Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds

🌾 Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds

Vegan | Gluten-Free | High-Protein | Fiber-Rich | Meal Prep Friendly

This hearty and wholesome dish is a celebration of texture and flavor, built around protein-packed staples and layered with savory, tangy, and creamy elements. Nutty quinoa and earthy lentils form a satisfying base, made vibrant with a generous spoonful of creamy tofu ricotta and a bright pop of homemade pickled red onions. But the real star? The garlicky, spiced pumpkin seeds—crispy, aromatic, and just a little bit fiery—bringing everything together with an irresistible crunch.

Perfect as a nourishing lunch or a plant-based dinner bowl, this meal is as filling as it is flavorful—and it’s totally make-ahead friendly.

Health Benefits

• 🍚 Quinoa: Complete Protein + Magnesium
  A gluten-free grain that provides all 9 essential amino acids, plus fiber and key minerals for energy and heart health.

• 🌱 Lentils: Fiber + Iron Boost
  These little legumes are rich in plant protein, great for blood sugar balance, and an excellent source of iron and folate.

• 🧄 Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds: Immune-Supportive + Crunchy Goodness
  Garlic helps fight inflammation, while pumpkin seeds add healthy fats, zinc, and magnesium. Coriander seeds and chili flakes give a metabolic and digestive boost.

• 🌿 Tofu Ricotta: Dairy-Free Creaminess + Calcium
  A protein-rich, vegan alternative to cheese that offers a creamy contrast to the grainy base, with added nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

• 💖 Pickled Red Onions: Gut-Friendly + Flavor Punch
  Naturally tangy and bright, these pickles add probiotics, aid digestion, and make the dish pop with vibrant color and taste.

Whether you're looking for a protein-rich plant-based meal or a prep-ahead option that keeps well throughout the week, this bowl has you covered. Each bite is a perfect mix of creamy, tangy, toasty, and bold.