quinoa bowl with roasted butternut squash and sardines

if you’re looking for a hearty, nutrient-packed meal that’s also bursting with flavor, this nourishing quinoa bowl with roasted butternut squash and sardines is for you! it’s the perfect blend of earthy roasted vegetables, fresh garden greens, and protein-packed sardines. a dish that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. let’s dive into the recipe!

ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• a handful of fresh arugula and mustard greens (straight from the garden if you’re lucky!)
• 1 jar sardines (packed in olive oil, drizzle oil over bowl)
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• celtic salt, to taste
• red pepper flakes, to taste

directions for quinoa bowl with roasted butternut squash and sardines:

1. cook the quinoa:

• rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. cook it according to package instructions, typically using a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa. once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. prep the butternut squash and other roasted veggies:

• preheat your oven to 400°f (200°c).
• toss the butternut squash, green bell pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger with 2 tbsp of melted coconut oil. spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.

3. caramelize the red onion:

• heat a small skillet over medium heat. add 1 tsp of coconut oil and the sliced red onion. sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes golden brown and sweet.

4. assemble the quinoa bowl:

• in a large bowl or individual serving dishes, start with a base of cooked quinoa. layer on the roasted veggies and caramelized onions.
• top with fresh arugula and mustard greens for a peppery bite.
• add the sardines for a protein-packed finish.

5. finish with flavor:

• drizzle the bowl with fresh lime juice. sprinkle with celtic salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick.
• mix everything together and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

why you’ll love this quinoa bowl:

• nutrient-packed: loaded with protein, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals to fuel your day.
• garden-fresh: the peppery bite of arugula and mustard greens adds a freshness you can’t beat.
• flavorful: the sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs perfectly with the umami of sardines and the zing of lime.

this quinoa bowl is versatile, too! you can swap out the greens, try roasted sweet potato instead of butternut squash, or use mackerel if sardines aren’t your thing. it’s a meal prep dream, reheating beautifully for an easy lunch or dinner.

here’s the recipe…

watch the video – quinoa bowl recipe

let me know if you try it! leave a comment below or tag me on instagram @sisterfrennn with your creations. i’d love to see your take on this delicious bowl! For more healthy recipes, visit my recipe index!