Spinach White Bean Protein Bowl (Printable)

Protein-rich white beans and spinach over fluffy quinoa with creamy lemon-tahini dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water

→ Beans & Vegetables

03 - 2 cups baby spinach, packed
04 - 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Toppings

08 - 1 avocado, sliced
09 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
10 - 2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

→ Dressing

11 - 3 tbsp tahini
12 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1 tbsp water (plus more as needed)
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
02 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until creamy and smooth. Add additional water to thin if needed.
03 - Divide the cooked quinoa among 4 bowls. Top each with equal portions of spinach, white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
04 - Arrange avocado slices on each bowl and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. Add crumbled feta cheese if desired.
05 - Drizzle the tahini dressing generously over each bowl immediately before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The creamy tahini dressing ties everything together like a warm hug
  • You can assemble the entire thing in under 35 minutes even on a chaotic weeknight
02 -
  • The tahini dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week and actually gets better after a day
  • Quinoa continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so add a splash more dressing to leftovers before eating
03 -
  • Letting the quinoa cool slightly before assembling keeps the spinach fresh and bright
  • The dressing tastes best when made at least an hour ahead so the flavors can meld together

Return