Creamy Avocado Garlic Quinoa Bowls

Ditch the boring quinoa recipes and add all kinds of flavor instead! These Creamy Avocado Garlic Quinoa Bowls are flavored with fresh avocado and garlic and then garnished with tomatoes and green onion! A pinch or two of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil, and then you’re set! {Gluten-Free + Vegan}

Spiriteds, it’s hard to believe that a dish with so few ingredients could pack such a powerful flavor, especially when the main ingredient is quinoa. I mean, I love the ingredient. It makes regular appearances on the blog. But it’s not a flashy ingredient, is it? Instead it’s earthy, unassuming, and depending on how fast and hot it cooks, a little temperamental. But it also worth every savory bite. 

Because when you pair fresh avocado and garlic with quinoa, get ready for your tastebuds to be KNOCKED OUT. Each and every dairy-free creamy bite is worth a savor. Like, when did dinner and side dishes get so easy to assemble? IS this really a recipe if we aren’t sweating over a stove? This is, in fact, a recipe. And now, we won’t be exhausted when it’s ready to serve. Because Creamy Avocado Garlic Quinoa Bowls are efficient. They pack the flavor without overcomplicating the process.

And that’s my kind of meal. If it’s yours, too, then c’mon! Let’s get cooking!

Creamy Avocado Garlic Quinoa Bowls are

• Gluten-free
• Vegan
• Dairy-free
• Perfect as a main dish or side dish
• Easy to make
• Big on flavor

This is a fairly quick and easy recipe to make, so keep it in your back pocket for those times when the million dollar question is What are we having for dinner?

Creamy Avocado Garlic Quinoa Bowls ingredients

• Quinoa. Typically, I prep the quinoa so that I have a 1 : 2 ratio of quinoa to water. For this recipe, you’ll want about one cup uncooked quinoa to two cups water.
• Fresh garlic. I usually go with one large clove or two small cloves.
• Sea salt. This flavor keeps the quinoa from being too earthy or bland, so add to taste.
• Avocado. Fresh is definitely best. No past-prime avocados for this dish. If you aren’t sure whether the avocado is the right freshness, mash it and add a pinch of sea salt. Then take a bite. If you like the taste, it’s perfect for this recipe. If it tastes “off” then try another avocado.
• Olive oil. Add some to the quinoa while it cooks and to the avocado, if desired.
• Grape tomatoes. Slice them to the desired size.
• Green onions. Slice them thinly and leave a few for a garnish, if desired.

How to make Creamy Avocado Garlic Quinoa Bowls

1. First, in a saucepan prepare the quinoa according to package instructions. Ideally, you will work with one cup uncooked quinoa and two cups water. Next, add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch or two of sea salt to the saucepan.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, mash the avocado, press the clove of garlic, and set aside. Then slice the tomatoes and green onions. Once some of the water has evaporated and absorbed into the quinoa, stir in the garlic. Let the quinoa continue to cook.
3. When the quinoa is done (it will be sticky and fluffy), then remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the avocado, tomatoes, and green onions. Fluff the avocado mixture with a fork, serve in dishes, and enjoy! Add a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.  
4. This dish is best enjoyed shortly after it’s made.

Recipe FAQs

• Can you double this recipe? Technically, yes. I say technically because I find that quinoa prepped in smaller or larger batches sometimes produces an unexpected consistency and texture, even if all ratios are followed to the letter. What I suggest is giving it a try, but keep an eye out to make sure the quinoa turns fluffy.
• Can these quinoa bowls be saved for leftovers? Quinoa tastes great right after its made and once it cools. Enjoy it warm or cold, savory or sweet. The only caution here is the state of the avocado. As it browns, it may spoil the quinoa. I haven’t tried this one as a leftover, however my best suggestion is to enjoy this recipe shortly after it’s made. But if you’re in the mood to conduct a scientific experiment, definitely nibble on this the next day. Ooh, and let us know in the comments how it turned out!

More quinoa recipes!

There are so many creative ways to enjoy quinoa! From savory to sweet, here are a few more to add to your recipe tin!

• Herbed Veggie Quinoa Bowl
• Spicy Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
• Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
• Cinnamon Apple Quinoa

Take care, Spiriteds, stay wild and know that I’m glad you’re here! ❤️

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