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To make the Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ red onion, diced - 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for spice) - 1 lime, juiced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some fresh items for pantry staples if needed. Use canned corn instead of fresh. This saves time and works well. Swap the bell pepper for any other veggies like cucumber or zucchini. If you don't have cilantro, try parsley, or simply leave it out. You can also use lemon juice instead of lime for a different flavor. Each ingredient brings its own health perks. Quinoa is a great protein source. It is also high in fiber and gluten-free. Black beans add more protein and fiber, which helps digestion. The bell pepper is rich in vitamins A and C, boosting your immune system. Avocado offers healthy fats that are good for your heart. Tomatoes are full of antioxidants. This bowl is not just tasty; it is a nutritious meal that fuels your body. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. This step is key. The rinsing removes the bitter coating called saponin. After adding the quinoa, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is ready when it is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed. Use a fork to fluff it gently. While the quinoa cooks, you can make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of 1 lime. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Set it aside until you mix everything. Now it’s time to mix the veggies! In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of corn, and a diced bell pepper. You can use any color you like. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and ½ of a diced red onion. If you want some heat, add a minced jalapeño. Once everything is in the bowl, gently stir to combine. When the quinoa is ready, add it to this veggie mix. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently again. This step blends all the flavors beautifully. Now you’re ready to serve! To get fluffy quinoa, start with rinsing it well. Rinsing removes bitterness. Then, use two cups of vegetable broth for every cup of quinoa. Bring the broth to a boil before adding the quinoa. Cover it and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When it's done, fluff it gently with a fork. This method gives you light and airy quinoa every time. When you serve the Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl, think about colors and textures. Use a wooden board for a rustic look. Arrange the quinoa and veggies in deep bowls. Top each bowl with sliced avocado for creaminess. Add fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Include lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch. This makes your meal not just tasty but also beautiful. To store leftovers, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can keep the quinoa and veggies together or separate them. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze some, use freezer bags. Label them with the date for easy tracking. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave until hot. Enjoy your meal again, just as fresh! Pro Tips Rinse the Quinoa: Rinsing the quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter. Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: Ensure you let the quinoa rest for a few minutes after cooking, covered, to achieve a light and fluffy texture. Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or roasted sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Customize Your Dressing: Experiment with different herbs or spices in the dressing, such as cilantro or chili powder, to match your taste preferences. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl. Grilled chicken works great. Just season it with salt and pepper. Dice it and mix it in. If you prefer plant-based options, try tofu. Firm tofu is best for this dish. Cube it, then sauté it until golden. You can also use tempeh for a nutty flavor. Both options add texture and nutrition. This recipe is already vegetarian and can be vegan too. If you want to make it vegan, just skip the honey in the dressing. Replace it with maple syrup for sweetness. You can also use plant-based yogurt as a creamy topping. This keeps the dish fresh and light while staying true to plant-based eating. Adding herbs and spices can take your bowl to the next level. Fresh cilantro is a must for garnish. You can also add chopped green onions for a mild kick. For more spice, consider a dash of chili powder or cayenne. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding more smoked paprika. These additions make each bite exciting and full of flavor. To keep your Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep out moisture and odors. Place it in the fridge within two hours of making it. The bowl will last for about three to four days. Before serving, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, it's better to toss it. You can freeze this bowl for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for the bowl to expand. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat it on low to avoid burning. Stir until it's warmed through. Enjoy your meal like it’s fresh! A Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl is a colorful and healthy dish. It features fluffy quinoa, black beans, and fresh veggies. You can find corn, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions in it. The bowl is topped with creamy avocado and cilantro. It is full of flavor and nutrition. This meal is perfect for lunch or dinner. To spice up your Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl, add jalapeños or hot sauce. You can use fresh, minced jalapeños for a kick. If you like heat, add more than one pepper. Another option is to mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder. Start with a little, then taste and adjust to your liking. Yes, the Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl is gluten-free. Quinoa is a great gluten-free grain. It works well for people with gluten allergies. Just be sure to check any packaged items, like vegetable broth, for gluten. This bowl is a smart choice for a safe and tasty meal. This post covered how to create a tasty Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl. We went over ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I also shared fun ways to change the dish and how to store leftovers. Now you can enjoy this healthy meal that fits your diet. Experiment with flavors and stay creative. Your meals can be both fun and nutritious. Enjoy cooking!

Fiesta Veggie Quinoa Bowl

A colorful and nutritious quinoa bowl packed with veggies and flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 unit bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 unit avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 unit red onion, diced
  • 1 unit jalapeño, minced (optional for spice)
  • 1 unit lime, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • to taste unit fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
  • While the quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using).
  • Once the quinoa is ready, fluff it with a fork and add it to the bowl with the veggie mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together gently to combine all ingredients.
  • Arrange the quinoa and veggie mix into serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy this colorful and nutritious meal!

Notes

Serve the bowls on a wooden board for a rustic feel, and add lime wedges on the side for a vibrant touch.
Keyword healthy, Mexican, quinoa, veggie bowl