Ingredients
Scale
For the Grain Bowls:
- 1 cup quinoa, farro, or any grain of choice (cooked)
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
For the Avocado Ranch Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative for vegans)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup milk or water (to adjust consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Grains
- Begin by cooking your chosen grains (quinoa or farro) according to package instructions. Quinoa usually takes around 15 minutes, while farro can take 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, set aside and fluff with a fork. These grains provide the base for the bowls, adding fiber, protein, and a hearty texture.
Step 2: Prepare and Roast the Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sliced red onion on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are well-coated with the seasoning.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Step 3: Roast the Chickpeas
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the chickpeas. After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Spread them on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Roast in the oven for 20 minutes or until crispy, shaking the pan halfway through. These will add a delicious crunch to your grain bowls.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Ranch Dressing
- While the grains and vegetables cook, prepare the creamy avocado ranch dressing.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, dill, and parsley.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or milk at a time to thin it out until you reach the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Grain Bowls
- Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble your bowls.
- Start with a generous scoop of the cooked grains in each bowl.
- Layer on the roasted vegetables and crispy chickpeas.
- Drizzle the avocado ranch dressing over the top, ensuring you get that rich, creamy goodness in every bite.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 340mg
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g