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Chickpea Avocado Quinoa Bowl

Chickpea Avocado Quinoa Bowl

The Chickpea Avocado Quinoa Bowl is a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal combining protein-packed quinoa and chickpeas with creamy avocado and fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make bowl provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a wholesome, plant-based option ideal for lunch, dinner, or anytime nourishment. It’s packed with healthy fats, fiber, and a complete protein profile, making it both hearty and healthy.

Ingredients

Scale

Grains & Legumes

  • 1 cup quinoa (well-rinsed)
  • 1 cup canned or cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

Fresh Produce

  • 1 ripe avocado (diced)
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • ½ cup cucumber (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro (finely chopped)

Seasonings & Condiments

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness, then cook it according to package directions—typically using a ratio of 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them well. You may keep them as-is or lightly toast in a skillet for added texture and flavor.
  3. Chop the fresh ingredients: Dice the ripe avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop your choice of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
  4. Assemble the bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chickpeas, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Taste and adjust: Sample the bowl and add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed to balance acidity and seasoning to your preference before serving.

Notes

  • Use ripe avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure for creamy texture and flavor.
  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove saponin, which causes bitterness.
  • For an extra nutty flavor, toast dry quinoa lightly in a pan before cooking.
  • Prepare ingredients in advance for faster assembly—cook and cool quinoa, rinse chickpeas, and chop vegetables ahead.
  • Add lemon juice incrementally to avoid overpowering the delicate flavor of avocado.
  • Store avocado separately to keep it fresh longer and combine just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea quinoa bowl, avocado quinoa salad, plant-based protein bowl, healthy lunch bowl, vegan quinoa bowl, gluten free quinoa recipe