# What You'll Need:
→ Grains Base
01 - 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water
→ Protein Options
03 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed (vegetarian option)
04 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced (about 10 oz)
→ Fresh Vegetables
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup shredded carrots
07 - 1 cup baby spinach
08 - 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
09 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
10 - 2 radishes, thinly sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons pickled red onions (optional)
→ Creamy Tahini Dressing
12 - 3 tablespoons tahini
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
14 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
15 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
16 - 2 tablespoons water, or more for desired consistency
17 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
18 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Garnish
19 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
20 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package directions in a saucepan. Use the 2 cups water as specified for the grain you select. Once fully cooked and liquid is absorbed, fluff with a fork and set aside covered to keep warm.
02 - For tofu: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss pressed tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy. For chicken: Season slices generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through to 165°F internally.
03 - While grains and protein cook, prepare all vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Shred the carrots on a box grater. Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. Slice the avocado into wedges. Thinly slice the radishes using a sharp knife or mandoline. Drain pickled onions if using.
04 - Combine tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, water, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth and creamy. Add additional water 1 teaspoon at a time if dressing is too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Divide cooked grains evenly among 4 shallow bowls. Arrange vegetables and protein in sections over the grains, creating a visually appealing presentation. Drizzle generously with the tahini dressing. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs. Add pickled red onions if desired. Serve immediately while ingredients are at their peak freshness.
