This delicious recipe is courtesy of Maggie Christopher, holistic nutrition counselor.

The Loaded Bowl

Serves 8 generously

This dish has everything you need  . . . protein (quinoa and beans), healthy fat (avocado & olive oil), greens (fresh spinach) and an energy sustaining whole grain!

The dressing is just for drizzling right before you eat it. Do NOT mix the quinoa with the dressing when you are preparing this dish or it will get soggy.

Ingredients:

2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained

1 15oz can of organic black beans, drained and rinsed

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1-2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup fresh cilantro (adjust to your taste)

2 avocados, pitted and peeled

Fresh lemon juice, to prevent avocado from browning

Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

Juice from 2 limes

Zest 1 lime

Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup brown rice vinegar

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1.     Prepare quinoa. Boil the water, add quinoa, reduce to a simmer until all of the water is absorbed. When done, store in the refrigerator to cool completely.

2.     In a large mixing bowl, add beans, tomatoes and cilantro, tossing to combine.

3.     Dice avocados, drizzle with lemon juice and set aside in fridge.

4.     Add all dressing ingredients to a food processor or blender, pulse until garlic is blended and dressing appears creamy. Set aside in fridge.

Add the quinoa to the bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper and add lime juice and zest; toss to combine. Serve in bowls, topped with avocado and drizzled with dressing