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Spinach Pesto Butter Bean Lentil Quinoa Bowls

Spinach Pesto Butter Bean Lentil Quinoa Bowls for Easy Meals

A nutritious mix of creamy butter beans, hearty lentils, and nut-free spinach pesto in quick quinoa bowls.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Plant-Based
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Quinoa Base
  • 1/2 cup Quinoa Rinse well before cooking
Legumes
  • 1 can Butter Beans Use canned for convenience
  • 1 can Lentils Opt for canned for quick prep
Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Substitute with frozen if necessary
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Use fresh for best flavor
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Curly or Italian varieties
  • 1/4 cup Raw Sunflower Seeds Toast for extra flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast Gives a cheese-like flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Add fresh for a punch
  • 1/2 tablespoon Lemon Juice Opt for fresh squeezed
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Use high-quality extra virgin
  • Salt & Pepper To taste
Extras
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Chop for distribution

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Colander
  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for about 15 minutes.
  2. Rinse and drain the butter beans and lentils in a colander. If using dried, ensure they are cooked before this step.
  3. In a food processor, blend spinach, basil, parsley, garlic, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, mix fluffy quinoa, butter beans, lentils, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Fold gently to combine.
  5. Spoon the spinach pesto over the quinoa and legumes. Toss gently for an even coating.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy. Can be paired with grilled gluten-free bread or served warm or chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for future use. Adjust seasonings to fit your taste preferences.

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