BLT Quinoa Bowls — The Kitchen That Keeps Going

Tuesday dinner does not ask for inspiration — it asks to be made, and so it was. When I looked at what the week had already asked of me and what the refrigerator actually held, this BLT Quinoa Bowl was the honest answer: grain-based, assembled from parts, unglamorous in the best way. Quinoa cooks the way rice cooks — steadily, without fuss — and that steadiness felt right. The kitchen does not distinguish between milestone weeks and ordinary ones, and neither does this bowl.

BLT Quinoa Bowls

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
• 1 large avocado, thinly sliced
• 2 soft-boiled eggs, halved (optional)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa. Combine rinsed quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
2. Crisp the bacon. While quinoa cooks, lay bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, then break or chop into pieces.
3. Make the dressing. Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth. Thin with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water if needed. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the bowls. Divide warm quinoa evenly among four bowls. Arrange chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and bacon pieces over each bowl. Add a halved soft-boiled egg if using.
5. Dress and serve. Drizzle dressing over each bowl just before serving. Serve immediately while quinoa is still warm.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 390 | Protein: 15g | Fat: 23g | Carbs: 32g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 530mg