RECIPE: SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA BOWL

This recipe appeared in the September 2017 issue of "Radnor Life & Style" Magazine

SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA BOWL

I make this southwest bowl quite often since I usually prepare several in bulk on a Sunday to use for my lunches for the week. This recipe is super easy, healthy, and quite delicious! I often tell my clients about this bowl since it’s a simple way to get a balanced meal without lots of unhealthy additives- all the flavor comes from foods that are naturally nutritious. Plus, it’s very high in fiber and protein, so will help to keep you full for several hours. Eating this sure beats going to a fast food chain for your burrito bowl-  significantly cheaper and healthier!

“DRESSING” INGREDIENTS

1/3 c plain Greek yogurt, or low-fat cottage cheese

¼ c fresh salsa

1/3 medium avocado or 3-4 tbsp guacamole

Cilantro, parsley, chili powder (all optional), to taste

Juice of 1 lime or lemon

SALAD INGREDIENTS:

½ c quinoa, cooked

1/3 c black beans, cooked

2-3 cups mixed salad greens

½ c cherry tomatoes, cut in half

¼ c onion, diced

½ c bell peppers, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1.       I recommend cooking quinoa and other grains in bulk, so this recipe is assuming that you have already cooked a big batch ahead of time.

2.       Mix together “dressing” ingredients in large bowl.

3.       Add in quinoa, black beans, salad greens, onion, and peppers, and mix all together until dressing is well distributed.

4.       Enjoy!

TIPS:

1.       To make several bowls, simply multiply each ingredient by the servings you need to make and place in individual Tupperware containers.

2.       Feel free to add more vegetables of your choosing, the more the merrier!

NUTRITION INFO: Per serving (Recipe serves 1)

400 calories, 9 g fat (6 g MUFA, 3 g PUFA), 62 g carb (~1/3 carbs from fiber!), 22 g protein, very good source of Vitamin A, C, and folate. *Analysis done using DietMaster Pro

Picture source: http://www.dishinanddishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_01071.jpg