Print

Fresh Spring Grain Bowl Recipe with Creamy Tahini Dressing

fresh spring grain bowl - featured image

A vibrant and nourishing grain bowl featuring quinoa and fresh spring vegetables, topped with a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that’s easy to customize and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained (or swap with farro for nutty bite)
  • 1 cup farro, cooked (optional, for texture contrast)
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (seeded if preferred)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 23 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear (about 1-2 minutes). In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. If using farro, place 1 cup farro in a separate pot with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  3. While grains cook, trim snap peas and cut in half diagonally. Thinly slice radishes, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, shred carrots, and chop parsley finely.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Slowly add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cooked farro (if using), and prepared vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Sprinkle toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds and chopped parsley over the bowl. Optionally, add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving.
  7. Serve fresh or chilled briefly for a refreshing meal.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to remove bitter coating. Add warm water gradually to tahini dressing to avoid graininess. Toast seeds lightly for extra crunch and flavor. Keep dressing separate if making ahead to maintain veggie crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring grain bowl, tahini dressing, quinoa salad, healthy meal, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy recipe, fresh vegetables