Cutting board & knife For chopping fresh vegetables and slicing avocado.
Mixing bowls One for tossing chickpeas and another for combining the dressing.
Small saucepan or rice cooker To cook quinoa and brown rice.
Mason jars or containers (optional) Great for prepping ahead or if you're thinking of microgreens packaging ideas.
Food processor or immersion blender (optional) If you prefer a smoother dressing.
Ingredients
Base
1cupcooked quinoafor its nutty flavor and complete protein profile
1cupcooked brown riceadds heartiness and depth
Veggies & Greens
1avocadosliced
1/2cupcherry tomatoeshalved
1/2cupcucumberthinly sliced
1/2cupshredded carrots
1/4cuppickled red onionsfor tang and brightness
1/2cupcooked and seasoned chickpeasroasted or sautéed
Microgreens Medley
1/4cupbroccoli sproutsa great pick for broccoli sprouts recipes
1/4cupradish microgreensfor a peppery punch
1/4cupsunflower microgreensadds crunch and nutty flavor
1/4cupmung bean sproutsa classic from mung bean sprouts recipes
Dressing
2tbsptahini
1tbsplemon juice
1tspmaple syrup
1tspapple cider vinegar
1clovegarlicminced
Salt and pepper to taste
Water to thinif needed
Toppings
Toasted sesame seeds
Hemp seeds
Crushed almonds or walnuts
A light drizzle of olive oiloptional
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Base Grains
Start by rinsing and cooking your quinoa and brown rice. This can be done simultaneously in separate pots. Use a 2:1 water-to-grain ratio and simmer until fluffy and tender. Once done, let them cool slightly before layering into your bowl.
Step 2: Roast or Sauté the Chickpeas
While the grains cook, toss your chickpeas in olive oil, a pinch of cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes or pan-sauté them on medium heat for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Slice, dice, and shred your veggies: halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice cucumbers, shred the carrots, and get those pickled onions ready (quick tip: soak thinly sliced red onion in vinegar, salt, and sugar for 15 minutes).
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add a few tablespoons of water to achieve a pourable consistency. This dressing also works well in other herb recipes.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Start with a generous scoop of quinoa and brown rice at the base. Top with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and pickled onions. Fan out avocado slices in a corner.
Step 6: Add the Microgreens
Layer your microgreens generously on top: a mix of broccoli sprouts, radish, sunflower, and mung bean sprouts. This not only enhances the salad aesthetic but also makes this bowl one of the most versatile microgreens recipe ideas out there.
Step 7: Finish Strong
Drizzle the tahini dressing over the top. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, hemp seeds, and crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.