Cold Quinoa Edamame Bowl

In recent years, healthy bowls have taken the culinary world by storm. These vibrant, nutrient-packed dishes offer a delightful way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures all in one meal. Whether for lunch or dinner, healthy bowls are not just a trend; they represent a holistic approach to eating that emphasizes balance and nourishment. Among the myriad options available, the Refreshing Cold Quinoa Edamame Bowl stands out as a versatile and nutritious meal choice that is easy to prepare and perfect for any season.

Discover the vibrant and nutritious Cold Quinoa Edamame Bowl, a perfect meal for lunch or dinner! This delightful dish combines quinoa, a complete protein, with edamame, packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Customize your bowl with fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers for added crunch. Drizzle with an easy lemon-olive oil dressing for a refreshing finish. Enjoy a healthy, balanced meal that's as satisfying as it is delicious, perfect for any season!

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Ingredients

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

1 cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 avocado, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa: Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow it to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Once removed from heat, keep the pot covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Edamame: If you're using frozen edamame, follow the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in water for 3-5 minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain the edamame and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. For fresh edamame, simply blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender.

Chop the Vegetables: While the quinoa and edamame are cooling, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion and cilantro, setting them aside for later.

Create the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is well blended and emulsified.

Assemble the Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, edamame, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the entire mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Serve and Garnish: Portion the quinoa mixture into individual serving bowls. If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top of each bowl. For an added crunch, finish with a scattering of sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, as desired.

Chill if Desired: For an even more refreshing dish, consider refrigerating the assembled bowls for 30 minutes before serving. This will enhance the flavors and serve up a cooler meal.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

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This recipe allows for customization; feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables or toppings! Enjoy your vibrant and nutritious edamame quinoa bowl!