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Pesto Lentil Quinoa Bowl

Creamy Pesto Lentil Quinoa Bowl That Everyone Will Love

This Pesto Lentil Quinoa Bowl combines vibrant flavors and heart-healthy ingredients for a quick and nutritious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Healthy, Vegan
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1/2 cup Quinoa Rinse before cooking for fluffier texture.
  • 1 can Butter Beans Opt for canned for convenience.
  • 1 can Lentils Canned lentils are a quick choice.
For the Pesto
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil (EVOO) Choose high-quality oil for optimal flavor.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Fresh is best, but frozen can work.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Essential for classic pesto taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Both curly and flat-leaf work well.
  • 1/4 cup Raw Sunflower Seeds A nut-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast Provides a cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use fresh or jarred minced garlic.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh lemon juice is ideal.
  • To taste Salt & Pepper Adjust to your taste.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Julienne cut for easy mixing.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • colander
  • Food processor
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh sieve. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil, then add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
  2. Drain and rinse butter beans and lentils in a colander under cold water, then place aside.
  3. In a food processor, blend olive oil, spinach, basil, parsley, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and salt & pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, rinsed butter beans, lentils, and 1/3 cup of the pesto. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix gently.
  5. Divide the mixture into serving bowls, drizzling remaining pesto over the top. Serve with grilled gluten-free bread or crackers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze without pesto for up to 3 months.

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