Vegan Mexican-Inspired Quinoa Bowl with Green Chile Sauce

This vibrant and flavorful bowl combines hearty quinoa with zesty green chile sauce for a delicious plant-based meal. Perfect for anyone craving a healthy, satisfying dish with a spicy Mexican-inspired twist.

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TIME50 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Vegan Mexican-Inspired Quinoa Bowl with Green Chile Sauce

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Vegan Green Chile Cilantro Sauce: 1 cup unsalted raw cashews 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers ¼ cup hemp milk ½ jalapeno pepper with seeds, or more to taste ½ teaspoon salt 1 ¼ cups chopped fresh cilantro 3 cups water 1 ½ cups quinoa 2 romaine hearts, chopped 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 3 cups chopped red bell pepper ½ cup chopped red onion 2 avocados, chopped

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by blending together the cashews, green chile peppers, hemp milk, jalapeno, and a pinch of salt until you get a smooth sauce. Stir in a cup of chopped cilantro to give it a fresh kick. Next, bring some water to a boil in a saucepan, add the quinoa, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover it and let it cook until the quinoa is nice and tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. While the quinoa is cooking, chop up the romaine lettuce and divide it between four bowls. Once the quinoa is ready, add it on top of the lettuce, then layer on the black beans, red bell pepper, and onion. Drizzle the green chile cilantro sauce over everything, and finish by sprinkling the remaining cilantro and some chopped avocado on top. Enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Toast the quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes to bring out a nutty flavor.
- Use fresh green chiles if possible for the best taste, but canned work well too.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of vibrant flavors and packed with nutrients. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for anyone looking for a hearty plant-based meal. The green chile sauce adds a nice kick without being too spicy.

Serving ideas

Serve warm with a side of fresh avocado slices or a simple salad. You can also add some crunchy tortilla strips or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness. This bowl pairs nicely with a cold, refreshing drink like iced hibiscus tea.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the green chile sauce separate if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.