Quinoa Bowl Dressing (With Hummus)

This quick and easy quinoa bowl dressing is a no-mess, no-fuss kind of dressing. As someone who makes plant-based quinoa and Buddha bowls every single week, this dressing is one of my personal go-to’s.

It's so tasty that you might want to double the recipe to have extra on hand to use as a salad dressing for other recipes, too. This quinoa bowl sauce is made with 4 simple ingredients (+ water) that you probably already have at home. 

What is a quinoa bowl actually?

A quinoa bowl, often referred to as a grain bowl or Buddha bowl, is a versatile and healthy meal that typically consists of cooked quinoa as the base, with a variety of vegetables, proteins, sauces, and toppings added to it.

What makes a good quinoa bowl dressing?

• It's simple: Just a handful of ingredients.
• Quick to make: You want it to save you time. 
• Nutritious: It has extra protein thanks to the chickpea hummus.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Hummus: Homemade or store-bought are both great. You can use plain or flavored (e.g., spicy hummus, cilantro hummus), it's totally up to you. I personally like to keep it plain to not distract from the veggies in the bowl.
• Fresh lemon juice: For freshness. You can add some extra lemon zest for more zing! From time to time I also like to use fresh lime juice as an alternative. I don’t recommend bottled lemon juice – it won’t give the same flavor.
• Water: You’ll need it to thin out the dressing. The amounts added will depend on the consistency of your hummus.
• Dijon mustard: This adds a tart and tangy flavor. It's totally optional though.
• Garlic powder: for some extra flavor.

Elo's note: You can season your dressing with salt and pepper but I found that it's often not necessary as the hummus itself is usually well-seasoned.

How to make quinoa bowl dressing

STEP 1: Add the hummus, lemon juice, garlic powder, mustard, and a splash of water to a small bowl.

STEP 2: Stir to combine. If needed, add more cold water to obtain the desired consistency.

How to make a GREAT quinoa bowl

• Quinoa: You can use white quinoa, red quinoa, or a mix of both. White quinoa is known for its mild flavor and fluffy texture, while red quinoa has a nuttier taste and slightly firmer texture.
• Roasted veggies: I recommend checking out which seasonal veggies are at your local grocery store. Think roasted red onion, red bell pepper, sweet potatoes, and zucchini are often used. During fall and winter, you can try Brussels sprouts, beetroots, and butternut squash. The roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• Fresh vegetables: You can also add uncooked veggies to bring your bowls to the next level. I love English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced carrots, green onions, salad greens, and sprouts. During summer, I personally like to add fruits such as peaches and nectarines in there, too (see this peach and raspberry quinoa salad recipe). I also recommend berries or citrus segments (you have to try mandarines in your quinoa bowls!).
• Pickled vegetables: Trust me, they are game-changing and add a serious crunch factor! If you're only going to add one, try these homemade red wine vinegar pickled onions. If you feel more adventurous, you can try pickled cucumber, pickled carrots, and pickled fennel.
• Protein sources: My favorite plant-based options include crispy tofu (make sure to read my pan-fried tofu guide), chickpeas, black beans, edamame beans, and falafel.
• Toppings: These add texture and extra flavor. Popular toppings include roasted nuts, seeds (such as sesame seeds or sunflower seeds), vegan feta cheese, and herbs like fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley.
• Extras: Some quinoa bowls incorporate extras like Kalamata olives, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even dried fruits for a unique twist on flavor and texture.
• Sauces and creamy dressings: This hummus dressing is my absolute go-to but you might also like this zingy tahini dressing or this creamy green sauce.

Elo’s tips

• Vegetable broth: Cooking quinoa in vegetable broth will give it extra flavor. I like this clean-ingredient vegetable broth powder and add a teaspoon to the cooking water.
• Choose clean hummus: Look for hummus brands with minimal and clean ingredients (no thickeners, gums, or flavorings). I found this clean hummus brand post really helpful.
• Meal prep: Cook your quinoa and roast your veggies ahead of time for quick assembly.
• Experiment with different kinds of vinegar to substitute the lemon juice–white wine vinegar, apple cider, or rice vinegar can add tanginess and depth to your dressing. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
• Fresh herbs and spices: Herbs like fresh cilantro, basil, or mint, along with spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder, can infuse your dressing with unique flavors.
• Balancing sweetness: Try adding maple syrup, agave nectar, or a pinch of brown sugar to contrast the tangy and savory elements.
• Healthy fats: Incorporate healthy fats like a drizzle of olive oil, avocado oil, or flaxseed oil.
• Make extra: Consider making a larger batch of dressing and storing it separately. This way, you can have it on hand for future quinoa bowl creations or as a versatile salad dressing.

Frequently asked questions