Roasted Broccoli Bowl

Featured in: Veggie Plates & Grain Bowls

This wholesome bowl brings together perfectly roasted broccoli and red onions seasoned with smoked paprika, served over fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The creamy tahini sauce ties everything together with its bright lemon notes and subtle sweetness.

Ready in just 40 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired dish delivers satisfying textures and flavors while being completely plant-based. The golden edges on the broccoli contrast beautifully with the tender grains, and the optional toppings like avocado and sesame seeds add extra layers of crunch and creaminess.

Updated on Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:57:44 GMT
Golden roasted broccoli florets and red onions sit on fluffy quinoa in a ceramic bowl, finished with a creamy tahini sauce drizzle and fresh parsley. Save
Golden roasted broccoli florets and red onions sit on fluffy quinoa in a ceramic bowl, finished with a creamy tahini sauce drizzle and fresh parsley. | pulsebaker.com

A vibrant bowl featuring crispy roasted broccoli served over wholesome grains, finished with a creamy tahini sauce—perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together simple, fresh ingredients to create a meal that is both satisfying and packed with plant-based goodness.

Golden roasted broccoli florets and red onions sit on fluffy quinoa in a ceramic bowl, finished with a creamy tahini sauce drizzle and fresh parsley. Save
Golden roasted broccoli florets and red onions sit on fluffy quinoa in a ceramic bowl, finished with a creamy tahini sauce drizzle and fresh parsley. | pulsebaker.com

The combination of smoky paprika on roasted vegetables and the nutty, citrusy profile of the tahini dressing makes this Roasted Broccoli Bowl a standout choice for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. It's a versatile recipe that adapts easily to what you have in your pantry.

Ingredients

  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3–5 tablespoons water (to thin)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional topping)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional topping)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional topping)
  • Lemon wedges (optional topping)
Product image
Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Toss broccoli florets and red onion slices with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
Step 3
Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the broccoli is golden and crispy at the edges.
Step 4
Meanwhile, rinse quinoa or rice under cold water. Combine with water or broth in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until fluffy (quinoa: ~15 minutes, rice: ~35 minutes). Fluff with a fork.
Step 5
For the tahini sauce, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Gradually whisk in water until smooth and pourable.
Step 6
To assemble, divide cooked grains among bowls. Top with roasted broccoli and onions. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
Step 7
Garnish with sesame seeds, parsley, avocado slices, and lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To make the preparation as smooth as possible, ensure you have a sturdy baking sheet for roasting and a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid for the grains. Using a whisk for the tahini sauce is essential to achieve a perfectly creamy and pourable texture without lumps.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For added protein, you can top your bowl with chickpeas or grilled tofu. If you want to experiment with different textures, swap the quinoa or rice for farro or couscous. For those who enjoy extra heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the broccoli before it goes into the oven.

Serviervorschläge

Assemble your bowls by placing a generous portion of grains at the base, followed by the crispy roasted broccoli and caramelized onions. Finish with fresh avocado slices, a sprinkle of parsley, and toasted sesame seeds. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice from the wedges just before serving ties all the Mediterranean flavors together.

Crispy roasted broccoli and caramelized red onions topped with avocado slices and sesame seeds make a vibrant, vegan Mediterranean-inspired Roasted Broccoli Bowl. Save
Crispy roasted broccoli and caramelized red onions topped with avocado slices and sesame seeds make a vibrant, vegan Mediterranean-inspired Roasted Broccoli Bowl. | pulsebaker.com

Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own twist with extra protein and spices, this Roasted Broccoli Bowl is a reliable, wholesome dish that never fails to satisfy. Enjoy your healthy, colorful meal!

Product image
Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.
Check price on Amazon

Questions & Answers

What makes the broccoli crispy?

Roasting at 425°F with olive oil creates crispy, golden edges. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars while the dry heat ensures perfect texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan for best results.

Can I prepare this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store cooked grains and roasted vegetables separately for up to 4 days. Keep the tahini sauce in a sealed container and add fresh toppings like avocado when serving to maintain optimal texture.

What grain substitutions work well?

Farro, couscous, barley, or even cauliflower rice all make excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly—quinoa cooks in about 15 minutes while whole grains like farro may take 25-30 minutes.

How do I make the tahini sauce smoother?

Whisk tahini and lemon juice first until thick, then gradually add water one tablespoon at a time. This prevents separation and ensures a silky, pourable consistency. The sauce will thicken in the fridge—thin with more water before serving.

What proteins can I add?

Chickpeas, grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or even a poached egg complement these flavors beautifully. For non-vegetarian options, grilled chicken or salmon work wonderfully with the tahini sauce.

Roasted Broccoli Bowl

Crispy roasted broccoli over fluffy grains with rich tahini drizzle

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Time Required
40 min
Created by Olivia Carter


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Plant-based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
02 1 red onion, thinly sliced
03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Grains

01 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, uncooked
02 2 cups water or vegetable broth

Tahini Sauce

01 1/3 cup tahini
02 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
03 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
04 1 garlic clove, minced
05 3 to 5 tablespoons water
06 Salt to taste

Toppings

01 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
02 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
03 1 avocado, sliced
04 Lemon wedges

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare the oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Season vegetables: Toss broccoli florets and red onion slices with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly across the prepared baking sheet.

Step 03

Roast vegetables: Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once at the halfway point, until broccoli is golden brown and crispy at the edges.

Step 04

Cook grains: Rinse quinoa or rice thoroughly under cold water. Combine with water or broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender and fluffy, approximately 15 minutes for quinoa or 35 minutes for brown rice. Fluff with a fork.

Step 05

Prepare tahini sauce: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 06

Assemble bowls: Divide cooked grains evenly among four serving bowls. Top each portion with roasted broccoli and caramelized onions, then drizzle generously with tahini sauce.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Top each bowl with sesame seeds, fresh parsley, avocado slices, and lemon wedges as desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Look over the ingredients for possible allergens, and speak to a professional about concerns.
  • Contains sesame (present in tahini)
  • Contains gluten if using conventional grains; use certified gluten-free varieties for compliance
  • Check all product labels carefully for undisclosed allergens and cross-contamination warnings

Nutrition per Serving

Pulse Baker gives this for general use. It isn't medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fat content: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Protein: 10 g