Here’s a detailed, step-by-step High-Protein Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce that works great for lunch or dinner.
High-Protein Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Serves
2–3 bowls
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
Bowl Base
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4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
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1 cup cooked chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
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1 cup cooked protein of choice
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grilled chicken, tofu, tempeh, or shrimp
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Garlic Sauce
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt (high-protein)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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2–3 tablespoons milk or water (to thin)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
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Red pepper flakes
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Parmesan cheese
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Sesame seeds
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Avocado slices
Directions (Step by Step)
Step 1: Cook the Broccoli
Option A: Roast (best flavor)
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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Roast for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender with crispy edges.
Option B: Steam (faster)
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Bring 1 inch of water to a boil.
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Add broccoli to a steamer basket.
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Cover and steam for 5–6 minutes until bright green and tender.
Step 2: Warm the Grains and Protein
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Heat quinoa (or rice) according to package directions.
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Warm your cooked protein in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes or until heated through.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Greek yogurt
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Olive oil
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Minced garlic
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Lemon juice
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Dijon mustard
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Slowly add milk or water until sauce reaches a pourable consistency.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
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Add quinoa to the bottom of each bowl.
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Top with roasted broccoli.
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Add chickpeas and protein.
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Drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
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Add optional toppings like Parmesan or red pepper flakes.
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Serve warm or meal-prep for later.
Protein Boost Tips
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Use extra-firm tofu or grilled chicken breast for max protein
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Add hemp seeds or a soft-boiled egg
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Use high-protein Greek yogurt in the sauce