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Fresh New Year’s Eve Snacks Dinner Bowl with Easy Tahini-Citrus Drizzle

Fresh New Year’s Eve Snacks Dinner Bowl - featured image

A vibrant, crunchy, and creamy bowl featuring quinoa, fresh veggies, chickpeas, and a tangy tahini-citrus drizzle, perfect for New Year’s Eve or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (about 180g)
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens (about 60g)
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced (about 120g)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 150g)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots (about 60g)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas (about 165g)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (about 30g)
  • 1/4 cup sesame tahini (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30ml)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (30ml)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (15ml)
  • 24 tablespoons warm water (30-60ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (8g), a pinch of red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon za’atar spice blend

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1/2 cup (90g) dry quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. Place in a medium saucepan with 1 cup (240ml) water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. (If using rice, cook as per package instructions.)
  2. While the quinoa cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the carrots, and slice the avocado. Rinse and dry the baby spinach or mixed greens. Place all these in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast pumpkin or sunflower seeds for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside to cool.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup (60ml) tahini, 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh orange juice, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) maple syrup or honey. Whisk or shake well, then add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the cooked quinoa to the bowl with veggies. Gently toss to mix. Add chickpeas and toasted seeds on top.
  6. Drizzle the tahini-citrus sauce generously over the bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or za’atar if using.
  7. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Toast seeds carefully over medium heat to avoid burning. Slowly whisk warm water into tahini sauce to achieve smooth consistency. Assemble bowl just before serving to keep greens fresh and avocado from browning. Dressing can be made ahead and stored in fridge up to 3 days; shake well before use.

Nutrition

Keywords: New Year’s Eve snacks, tahini-citrus drizzle, quinoa bowl, healthy dinner bowl, easy snack bowl, plant-based protein, gluten-free, vegan, fresh herbs, citrus dressing