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Home  ›  Recipes

Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl with Honey Lime Dressing

See Recipe Review

Posted:

07/14/21

Updated:

10/01/24

By:

Ashley Walterhouse

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

A filling plant based meal using simple whole foods and some adobo seasoning makes for one delicious Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl. Top with a homemade honey lime dressing and this bowl will be on repeat! Packed with protein and fiber.

southwest quinoa power bowl with quinoa, avocado, black beans, onion, sweet potato, bell pepper and kale with creamy lime dressing, avocado halves and linen towel under bowl

  • What is a Power Bowl?
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How to Make a Power Bowl
  • Just a Few Simple Steps
  • Instant Pot Quinoa
  • Ways to Enjoy
  • Storing
  • Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl with Honey Lime Dressing

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A Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl recipes that’s packed with veggies and flavor!

What is a Power Bowl?

Basically, it’s your perfect balance of protein, grains, veggies and fat. That’s what gives you the power to tackle just about anything – even tidying up!

I really like to pack in a TON of vegetables because plants are full of nutrition. And depending on your grains and dressing ingredients, this bowl can be made gluten and dairy-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The list of ingredients may look long here, but there are a few components this power bowl recipe – the bowl and the dressing.

Trust me, your effort will be worth it!

Power Bowl:

  • quinoa
  • favorite southwest seasoning (I used adobo)
  • olive oil
  • sweet potato
  • onion
  • black beans
  • red bell pepper
  • avocado

You can of course customize this bowl to your liking, using different vegetables, whatever you have on hand, make use of leftovers from taco night, etc.

quinoa, bell pepper, sweet potato, southwest seasoning, olive oil, onion, black beans, cilantro, avocado on board with text labels

Honey Lime Dressing:

This honey lime dressing is amazing and all you need are these simple ingredients:

  • coconut milk (plain yogurt also works)
  • honey (or agave if strictly vegan)
  • lime
  • olive oil
  • sea salt
olive oil, lime, sea salt, coconut milk and honey on board with text labels

How to Make a Power Bowl

It’s super simple and another great idea for some meal prep! This makes the best thrown together, easy quick meal, especially if you have the sweet potatoes, onions and quinoa cooked beforehand.

red bell pepper, chopped sweet potatoes, and onion in cast iron skillet

Just a Few Simple Steps

  • Make the quinoa and let cool.
  • Prep the veggies.
  • Make the dressing.
  • Mix everything together.

While this recipe was made for about 2-3 servings, keep in mind you could easily double all the ingredients and have yourself a healthy, plant-based meal for a family of four or so.

Instant Pot Quinoa

I used my Instant Pot to prep the quinoa, which not only saves some time but now you get bonus points for the pot of quinoa not boiling over while attending to the veggies. Seriously I swear it happens every time and the Instant Pot saves me. 

TO COOK: Place 1 cup rinsed quinoa in Instant Pot with 1 1/2 cups water or broth. Cook on high for one minute, natural release pressure for 10 minutes. Unlock lid, stir and done!

Looking for a Crockpot option? Try this slow cooker quinoa recipe I found!

two power bowls with sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, avocado, quinoa and kale next to dressing pitcher and avocado half

Ways to Enjoy

You can eat this power bowl chilled if you’ve made it ahead of time.

You can also warm it up before eating it.

It would also make a great filler for tacos, or added into a bowl of greens for more of a quinoa bowl recipe.

If you’re looking for additional protein, adding some cooked tempeh, shredded chicken, or this Blackened Salmon would be amazing! And this chicken birria would add so much flavor, too.

Storing

Quinoa power bowls are one of my go-to healthy meal prep recipes because they last a full week in the fridge. The dressing can be mixed in or stored separately.

This recipe keeps best refrigerated in an airtight container in the fridge, and used within 7 days. 

I hope you enjoy this Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl as much as we did!

fork in bowl with sweet potatoes, quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, kale and avocado

Let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a comment and review here on the blog! I love seeing what you’ve made. Xx Ashley

5 from 10 votes

Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl with Honey Lime Dressing

Prep: 20 minutes minutes
Cook: 20 minutes minutes
Total: 40 minutes minutes
A filling plant-based meal using simple whole foods and some adobo seasoning makes for one delicious Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl. Top with a healthy, homemade honey lime dressing and this bowl will be on repeat! Packed with protein and fiber, plus gluten-free, and dairy-free friendly.
two power bowls with sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, avocado, quinoa and kale next to dressing pitcher and avocado half
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Author: Ashley Walterhouse
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Servings 2 bowls

Ingredients

For the bowls

  • 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon adobo seasoning, or a southwest flavor seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium sweet potato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • cilantro for garnish
  • 2 cups curly kale, massaged with olive oil (or your choice of greens)

Honey Lime Dressing

  • 4 tablespoons canned coconut milk*
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • juice of 1 lime, about 3 tablespoons
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey, or agave if strictly vegan
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine salt, or more to taste

Instructions

  • COOK QUINOA: Rinse quinoa in fine mesh strainer and place in small pot of water with 1 1/2 cups of water. Allow pot to come to a boil, add in your seasoning and simmer for about 15 minutes, until quinoa is tender and water has mostly gone.
  • COOK SWEET POTATOES: While the quinoa is cooking, cook your chopped sweet potato and onion in medium pan with olive oil. Add salt and pepper, or more seasoning if you wish. Cook on medium heat until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Option to add sliced bell peppers for about 5 minutes to soften.
  • MAKE DRESSING: In a medium bowl whisk together all ingredients.
  • ASSEMBLE BOWLS: Distribute quinoa, kale, potatoes and onions, black beans, bell pepper, and sliced avocado in bowls. Dress with honey lime dressing and garnish with cilantro if you wish, enjoy!

Video

★ Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Recipe Notes:

*can sub plain greek yogurt for coconut milk if not dairy-free. Feel free to double ingredients for full-sized family meal! Store any leftover ingredients in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days.
Nutrition does not include dressing.
Honey Lime Dressing= 80 calories, 3 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbs, 9 grams of sugar.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1bowl, Calories: 435kcal (22%), Carbohydrates: 58g (19%), Protein: 13g (26%), Fat: 16g (25%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Sodium: 727mg (32%), Fiber: 15g (63%), Sugar: 8g (9%)
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About

Ashley Walterhouse

Ashley Walterhouse is the founder of Fit Mitten Kitchen, based in the Greater Lansing Area of Michigan, AKA “the Mitten.” Ashley grew up as a picky eater but later discovered that eating healthy was actually easy and fun. She started FMK in 2015 as a way to share her newfound love of developing healthier recipes for all to enjoy.
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5 from 10 votes

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Recipe Rating




64 responses

  1. Ashley
    April 15, 2017

    I feel silly, but what exactly is southwest seasoning?
    I haven’t seen anything that says that, so I’m not sure what to use

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 16, 2017

      It’s typically just a blend of “Mexican” flavors. I’ve seen different brands carry a “southwest” blend. So think, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, ancho, etc 🙂 kind of like a taco seasoning!

      Reply
  2. Gail
    March 20, 2017

    5 stars
    I made this for my lunches this week and IT’S AMAZING!! I made the quinoa and the sweet potato in my Instant Pot (separately). I cooked quinoa at 1 minute high pressure and then natural release. I cooked the sweet potatoes using the steam function, 10 minutes with natural release. I then diced the cooked sweet potatoes into chunks, adding salt, pepper, and a little Adobo seasoning. YUM YUM YUM!!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      March 24, 2017

      Awesome Gail! Thanks so much for sharing with me 😀

      Reply
  3. Tami
    March 9, 2017

    This is delicious, even with substituting brown rice for the quinoa.

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      March 10, 2017

      So glad you enjoyed! Thank you so much for your comment 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lynette Gerbe
    March 2, 2017

    I was wondering if I could substitute Butternut squash for the sweet potato in case that was all I had on hand? If so, would I be able to cook it in the pan with the onions same as sweet potato?

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      March 2, 2017

      Hi Lynette! You could definitely sub butternut squash 🙂 the squash may take a little longer to cook in the pan, but other than that should be fine! You could also bake the butternut cubes as well. Probably about 30 minutes at 350. Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  5. Danita Johnson
    February 25, 2017

    Do you serve it warm? Also with the left overs to you reheat?

    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      February 25, 2017

      The temperature is personal preference 🙂 if I am making this to serve right away, I eat warm. But if intending for meal prep to eat to lunches, I typically eat it cold! But really it’s up to you 🙂

      Reply
      1. Danita Johnson
        February 26, 2017

        Thank you!

        Reply
  6. Felicia
    November 9, 2016

    Ashley, we live less than ten minutes from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Beyond what has already been stated, I learned quickly that my weekly WF trips require a list or I’m easily spending $200 on miscellany. TJs on the other hand, I can easily peruse every aisle, grabbing anything/everything to my heart’s content and have never gone north of $200. Generally speaking, there are times that produce quality everywhere besides WF is lacking so you *have to* spend quite a bit extra on fruits and veggies … but it’s totally worth it. Try to buy seasonal produce that’s on sale as often as you can though. Furthermore, try to shop around for comparison purposes. We actually have a Costco and a Sam’s Club membership because we can save a lot of money on organic goods that we’d spend 50%, 75% or even 100% more on otherwise. If you don’t have a membership, both places will allow you to window shop prior to purchasing your membership; however, of you think it’d be beneficial, you can buy your membership and shop the same day. Just remember that WF can easily become a money-pit if you let it!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      November 9, 2016

      Felicia, thank you so much for your comment! You make so many good points. I am getting used to being closer to Whole Foods now but every once in a while I definitely get sucked in to different last minute purchases! Typically I just try not to go unless I know I can’t find the item at my typical grocery store (Meijer or Kroger). But thank you again! I need to start making strict lists 😉

      Reply
  7. Jess @hellotofit
    April 25, 2016

    Let’s make a toast to your future Whole Foods adventures…with a shot of this dressing!!!!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 26, 2016

      Heck yes! Haha thanks Jess!

      Reply
  8. Ashley
    April 18, 2016

    Maybe I will just ACT like I walked there and only buy what I can carry to my car…? Ha, I see that plan failing miserably.

    Reply
  9. Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie
    April 18, 2016

    You are going to loooooove the Whole Foods! It is so nice and I am so happy a Whole Foods finally made its way to mid-Michigan! It is so dangerous that it is so close to my apartment that I can easily walk there… every day, haha. I try to just walk there so I have to limit myself to what I buy knowing that whatever I buy I have to carry back home with me.

    Reply
  10. Carly @ Fitliving Eats
    April 17, 2016

    I love Whole Foods! A couple of tips: Shop the 365 brand when you can. Also, grab their coupon booklet at the front of the store and download their app! Also, make friends with the bulk bins. It’s my favorite section! I think once you go a handful of times the “shiny objects” become a little less shiny and you can get in and out by sticking to your plan! Have fun!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 18, 2016

      Oooh those are def great tips Carly. I will do love being able to shop the bulk bin and I’ve heard the 365 brand is comparable to other stores’ brands too. I will TOTALLY have shiny objects syndrome so I will probably try and keep that in my mind too when I go 😀 Thank you!

      Reply
  11. Liz @ I heart vegetables
    April 17, 2016

    This looks amazing! You’re reminding me that it’s been way too long since I had a quinoa bowl. I’m LOVING all those gorgeous colors!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 18, 2016

      I’d been a while for me too! …Getting rid of pantry items and making delish food out of it 😉 Thanks Liz!

      Reply
  12. Pal
    April 17, 2016

    The bottom two pics make me happier than you’ll ever know. Also, good job overcoming your irrational dislike of onions. xxxxxxx

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 17, 2016

      lol you know the type of food I grew up with! My mom still hates onions to this day. And yes, irrationally so :-p <3

      Reply
  13. Doreen
    April 16, 2016

    This whole food place is wonderful. Shoppers can signup to get discounts or rewards for shopping there. This may help. Maybe make a grocery budget and stick to it. Also come garden with us, for saving on vegetables. We would love it ? Can’t wait to see you.

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 18, 2016

      I will be all a bout the discounts. Budgets… I’m not so great with, but maybe I will get better at it if shopping there 😉
      Can’t wait to see you guys too!

      Reply
  14. Kristy @ Southern In Law
    April 15, 2016

    This looks soooooooo good! Dinner in a bowl is always better and this bowl looks like it’s packed with flavour!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 18, 2016

      Thanks Kristy!

      Reply
  15. Sarah @ BucketListTummy
    April 15, 2016

    I love quinoa power bowls and this looks superb! And about the whole foods – ha. That’s definitely a pro and a con at the same time for me!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 18, 2016

      Hopefully I will just get used to it and not want to buy everything all the time 😀 Thanks Sarah!

      Reply
  16. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
    April 15, 2016

    I am sooooooo glad that Whole Foods is a good 30 minutes from my house otherwise I wold be there every day spending every penny in my savings account. Haha! You will have to share with us your money saving tricks.

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 18, 2016

      Man it will definitely be tricky! I’ll see how I do this summer 😉

      Reply
  17. Marina @ A Dancer’s Live-It
    April 15, 2016

    Oh Whole Foods…I love your products but hate your prices…haha I hope you enjoy living near one!! I recommend what Erin said. Shop for things with a basket or make a list and STICK TO IT. I’m the WORST in the nut butter aisle! Like no Marina, you don’t need 2 jars of peanut AND almond butter!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 18, 2016

      Haha, EXACTLY. Thankfully I’m a nut butter making machine these days, but I’m sure I’ll fall victim to that aisle too. I’ll use it as “inspiration”… 😉

      Reply
  18. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    April 15, 2016

    Jealous! Whole foods is just a magical land of fun things 😉 I have a gift card from Christmas that I can’t eve use…since I don’t have whole foods!
    O and totally loving the honey lime dressing! Sounds so good!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 16, 2016

      Ah what a terrible tease to have a gift card and not be able to use it!
      Thanks Rebecca 🙂

      Reply
  19. rachel @ athletic avocado
    April 15, 2016

    So excited for you to experience living near whole foods! It’s pretty awesome. I have one right by my school which is great but when I go home for summer the nearest one is like 45 mins away 🙁 What another great power bowl you have here! That dressing looks like I could eat it with a spoon!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 16, 2016

      Lol it will be a test of my willpower Rachel! And I basically did eat the dressing with a spoon 😉

      Reply
  20. Erin @ The Almond Eater
    April 15, 2016

    YAY WHOLE FOODS. Tip: never grab a cart; use a basket instead. That way, you can ONLY buy a handful of things and your bill will be more like $60 for those 4 things (LOL but really) instead of $492 for a cart full of stuff. I do love WF though… it’s my go-to when I know Trader Joe’s and Target won’t have what I need.

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      April 16, 2016

      Ugh never grabbing a cart sounds like my Target experience every damn time I go! “Don’t get a cart Ashley, you’ll be fine…” (drops and breaks a bowl in the bread aisle because she couldn’t fit everything in her arms…) << that happened. OR I just end up getting in a killer arm workout because my basket is too full. Please come to Mi and teach me your WF ways 😉

      Reply
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I’m Ashley – I started Fit Mitten Kitchen in 2015 to share healthier recipes. Here we balance real food with desserts and healthy snacks making life easy, nutritious and delicious.

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