Vegan Lentil Power Bowl (Printable)

Enjoy a vibrant vegan bowl with protein-rich lentils, fresh veggies, and zesty tahini dressing for any meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Lentils

01 - 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
02 - 3 cups water
03 - 1 bay leaf
04 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
07 - 1 cup shredded carrots
08 - 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
09 - 1 avocado, sliced
10 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

→ Grains (optional)

11 - 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

→ Tahini Dressing

12 - 1/4 cup tahini
13 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 2 tablespoons water
17 - 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup or agave
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

19 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
20 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine lentils, water, and bay leaf in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain through a strainer, discard bay leaf, and season with sea salt. Allow lentils to cool slightly before assembly.
02 - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, water, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust water to reach the desired consistency.
03 - Arrange cooked lentils, prepared vegetables, and grains (if using) evenly among four serving bowls.
04 - Drizzle tahini dressing generously over each bowl, ensuring contents are well-coated.
05 - Top each portion with avocado slices, selected seeds, and fresh herbs.
06 - Serve immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate components in separate airtight containers for meal prep.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to prepare with basic tools and minimal fuss
  • Super versatile for any season or ingredient swap
  • Packed with nourishing plant protein and fiber
  • Gluten free and customizable for various diets
  • Turns meal prep into a treat instead of a chore
02 -
  • Loaded with fiber and plant protein
  • Dressing can be made ahead for quick assembly
03 -
  • Always rinse lentils for even cooking and clean flavor
  • Use a microplane for garlic to disperse flavor evenly in the dressing
  • Make extra dressing and use for roasted vegetables salads or as a dip