If you don’t eat meat, chances are (I’m guessing 100%) you’ve been questioned by a concerned meat eater, “But what about your protein?” If I had a dollar…

It’s actually incredibly easy to get adequate protein on a plant-based diet. Not only can you get heaps of protein, but, with that protein, you also get heaps and heaps of fibre. Animal-based proteins have zero fibre. One thing many health experts agree on is that fibre is important, and many of us are not getting enough. Only taking into account the lentils, quinoa and black beans, this Buddha bowl clocks in with well over 20 grams of protein and 20 grams of fibre – wow! Considering that the daily fibre requirements for an adult are 25 – 30 grams, that’s impressive. This dish would likely exceed that requirement if we took into account the other vegetables and seeds.

I made the quinoa and lentils in the Instant Pot. For a fool-proof method, you can try these recipes by Detoxinista by clicking here for quinoa and here for lentils. Of course, you can always make quinoa and lentils with the traditional stove-top manner. Either works!

For a delicious low-oil or oil-free dressing, you may wish to try this easy, nutritious dressing from Cheryl of Eat What You Sow. I made this with hemp seeds for a nut-free version. The combination of hemp seeds and nutritional yeast really increases the nutrient (especially mineral) content of this dressing. You can view the recipe by clicking here.

Protein-Packed Buddha Bowl
1/2 cup cooked lentils
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup rinsed and drained canned black beans
Handful of baby spinach
1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
1/4 – 1/2 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup orange sweet pepper, sliced
Microgreens *I used sunflower sprouts*
1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Favourite Dressing *see reference above*

Place quinoa and lentils in a shallow bowl. Top with remaining ingredients and your dressing of choice.

Enjoy!