Spring Buddha Bowl with Green Goddess Dressing
Serves 4
Fresh, colourful and packed with fibre, plant diversity and protein, this spring bowl combines quinoa, cannellini beans, seasonal vegetables, nuts and seeds with a creamy, herb-filled Green Goddess dressing.
Ingredients
For the bowl
2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
2 × 400 g tins cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
2 cups baby spinach, rocket or mixed leafy greens
1 large carrot, ribboned or grated
4–6 radishes, thinly sliced
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup mixed nuts and seeds — try pepitas, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, almonds or walnuts
Fresh sprouts or microgreens, optional
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon wedges, to serve
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Green Goddess Dressing
¾ cup thick Greek yoghurt
1 generous handful fresh basil
1 generous handful fresh parsley
Small handful mint, dill or coriander — or a combination
Juice of 1 lemon
1 small garlic clove
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper
A little water, as needed
Method
Cook the quinoa according to packet directions and allow to cool. This can be prepared ahead and refrigerated.
Cook the asparagus by lightly steaming, blanching or pan-searing until just tender but still vibrant green.
Make the dressing: blend the yoghurt, herbs, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil until smooth and vibrant green. Season to taste and add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Assemble the bowls: divide the leafy greens and quinoa between four bowls. Add the cannellini beans, asparagus, carrot, radish and avocado.
Finish generously with the mixed nuts and seeds, sprouts or microgreens and Green Goddess dressing. Serve with fresh lemon.
Boost the protein
For an even higher-protein meal, add grilled chicken or salmon, two boiled eggs, tofu or tempeh.
Why your gut will love it
Cannellini beans, quinoa, vegetables, nuts and seeds provide a diverse combination of fibre and resistant starch to nourish beneficial gut bacteria, while colourful vegetables and fresh herbs deliver phytonutrients and antioxidants. The yoghurt dressing adds a fermented food, while protein and healthy fats make this a balanced and satisfying meal.
GF | High fibre | Protein-rich | Microbiome-friendly | Meal-prep friendly