If you’re looking for a vibrant, nutritious meal that aligns perfectly with Whole30 principles while keeping it vegetarian, these Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls are just what you need. Packed with flavor, color, and a hearty mix of ingredients, these bowls are not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for meal prep, they can quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Let’s dive into all the goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls are a delightful way to eat the rainbow. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, crispy kale, and a creamy tahini dressing makes for a dish that’s both filling and nourishing. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how customizable it can be based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies and protein, making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.
What Goes In
To make these flavorful bowls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil, divided
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
- 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed with skins on, halved lengthwise
- 2 teaspoons chili powder, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1 small head broccoli or cauliflower
- 1 small bunch kale, large stems removed
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 small lemon)
- 3 tablespoons tahini or swap for natural almond butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½-1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 hard-boiled eggs or soft-boiled, see recipe notes.
Equipment Breakdown
To whip up these delicious Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls, you will need:
- Sheet pan: For roasting the sweet potatoes and veggies.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the tahini dressing.
- Pot: To boil eggs to perfection.
- Knife and cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.
Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help to caramelize the sweet potatoes and vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Spread them cut-side down on a sheet pan and roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown.
Step 3: Roast the Onion and Broccoli/Cauliflower
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the onion and broccoli or cauliflower. In the same bowl, toss the red onion wedges and broccoli or cauliflower florets with the remaining olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. After 15 minutes, add the onion and broccoli or cauliflower to the sheet pan with the sweet potatoes and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Sauté the Kale
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil. Add the kale and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until wilted and tender. Season with a pinch of kosher salt.
Step 5: Make the Tahini Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, and kosher salt. Add water a tablespoon at a time to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Prepare the Eggs
While everything is cooking, boil the eggs. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let them sit for about 9-12 minutes, depending on how soft or hard you prefer your eggs. Once done, cool them under cold water, peel, and slice.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls
In bowls, layer the roasted sweet potatoes, onion, and broccoli or cauliflower. Add a generous portion of sautéed kale, drizzle with tahini dressing, and top with sliced hard-boiled eggs. Feel free to add any additional toppings you love, such as avocado or seeds.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
These Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls are already packed with nutrition, but here are some tweaks you can consider:
- Swap sweet potatoes for other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for variety.
- Incorporate quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and protein.
- Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Try different greens such as spinach or Swiss chard for a change.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
When making these bowls, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcrowding the sheet pan can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to give your veggies enough space to roast properly.
- Not seasoning enough can result in bland flavors. Don’t be shy with your spices!
- Rushing the egg boiling process can lead to overcooked eggs. Follow the timing carefully for perfectly cooked eggs.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To enjoy these Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls throughout the week, consider the following tips:
Prep all your ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. This ensures everything stays fresh and allows you to assemble the bowls quickly when you’re ready to eat. You can also keep the tahini dressing in a sealed container for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again!
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes, veggies, and tahini dressing ahead of time. Just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
What can I substitute for tahini?
If you’re not a fan of tahini, you can swap it with natural almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both will give you that creamy texture without sacrificing flavor.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just keep the tahini dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the ingredients from getting soggy.
Can I add other proteins to this bowl?
Yes, you can! While this recipe is vegetarian, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or any preferred protein to make it heartier.
Here are some other delicious recipes you might enjoy:
Ready to Cook?
With its vibrant colors and robust flavors, this Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowl is sure to become a favorite in your home. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrition, it’s a meal that satisfies both body and soul. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of health and happiness!
Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help to caramelize the sweet potatoes and vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Spread them cut-side down on a sheet pan and roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown.
- Step 3: Roast the Onion and Broccoli/Cauliflower: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the onion and broccoli or cauliflower. In the same bowl, toss the red onion wedges and broccoli or cauliflower florets with the remaining olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. After 15 minutes, add the onion and broccoli or cauliflower to the sheet pan with the sweet potatoes and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Step 4: Sauté the Kale: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil. Add the kale and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until wilted and tender. Season with a pinch of kosher salt.
- Step 5: Make the Tahini Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, and kosher salt. Add water a tablespoon at a time to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Step 6: Prepare the Eggs: While everything is cooking, boil the eggs. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let them sit for about 9-12 minutes, depending on how soft or hard you prefer your eggs. Once done, cool them under cold water, peel, and slice.
- Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls: In bowls, layer the roasted sweet potatoes, onion, and broccoli or cauliflower. Add a generous portion of sautéed kale, drizzle with tahini dressing, and top with sliced hard-boiled eggs. Feel free to add any additional toppings you love, such as avocado or seeds.
Notes
- Prep all your ingredients in advance to keep them fresh.
- Store tahini dressing separately until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
- Feel free to swap out sweet potatoes for other root vegetables for variety.
