Three-Bean Power Bowl (Printable version)

Protein-packed bowl with three beans, crisp vegetables, and wholesome grains topped with tangy dressing.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Beans

01 - 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 cup cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Grains

04 - 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
09 - 1 medium avocado, sliced
10 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

11 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
15 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
16 - 1 garlic clove, minced
17 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
19 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, optional

# How to make it:

01 - Dice and halve all vegetables according to specification, then set aside in separate containers.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and spinach.
04 - Fold the cooked quinoa or brown rice into the bean and vegetable mixture.
05 - Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Divide the mixture into four equal portions in individual serving bowls.
07 - Top each bowl with sliced avocado, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted seeds if desired.
08 - Serve immediately while vegetables are crisp, or refrigerate for up to two days for meal preparation.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent the afternoon cooking.
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day, making it perfect for those mornings when you can't face meal planning.
  • One bowl somehow manages to be hearty enough for dinner yet light enough you won't feel weighed down.
02 -
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the avocado and dressing separate and add them only when you're ready to eat so everything stays fresh and bright.
  • The dressing amount is generous enough to coat everything without making it soggy, but if you prefer a saucier bowl, you can always double it.
03 -
  • Rinse your canned beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and the starchy liquid that can make everything feel gluey.
  • Cook your quinoa with a vegetable broth instead of water, and let it cool completely before adding it so the heat doesn't wilt everything prematurely.
Go back