Naismith's Nutrient Boost Bowl
A high-protein, fiber-rich bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a tahini dressing, inspired by basketball legend James Naismith. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 45 minutes pairs (uncooked) quinoa, broccoli florets, (julienned) carrots into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (uncooked) quinoa
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup (julienned) carrots
- 1 cup (canned, drained) chickpeas
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook quinoa in 2 cups water until tender, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
- Step 2: Toss broccoli and carrots with 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, and parsley. Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and roasted veggies. Toss to combine.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Naismith's Nutrient Boost Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Naismith's Nutrient Boost Bowl?
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 (uncooked) quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Naismith's Nutrient Boost Bowl?
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 Naismith's Nutrient Boost Bowl 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.
What goes well with Naismith's Nutrient Boost Bowl?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
