Say hello to your new favourite brain-boosting bowl!
This vibrant dish combines fluffy quinoa rich in choline and B vitamins, juicy turmeric-ginger marinated chicken, crunchy nuts, fresh rocket, and lightly sautéed broccoli—all topped with pomegranate jewels. A refreshing kefir cucumber salad on the side adds probiotics and a cooling touch, making every bite as nourishing as it is delicious.
Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, and minerals, this bowl fuels your body and supports brain health—perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Brain-Boosting Quinoa & Turmeric Chicken Bowl with Kefir Salad
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh squeezed juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Quinoa Base:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water with a half spoon of miso paste
For the Veggies & Salad:
- 1 cup broccoli stems, lightly sautéed
- 1 cup rocket (arugula) leaves
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
For the Kefir Cucumber Salad:
- ½ cup kefir yogurt
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- ½ tsp nigella seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
For Serving:
- Extra virgin olive oil, drizzle
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine turmeric, ginger, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a pot, combine rinsed quinoa with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Lightly sauté broccoli stems in a little olive oil until tender but crisp. Wash and set aside the rocket leaves.
4. Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until fully cooked, juicy, and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. Assemble the Dish: In a large serving bowl, layer the quinoa as the base. Top with broccoli, sliced chicken, rocket leaves, and sprinkle pomegranate seeds. Scatter chopped walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, and sesame seeds on top.
6. Prepare the Kefir Salad: Mix kefir yogurt with sliced cucumber, coriander, nigella seeds, and a pinch of salt.
7. Serve: Scoop a portion of the quinoa-chicken-vegetable mix onto each plate. Add a couple of dollops of kefir cucumber salad. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
Health Benefits
- Quinoa: Rich in choline, magnesium, and vitamin B, which support brain health, memory, and nerve function.
- Chicken with Turmeric & Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, supports immune health, and provides high-quality protein for muscle and tissue repair.
- Broccoli & Rocket: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C for immunity and detoxification.
- Kefir Yogurt & Cucumber Salad: Promotes gut health with probiotics; hydrating and refreshing.
- Nuts & Seeds: Omega-3s, healthy fats, and minerals that support heart and brain function.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
So dig in, drizzle that golden olive oil, sprinkle a little sea salt, and savour every nutrient-packed bite. Enjoy this brain-boosting goodness, and I’ll be seeing you for more delicious, healthy creations soon!
Love,
Julia 🌿💛