Roasted Beet and Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Walnuts

The essence of a Buddha bowl is abundance and balance. In this version, the earthy sweetness of beets meets the crunch of walnuts and the creaminess of avocado. A perfect example of how plant-based ingredients can create a full, satisfying meal.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 40 mins
🍽️ Servings 2 servings
🔥 Calories 870 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Modern International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan for quinoa
  • Cutting board
  • Jar for dressing

Allergen Information

⚠️ Tree Nuts (Walnuts)

Instructions

1

Rinse quinoa thoroughly under hot water in a fine mesh sieve until the water stops foaming.

Tip: This removes the bitter compound (saponin) from the seeds.
2

Cook quinoa in double the amount of salted water for about 15 minutes until the little 'tails' detach and water is absorbed. Let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Tip: Resting allows steam to permeate the grains evenly, making them fluffy rather than sticky.
3

Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant. Watch carefully, they burn fast!

Tip: Toasting releases essential oils, intensifying the flavor.
4

Dice the cooked beets and slice the avocado thinly. Wash and dry the spinach.

Tip: Beets stain everything, so cut them last or use a separate board.
5

Make the dressing: shake olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small jar until it becomes a cloudy emulsion.

Tip: Shaking disperses tiny oil droplets into the acid, creating a creamy texture.
6

Assemble the bowl: arrange piles of quinoa, spinach, beets, and avocado next to each other.

Tip: Visual appeal is important; the color contrast stimulates appetite.
7

Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with toasted walnuts and parsley.

Tip: If you dress it too early, the acid will wilt the spinach.

Recipe FAQ

Why is the quinoa bitter?
You didn't rinse it enough. The natural coating (saponin) is bitter and must be rinsed off with hot water.
What makes it filling?
Quinoa is a complete protein and fiber source, while avocado and walnuts provide healthy fats.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quinoa (dry)
  • 5 oz Baby Spinach
  • 10 oz Roasted or Cooked Beets
  • 1 whole Avocado
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 pinch Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley