Because of Plants feature recipe: Pedal that extra mile thanks to The Energy Bowl

This post is part of our Because of Plants campaign: a way to show love for the full life a plant-rich diet gives us. 

Bowls are comforting, easy-to-put-together staples that transform a mish-mash of ingredients into a beautiful creation. But we’ll be honest —some bowls are better than others! For us, a bowl needs vibrant veggies and whole grains with just the right amount of crunch. Top it off with a drizzle of creamy sauce —and we’re in our bowl “happy place.”  

With these key thoughts in mind, we’re proud to feature our energizing, nourishing, and oil-free recipe for The Energy Bowl. It’s made with perfectly seasoned quinoa, tender baby kale, beets, carrots, silky cauliflower sauce, and sunflower seeds. Craving even more flavor? We like to finish the dish with a drizzle of our lime-avocado sauce and cashew sour cream.  

It’s a wonderful meal to whip up after a bike ride (or any workout) to refuel. Or make it advance and meal prep for a busy week ahead. Note: if you don’t have one or two of the below ingredients – simply swap it with something you do have on hand. Make it your own!

The Energy Bowl – Ingredients:

• 1 recipe Cauliflower Sauce

• 1/2 recipe Lime-Avocado Sauce*

• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro

• 1 cup Cashew Cream

• 2 cups cooked quinoa*

• 1 cup finely grated carrots*

• 1 cup finely grated beets*

• 3 to cups baby kale, torn into bite-sized pieces*

• 4 tbsp pumpkin seeds

• 4 tbsp sunflower seeds

Instructions:

See easy-to-follow instructions and notes on creative ways to assemble the bowl: The Energy Bowl. (Bonus: take a look at “Swicher Submissions” to see our community’s unique takes on the recipe!) 

Notes on oil-free recipes:

If you’re trying to reduce or eliminate oil from your diet, consider the below cooking tips that will make the transition easier:

• Use water or broths when you would normally use oil (i.e. when sauteing or grilling)

• If you’re baking, you may want to use ingredients such as applesauce or mashed bananas

• Need more flavor sans oil? Take a look at sauce and dressing recipes without oil like vinegars with herbs, lemon/lime-based recipes, or nuts and seed creams.  

• Roast veggies with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (see more tips on ways to roast veggies without oil.)

Check out more chef-curated (and delicious!) plant-based recipes such as high-protein plant-based breakfast ideas and one-pot veggie chile recipes.