Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl

Name: Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup tahini; 1 large lemon, juiced; 2 tablespoons water; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt to taste; Optional: sprinkle of cayenne pepper

Highlighted under: Simple Planning

I absolutely love making this Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl for dinner. It’s a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and zesty tahini dressing that not only tastes amazing but is also incredibly nutritious. The combination of roasted veggies and creamy tahini sauce creates a satisfying meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Whether I'm looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this bowl has become my go-to recipe. Plus, it’s customizable, so I can switch up the veggies based on what I have at home.

Created by

Jemima Fox

Last updated on 2026-01-14T06:37:35.215Z

As I was experimenting with different flavors, I discovered that the combination of lemon and tahini brings out the best in vegetables. Adding a splash of lemon juice to the tahini elevates the flavor, making it bright and irresistible. I especially enjoy using a mix of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection, which adds depth to every bite!

While preparing this dish, I found that cooking the veggies just enough to caramelize their natural sugars creates a lovely contrast to the creamy tahini dressing. Keeping the veggies slightly crunchy ensures that every mouthful is fresh and satisfying. I adore meals that are both healthy and delicious!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich flavors from fresh veggies combined with creamy tahini
Zesty lemon dressing that brightens up your meal
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknight dinners

      

The Role of Tahini

Tahini is the star of the dressing in this Veggie Bowl, providing a creamy texture and nutty flavor. This sesame seed paste is not only rich in healthy fats but also adds a dose of calcium, making the dish more nutritious. When adding tahini to your dressing, it's important to whisk it well with lemon juice and water to create a smooth and pourable consistency. Consider using a small handheld whisk for better emulsion.

If you find tahini too thick, adding a bit more water can help achieve the desired texture. This way, the dressing can coat the vegetables uniformly without being overly heavy. You can also experiment with flavored tahinis, like roasted garlic or spicy harissa, to elevate the dish even further.

Vegetable Variations

This Healthy Dinner Lemon Tahini Veggie Bowl is highly adaptable based on what you have in your fridge. Feel free to substitute zucchini with eggplant or asparagus; both roast beautifully and will add their unique flavors. If you love greens, a handful of spinach can be sautéed quickly and added just before serving for an extra nutritional boost and vibrant color.

When selecting your vegetables, aim for a mix of colors and textures to keep your bowl visually appealing and nutritious. For instance, adding sweet potatoes or beets can introduce an earthy sweetness, balancing the acidity of the dressing. Keep in mind the cooking times for different vegetables; sturdier veggies like carrots may need a few extra minutes in the oven compared to softer options like cherry tomatoes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare components of this Veggie Bowl ahead of time for quick assembly during busy weeknights. The quinoa freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months. Just reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back its fluffy texture.

The roasted vegetables can also be made ahead; simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving. Keep the tahini dressing separate in the refrigerator; it can last for up to a week. Giving the dressing a good stir before serving will refresh its consistency, ensuring that your bowl remains deliciously enjoyable.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a wholesome dinner!

For the Veggie Bowl

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Tahini Dressing

1/4 cup tahini
1 large lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons water
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt to taste
Optional: sprinkle of cayenne pepper

These ingredients will come together beautifully for your meal.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious veggie bowl!

Prepare the Quinoa

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

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt. Adjust consistency with more water if necessary.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, layer the fluffy quinoa, roasted veggies, and drizzle the lemon tahini dressing on top. Enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Pro Tips

For extra protein, feel free to add chickpeas or grilled chicken to your bowl. You can also customize the veggies based on what you have or prefer.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the presentation, consider serving this Veggie Bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. These not only add flavor but also a touch of color that elevates the dish. A few sliced avocado on top can provide a creamy contrast and additional healthy fats.

For a heartier meal, feel free to add protein sources like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. Simply pan-sear them and toss them into the bowl right before serving for an integrated flavor profile.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your quinoa turns out mushy, it may have been overcooked or you added too much water. A good rule of thumb is to use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio and keep an eye on it during the cooking process. Once the water is absorbed, let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the grains to firm up.

For the roasted vegetables, if they end up soggy instead of slightly caramelized, ensure that your baking sheet is not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate around the veggies, promoting even roasting. You may also want to consider using parchment paper for easy clean-up while still achieving a nicely roasted outcome.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger families or gatherings. Simply multiply the quantities of quinoa and vegetables proportionally. However, keep in mind that when roasting vegetables, you may need to roast in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring that each batch caramelizes well.

If you're preparing this for meal prep, it's smart to store each component separately and mix them together just before serving to retain the freshness of each ingredient. This way, your meal will taste freshly made even on the fourth day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile; feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand.

→ Is this bowl suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the quinoa and veggies ahead of time, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the dressing vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan as tahini is plant-based. You can enjoy it without any animal products.

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set! Just ensure any additional ingredients are also gluten-free.