Is your lunch break feeling a little uninspired and beige? Give your tastebuds a fiery wake-up call with smoky chorizo and earthy beetroot. It's time to ditch the dull and start cooking with real depth!
Forget sad desk lunches - this quinoa dish is a straight-up celebration! We're transforming simple kitchen staples into a vibrant, protein-packed plate that moonlights as a quick, healthy lunch and stars as a flavour-loaded light dinner. It’s a riot of textures: the earthy beetroot, the smoky, spicy oomph of chorizo, and the silky hug of creamy avocado.
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Building the Smoky Base
Getting this balance right is all about that "smoky-meets-earthy" magic that turns humble quinoa into a total showstopper. By whisking together the red wine vinegar and olive oil, we create a perfectly emulsified dressing that highlights the richness of the chorizo oils. It’s the kind of bold, savoury finish that pulls the whole bowl together!
If you're still reading instead of cooking, I can only assume you're waiting for the quinoa to cook itself. (Spoiler: it won't). Grab your whisk and let's get smoky - the recipe card is right below!
Quinoa with Beetroot, Avocado & Chorizo
A Protein-Packed, Smoky Mediterranean Delight
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- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 160g uncooked quinoa
- 250 ml tomato juice + 250 ml water
- 250g pre-cooked chorizo, diced
- 2 pre-cooked baby beetroots, diced
- 1 avocado, diced & feta cheese for serving
- Dressing: 3 tbsp EVOO, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Simmer quinoa in tomato juice/water for 12-15 mins. Remove and fluff.
- Sauté onion until soft; mix with warm quinoa, chorizo, and beetroot.
- Whisk dressing ingredients until glossy; fold in avocado and drizzle over.
If your kitchen doesn't smell like a smoky Spanish villa right now, you might need to add more chorizo.
Pro tip: Wear an apron when dicing the beetroot unless you're going for that "crime scene chic" look.
Warning: This bowl is highly addictive and may result in the total abandonment of all other salad recipes.
The Ultimate Flavour Victory
And just like that, you’ve officially evicted the "beige" from your kitchen! This bowl is more than just a protein-packed powerhouse; it’s a total mood-shifter that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to taste like cardboard. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy afternoon or winding down with a bold dinner, you've just mastered the art of the smoky-meets-earthy crunch. Now, go forth and reclaim your lunch break—one vibrant, chorizo-loaded forkful at a time.