Description
Spiced Mango Quinoa Bowls are a vibrant and healthy vegan meal featuring nutrient-packed quinoa combined with juicy mangoes, crisp vegetables, chickpeas, and a zesty, spiced dressing. This gluten-free dish is perfect for meal prep or a nourishing lunch, adorned with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and crunchy pumpkin seeds for delightful textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Base
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Produce
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Protein
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked and fluffed quinoa. Gently fold in the diced mangoes, chickpeas, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, and finely sliced red onion to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified and fragrant.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently, ensuring each component is well-coated with the spiced dressing for balanced flavor throughout.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the dressed quinoa salad evenly into serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds to add creaminess, freshness, and crunch.
Notes
- For added protein and texture, consider adding grilled tofu or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- These bowls are ideal for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
