POWER PROTEIN QUINOA BOWL
The power protein quinoa bowl is a delicious, high-protein meal that combines the nutty taste of quinoa with lean grilled chicken, crunchy roasted chickpeas and almonds, all topped with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. This dish is perfect for those looking to fuel their bodies with essential nutrients while enjoying a well-balanced and flavourful meal. Quinoa, a complete protein, provides sustained energy, while chickpeas and almonds add additional protein and fibre. The grilled chicken delivers a lean protein source, making this bowl ideal for fitness enthusiasts, meal preppers, or anyone seeking a nutritious and satisfying dish. The creamy lemon-tahini dressing ties everything together, offering a bright, citrusy flavour with a smooth, nutty undertone. Whether served as a hearty lunch or dinner, this bowl provides a perfect balance of macronutrients, keeping you full and energised throughout the day.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner, Lunch
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Grill, Roast, Steam, Sauté
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Meal Prep, Healthy Eating, Fitness Meal, Quick Weeknight Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Fibre, Gluten-Free, Low Fat, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Grain Bowl
INGREDIENTS OF POWER PROTEIN QUINOA BOWL
- 50g quinoa, cooked
- 80g grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 10g chickpeas, roasted
- 5g almonds, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon-tahini dressing
- ½ tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories 350 kcal
- Protein 38g
- Carbohydrates 28g
- Fibre 6g
- Fat 10g
- Saturated Fat 1.5g
- Sodium 320mg
- Sugar 2g
PREPARATION FOR POWER PROTEIN QUINOA BOWL
- Prepare The Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then cook according to package instructions until tender. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Grill The Chicken: Season the chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
- Roast The Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the chickpeas with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 15 minutes until crispy.
- Assemble The Bowl: Place the cooked quinoa in a serving bowl. Top with sliced grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas and chopped almonds.
- Drizzle The Dressing: Pour the lemon-tahini dressing evenly over the bowl for added flavour.
- Garnish And Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh parsley on top if using. Serve immediately and enjoy.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
20 minutes
TIPS FOR POWER PROTEIN QUINOA
- Fluff The Quinoa: After cooking, fluff the quinoa with a fork to keep it light and airy.
- Marinate The Chicken: Let the chicken sit in a lemon-garlic marinade for extra flavour before grilling.
- Crispier Chickpeas: For extra crunch, leave the roasted chickpeas in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Balanced Dressing: Adjust the lemon-tahini dressing by adding more lemon juice for tanginess or more tahini for a creamier texture.
- Meal Prep Hack: Cook a batch of quinoa and grilled chicken in advance for easy assembly throughout the week.
VARIATIONS
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the grilled chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein alternative.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute almonds with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
- Extra greens: Toss in baby spinach or kale for added vitamins and minerals.
- Mediterranean Twist: Mix in diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes and olives for a refreshing flavour boost.
- Creamy Texture: Swap the lemon-tahini dressing with avocado dressing for a richer consistency.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked quinoa and grilled chicken separately for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the dressing as it may separate.
- Reheating: Warm the quinoa and chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add the dressing after reheating for the best taste.
- Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple servings in advance and store them in meal prep containers for quick grab-and-go meals.