Looking for a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? The Bacon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl with Buttermilk Chive Drizzle is your answer! This vibrant dish combines the savory crunch of crispy bacon with the creamy richness of avocado, all nestled atop fluffy quinoa. With a zesty buttermilk chive drizzle that ties everything together, this bowl is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a wholesome dish that’s easy to prepare and will leave your taste buds dancing. Dive into this recipe and discover how to elevate your mealtime with just a few simple ingredients!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa cooks, place bacon slices in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden brown (about 7-8 minutes).
- Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, chopped chives, salt, and pepper to create the drizzle sauce.
- Dice the avocado into small, uniform cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let cool slightly for 3-4 minutes.
- Divide quinoa among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with crumbled bacon, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the buttermilk chive sauce generously over each bowl.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are still warm and sauce is fresh.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don't skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can give a bitter taste if not washed away.
- Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Start with a cold skillet to render the fat slowly, ensuring your bacon becomes perfectly crispy without burning.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like corn, black beans, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese to enhance the flavors and textures of your bowl.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the quinoa and drizzle sauce in advance to save time. Simply reheat the quinoa and drizzle the sauce right before serving for a quick meal.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh chives and ripe avocados for the best flavor. The quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in this simple dish.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, so serve it immediately after assembling to experience the delightful combination of flavors at their peak.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
