Go Back
Quinoa Taco Bowl Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Quinoa Taco Bowl Recipe

Quinoa taco bowls have become a favorite among food lovers who crave a healthy yet satisfying meal. This dish combines the goodness of quinoa with the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired ingredients, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar or cotija
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce optional

Method
 

  1. Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa along with a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. While the quinoa cooks, prepare the toppings. Dice the red bell pepper, slice the avocado, and chop the red onion and cherry tomatoes. Drain and rinse the black beans, and if you're using frozen corn, thaw it by running it under warm water for a few minutes.
  3. Next, sauté the vegetables and beans. Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens slightly. Stir in the black beans, corn, and taco seasoning, and cook everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. For the dressing, whisk together Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, honey, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
  5. To assemble the quinoa taco bowls, divide the fluffy quinoa into individual serving bowls. Top each one with the sautéed vegetables and black beans. Add fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, shredded lettuce, and cheese. Finally, drizzle the yogurt-lime dressing over the top, garnish with fresh cilantro, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of brightness.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking quinoa for extra flavor.
  • Customize the toppings based on your preferences—add jalapeños for spice or grilled chicken for extra protein.
  • Make it ahead of time for meal prep; store the ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
  • For a vegan option, skip the cheese and yogurt dressing, or use dairy-free alternatives.