yogurt sauce. Trust me, this bowl is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Rinse Quinoa Well: This small extra step takes bitterness out and gives you a fluffier texture every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving chickpeas space while sautéing helps them crisp up instead of steam.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add water little by little to get a drizzle-perfect tahini yogurt sauce without it feeling too heavy.
- Use Fresh Citrus: Fresh lemon juice always brightens your sauce better than bottled lemon juice.
How to Serve Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I toss a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds over the top whenever I serve this glow bowl—it adds this satisfying crunch that makes each bite exciting. Sometimes a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro also brightens everything up beautifully. And, of course, a tiny drizzle of extra tahini yogurt sauce on top because, why not?
Side Dishes
I love pairing this bowl with a simple side of warm, crusty whole-grain bread for scooping up the tahini sauce. If I’m feeling extra hungry, a light cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side adds a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve the components individually in small bowls for a fun “build-your-own” experience at the table. Alternatively, layering all ingredients in a glass mason jar makes an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for a healthy lunch on-the-go or even gifts for friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed chickpeas separately in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain their best texture. Fresh spinach and avocado I add fresh when serving to keep everything bright and not soggy.
Freezing
If you want to prep in bulk, the quinoa and roasted sweet potatoes freeze beautifully. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. I wouldn’t freeze the avocado or spinach, though—they lose their fresh color and texture.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, microwave or warm the grains and veggies in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispness. Add fresh spinach and sliced avocado just before serving, then drizzle with freshly whisked tahini yogurt sauce for that just-made feel.
FAQs
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Can I make this Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! The easiest way is to swap the plain yogurt for a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond. The tahini yogurt sauce still comes together creamy and delicious with that simple change.
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How long does this glow bowl keep in the fridge?
If stored properly, the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and chickpeas stay good for up to 4 days. I suggest adding fresh spinach and avocado only when you’re ready to eat to keep them vibrant.
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Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Yes! You can substitute brown rice, millet, or even farro for quinoa, though cooking times will vary. Quinoa’s nutrient profile and texture, however, make it my favorite for this particular recipe.
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What if I don’t like tahini?
You can swap tahini for almond butter or skip it entirely and simply use yogurt mixed with lemon juice and a bit of olive oil. It changes the flavor but still keeps the glaze creamy and tangy.
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Why is this called a “glow bowl”?
Because it’s packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and sweet potatoes that brighten your skin and boost your energy—giving you that radiant “glow” from the inside out.
Final Thoughts
This Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for days when I want to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s approachable, adaptable, and genuinely tasty—a combination that can be hard to find. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and nourishing as I do—because we all deserve food that works just as hard for our bodies as it does for our taste buds.
Print
Anti-Inflammatory Quinoa Glow Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Anti-Inflammatory Glow Bowl with Tahini Yogurt is a nutritious and vibrant meal featuring quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and crispy turmeric chickpeas, topped with fresh spinach and avocado. Drizzled with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce, this bowl is packed with flavor and health benefits, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Grains
- 1 cup quinoa
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
Legumes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
Sauces & Condiments
- ½ cup tahini
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spices
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Cook in a saucepan with 2 cups of water; bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- Sauté Chickpeas: In a skillet, heat the remaining 1.5 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas along with 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes until chickpeas turn crispy and golden.
- Prepare Tahini Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, plain yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and gradually add water until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Assemble Glow Bowls: In serving bowls, layer cooked quinoa evenly as the base. Top with roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed chickpeas. Add fresh baby spinach leaves and arrange avocado slices on top. Drizzle generously with the tahini yogurt sauce before serving.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to eliminate the natural saponins, which can taste bitter.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with a non-dairy alternative to make the sauce vegan-friendly.
- Adjust the amount of water in the tahini yogurt sauce to achieve desired creaminess.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact.
- Roast sweet potatoes evenly by spreading them in a single layer and stirring halfway through cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg