Roasted Veggie Golden Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Sauce

Healthy | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Keto Friendly | Paleo Friendly | Vegan & Vegetarian option

This Roasted Veggie Golden Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Sauce is the kind of meal that makes you feel amazing with every bite. It’s the perfect balance of warm and comforting flavours, satisfying texture, and wholesome ingredientsthat nourish your body while delighting your taste buds.

Smoky roasted cauliflower and carrots are caramelised to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness with a touch of balsamic and paprika. The golden Fluffy quinoa, infused with turmeric and cinnamon, is light and fragrant, making every spoonful warm and comforting. And let’s talk about the creamy tahini sauce. It’s rich, nutty, slightly sweet, and perfectly savoury, with a hint of rosemary that ties everything together beautifully. A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds and crunchy almonds on top adds the perfect contrast, making this dish totally irresistible.
Not only does this bowl taste incredible, but it’s also packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of nutrients that support energy, digestion, and overall well-being.
Whether you need a quick and easy lunch, a satisfying dinner, a vibrant dish to impress your guests, or even a meal-prep staple, this golden bowl delivers. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favourite protein for a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Veggie Golden Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Sauce

Healthy
Vegan option by replacing meat stock with vegetable stock
Paleo Friendly by enjoying quinoa in smaller portions to stay within your carb limits
Keto-friendly when quinoa is eaten in small amounts to maintain ketosis
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Low-carb friendly
Naturally sweetened from ingredients like carrots and cinnamon
Rich in fibre
Rich in antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory
Packed with plant-based protein
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Supports blood sugar control
Helps lower cholesterol levels
Heart-healthy
Supports overall well-being
Versatile and works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
Customisable with tofu, legumes, or your favourite protein
Balanced and enjoyable flavour
Satisfying texture contrast with creamy, fluffy, and crunchy elements
Colourful and beautifully presented
Super tasty and easy to make

Close-up of fluffy golden quinoa, smoky roasted cauliflower and carrots caramelised to perfection, with crunchy almonds, pumpkin seeds, and a rich tahini drizzle next to cutlery and flowers.

Ingredients Needed to Make This Roasted Veggie Golden Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Sauce

Roasted Veggies:

Cauliflower: Low in calories, cauliflower adds bulk and a crispy texture to the dish, enhancing both its volume and crunchiness.
Carrots: Adds sweetness, colour, and nutrients.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavour.
Balsamic Vinegar: Enhances sweetness and caramelisation.
Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and aids in roasting.
Salt: Enhances flavour.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.

Golden Quinoa:

Quinoa: Plant-based protein and fibre.
Turmeric: Adds colour and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle sweet flavour.
Meat Stock (or Vegetable Stock): Adds depth of flavour.

Creamy Tahini Sauce:

Tahini: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness.
Rosemary: Adds a fragrant herb flavour.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tanginess.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a mild acidic note.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness.
Cold Water: Adjusts consistency.

Toppings:

Chopped Almonds: Adds crunch and extra protein.
Pumpkin Seeds: Adds crunch and nutrients.

How to Adapt This Roasted Veggie Golden Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Sauce to Your Diet

Vegan: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a fully plant-based meal.
Low-Carb: Quinoa is nutrient-rich, but for keto, paleo, or low-carb diets, limit the serving to no more than 1/4 cup.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no adjustments are needed.
High-Protein: This dish is already high in plant-based protein. For extra protein, feel free to add salmon, chicken, or steak as a topping.

Health Benefits and Nutrition of This Roasted Veggie Golden Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Sauce

Cauliflower: A low-calorie vegetable packed with vitamin C, folate, and fibre. It supports immune function and digestive health and may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Cauliflower is also rich in antioxidants that protect against cancer and inflammation.
Carrots: High in beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A, essential for eye health, immune function, and skin health. Carrots also provide fibre, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants, which may help lower blood sugar levels and support heart health.
Quinoa: A gluten-free pseudo-cereal packed with protein, fibre, and essential minerals. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in blood sugar control and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Tahini: Made from sesame seeds, tahini is rich in healthy fats, copper, selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. It promotes heart health, helps manage cholesterol levels, supports skin health, and provides antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Honey: A natural sweetener with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties, soothes coughs, aids digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and combats oxidative stress.
Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in protein, fibre, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Pumpkin seeds have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting blood pressure regulation, prostate health, and reducing the risk of cancer.
Almonds: High in healthy fats, fibre, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. Almonds help manage cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, support heart health, and provide antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. It helps reduce inflammation, supports joint health, improves digestion, and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Olive oil also enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Roasted Veggie Golden Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Sauce

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Cut half a medium head of cauliflower into florets. If the florets are large, halve them.
Peel and slice four medium carrots diagonally into 1.5 cm chunks.
In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Add the carrot and cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss to coat well.
Spread the veggies in a single layer on the prepared tray and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender and golden.

Prepare the Quinoa:

Add 1 cup of quinoa to a bowl of cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to remove phytic acid for easier digestion.
Pour the soaked quinoa into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water, shaking the strainer occasionally or stirring the quinoa with your fingers to remove any bitter flavour.
Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil and turmeric.
Add the rinsed quinoa and cinnamon, and fry for 5-7 minutes until it starts to smell nutty.
Pour in boiling stock, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered until half of the liquid is absorbed. Then, cover with a lid and let it simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat, keep covered, and let the quinoa steam for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Make the Tahini Dressing:

Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl, mixing until smooth. Add cold water as needed to thin the dressing.

Assemble the Dish:

Arrange the cooked quinoa on a platter.
Top with the roasted veggies.
Drizzle the tahini dressing over the bowl.
Sprinkle with chopped almonds and pumpkin seeds for crunch and added protein.

Enjoy:

Serve and enjoy your Roasted Veggie Golden Bowl with Creamy Sweet & Savoury Tahini Sauce!

What to Serve with This Roasted Veggie Golden Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Tahini Sauce

Crispy Skin Salmon:
For a protein-rich and omega-3-packed meal, serve this bowl alongside some crispy skin salmon. The salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy tahini sauce, while the roasted veggies provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
Leafy Greens:
For a fresh and crunchy salad, mix this bowl with some leafy greens like spinach, kale, lettuce, or rocket. The roasted veggies and quinoa add warmth and substance to the salad, while the tahini dressing contributes a zesty and creamy touch.
Steak or Chicken:
For a classic and hearty meal, pair this bowl with steak or chicken. Both options are rich in protein and complement the roasted veggies and quinoa well. Grill, bake, or fry the steak or chicken, and season with your favourite spices for added flavour.