Mushroom-Leek Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A protein-packed bowl featuring earthy mushrooms, sweet leeks, and a bright citrus dressing over fluffy quinoa. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs quinoa, vegetable broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 sliced leek and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups sliced mushrooms and 1 tbsp chopped thyme, cooking for 8-10 minutes until mushrooms release liquid and turn golden.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp maple syrup, and salt in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  5. Step 5: Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork, then fold in mushroom-leek mixture and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mushroom-Leek Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mushroom-Leek Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mushroom-Leek Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mushroom-Leek Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mushroom-Leek Quinoa Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Dressing gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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