Smith's Spiced Quinoa Bowl

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

A vibrant bowl of quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and tahini dressing. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 60 minutes pairs quinoa, sweet potato, tahini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 cup quinoa with 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cubed sweet potato (1 medium, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes) with 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Roast for 25 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a jar until smooth. Add 1/4 cup water to thin.
  4. Step 4: In a skillet, warm 1/4 cup roasted quinoa and 1/2 cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed) with 1 tbsp dressing. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
  5. Step 5: Divide roasted sweet potato, quinoa-chickpea mixture, and avocado slices into bowls. Drizzle with remaining dressing and top with sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Spiced Quinoa Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Smith's Spiced Quinoa 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 Smith's Spiced Quinoa 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 Smith's Spiced Quinoa 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 Smith's Spiced Quinoa Bowl?

Mediterranean vegan 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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