Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl

Name: Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water or vegetable broth; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon water (more if needed); Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Clean Kitchen

I absolutely love this Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl! It's a delightful medley of vibrant vegetables and comforting grains, all brought together with a creamy tahini dressing. This dish not only satisfies my hunger but also provides a burst of flavor and nutrition. The freshness of the veggies complements the rich taste of tahini, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option. Plus, it's customizable based on what you have on hand, which is a bonus in my kitchen.

Created by

Winifred Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-14T06:45:34.746Z

When I first experimented with this Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl, I wanted a dish that would incorporate my favorite seasonal vegetables while being nutritious and satisfying. I learned that the key is to roast the veggies until they are caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth. Pairing them with a luscious tahini dressing really ties everything together, giving the bowl a creamy, tangy feel.

I suggest using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the dressing, as it adds an extra layer of brightness. This bowl can easily be modified by using different grains or veggies according to your preferences, making it a versatile staple in my meal planning. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it weekly!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Refreshing flavor profile with a creamy tahini twist
Easily customizable with your favorite seasonal vegetables
Quick and nutritious option for busy weeknights

Ingredient Spotlight: Quinoa and Tahini

Quinoa serves as the hearty base for this veggie bowl, providing not only a satisfying texture but also a complete protein source, which is vital for a balanced meal. When cooking quinoa, ensure you rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor. When cooked correctly, quinoa should be fluffy with a slight nutty taste, making it an excellent companion for the fresh vegetables.

Tahini, a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, is the star of the dressing. It adds rich flavor and a smooth texture, coating the veggies beautifully. Be mindful that tahini can separate; give it a good stir before measuring it out. This dressing is quite versatile, so feel free to adjust the lemon juice and maple syrup levels to suit your taste, adding more for acidity or sweetness.

Roasting Techniques for Perfect Veggies

Roasting the vegetables not only enhances their natural sweetness but also adds depth to their flavors. When preparing your vegetables, cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking—this is especially crucial for carrots, as their denser texture may require a slightly longer roasting time. A good visual cue is when the edges begin to brown and caramelize, which usually takes about 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If you'd like extra crispness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of roasting.

Don’t hesitate to mix and match the veggies based on seasonal availability or personal preference. For example, asparagus, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes can be great substitutes or additions. The key is to keep the overall balance of textures in mind; softer vegetables like zucchini should pair well with firmer ones like broccoli.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl:

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon water (more if needed)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl:

Cook the Quinoa

In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and carrot with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Spread the veggies on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.

Make the Tahini Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add additional water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, layer the cooked quinoa at the bottom, then top with roasted vegetables. Drizzle the tahini dressing generously over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your colorful and nutritious Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables or add your favorite protein, such as chickpeas or grilled chicken, for extra heartiness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the quinoa and roast the vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just be sure to keep the tahini dressing in a separate container until you're ready to eat to maintain its freshness and creamy texture. If the quinoa appears dry after storage, a splash of vegetable broth or water can revive it during reheating.

To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a pan on low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. This quick reheating will help retain the vibrancy of your roasted veggies without losing their texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it in countless ways. Consider adding a protein boost with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to transform it into a more filling meal. You can also serve it over a bed of greens, like spinach or arugula, for added nutrients and a fresh crunch. For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

If you're looking for a different flavor profile, try swapping the tahini dressing for a yogurt-based dressing or a squeeze of balsamic glaze. Fresh herbs, such as mint or cilantro, can also elevate the dish and add aromatic freshness that complements the veggies beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! You can prepare the quinoa and roast the veggies ahead of time. Just assemble the bowls and add the tahini dressing when ready to eat.

→ Is the tahini dressing vegan?

Absolutely! The tahini dressing is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.

→ What variations can I try?

You can use any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, like sweet potatoes, spinach, or kale. You can also substitute quinoa with brown rice or couscous.

→ How long does this bowl stay fresh in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the ingredients can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.