Naismith's Nutrient Boost Bowl

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

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 quinoa, broccoli florets, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook quinoa in 2 cups water until tender, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
  2. Step 2: Toss broccoli and carrots with 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, and parsley. Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and roasted veggies. Toss to combine.

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 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.

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