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Healthy High-Protein Edamame Buddha Bowl

healthy high-protein edamame buddha bowl - featured image

A quick, easy, and protein-packed Buddha bowl featuring edamame, quinoa, fresh veggies, and a zingy dressing. Perfect for a nourishing meal that keeps you full and satisfied.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170 g) quinoa, rinsed and cooked
  • 1 1/2 cups shelled cooked edamame (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large carrot, shredded
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Small handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • For the dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine with 2 cups (475 ml) water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. If using frozen edamame, steam or boil according to package instructions until tender but still bright green (about 5 minutes). Drain and cool.
  3. Dice avocado, cucumber, red bell pepper, and shred carrot. Thinly slice green onions and chop cilantro or parsley if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, edamame, and all chopped vegetables. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and extra herbs on top for garnish.
  7. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to avoid bitterness. Steam edamame rather than boiling to keep texture firm. Keep dressing separate if storing leftovers to prevent soggy veggies. Add roasted chickpeas or nuts for extra crunch. Can substitute quinoa with brown rice or cauliflower rice. For nut-free version, skip sesame seeds and oil, use olive oil instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: edamame, quinoa, Buddha bowl, high-protein, healthy, plant-based, gluten-free, easy meal, weight loss