Sunset Quinoa Bowl

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

A vibrant grain bowl with roasted vegetables, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing for a colorful, nutrient-packed dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Quinoa, Water, Bell peppers 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 310 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, toss bell peppers, zucchini, cucumber, and cilantro with salt and pepper.
  3. Step 3: In a small jar, whisk together lime juice, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Assemble bowls by layering quinoa, roasted vegetables, and avocado. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sunset Quinoa Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Sunset 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 Sunset 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 Sunset 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.

Is Sunset Quinoa Bowl vegan?

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

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