Three-Bean Power Bowl (Printable)

Protein-rich medley of three beans, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing for a satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans

01 - 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 cup cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Grains

04 - 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
09 - 1 medium avocado, sliced
10 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

11 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
15 - 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
16 - 1 garlic clove, minced
17 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
19 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, optional

# Directions:

01 - Wash and cut all vegetables including cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Arrange prepared ingredients on a clean work surface.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine drained black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and spinach.
04 - Add cooked quinoa or brown rice to the bowl with the bean and vegetable mixture.
05 - Pour prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
06 - Divide the mixture among four serving bowls. Arrange sliced avocado on top of each portion.
07 - Top each bowl with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted seeds if desired. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to two days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's genuinely filling without leaving you sluggish, thanks to the protein from three different beans working together.
  • You can prep it on Sunday and actually enjoy eating it all week, which sounds boring until you realize it tastes better after sitting overnight.
02 -
  • If you make this more than a few hours ahead, keep the avocado separate and add it right before eating, otherwise it browns and gets mealy.
  • Cold beans straight from the can change the whole temperature of the bowl in a way that sounds small but affects how the dressing tastes, so bring them to room temperature first if you have the time.
03 -
  • Make extra dressing and keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week—it's perfect over roasted vegetables or as a marinade.
  • Toast your own seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes if you want them to taste fresher and smell incredible, rather than using pre-toasted versions that have been sitting around.
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