Three-Bean Power Bowl (Print Version)

Protein-rich medley of three beans, crisp vegetables, and fluffy quinoa with zesty dressing for a satisfying wholesome meal.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Wash and prepare all vegetables including tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, spinach, avocado, and red onion. Set prepared ingredients aside.
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 combined.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and spinach.
04 - Stir the cooked quinoa or brown rice into the bean and vegetable mixture.
05 - Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss until all components are evenly coated.
06 - Divide the mixture evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced avocado.
07 - Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted seeds if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It actually fills you up without that heavy afternoon slump, thanks to the protein trifecta of beans.
  • You can make it once and eat it for three days straight without getting bored, which feels like winning at meal prep.
  • The dressing is bold enough that you don't need any special cooking skills—just whisking and tossing.
02 -
  • Don't drain and rinse your canned beans with hot water—use cool water so they don't start breaking apart before they even hit the bowl.
  • If you're making this for meal prep, wait to add the avocado until you're actually eating it, or it'll oxidize and turn dark no matter what you do.
03 -
  • Make your dressing in a jar with a tight lid and shake it instead of whisking—it emulsifies better and you can store what you don't use for salads all week.
  • If you're cooking your beans from scratch instead of using canned, cook them with a piece of kombu seaweed, which somehow makes them digest better and taste less gassy.
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