I made this quick and easy dinner the other night and I knew it would be one I needed to share. The original recipe is from toneitup.com, but I added my own little twist to it and Isaac and I loved how it turned out! I am a fan of quinoa (which my dad likes to call quin-oh-ah), and I have found it to be a great way to substitute rice or pasta in recipes when I’m craving something starchy. This dinner was filling and the basil gave it a fresh taste that I love.

I am a firm believer in eating protein throughout the day, because it helps keep me full and I know my body loves it! I try to switch up the types of protein I eat so I don’t get tired of eating the same thing over and over again… Which is easy to do, trust me. In a normal day, I usually have some variation of eggs, protein powder (or Shakeology when I can afford it), chicken, fish, venison, ground turkey or veggie burgers. On occasion I’ll have a steak or some lean beef, but I try to limit that to about once a week. For this meal, I crumbled a veggie burger over my quinoa bowl, and cooked some venison back strap for Isaac’s in our cast iron skillet. It was the perfect way to finish off the quinoa bowls, and I was so happy with how it turned out.

What is your favorite go-to protein in recipes?

Quinoa and Protein Pesto Bowl

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
3 cups chopped spinach
2 Tbsp chopped basil (fresh)
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz cooked protein of choice (we had a veggie patty and venison)

In a large bowl mix the quinoa, spinach, basil, garlic, onion powder, cumin, salt and pepper together. Divide into two bowls and top with your protein of choice!
Eat hot, warm or cold.

Servings: 2