Best Healthy Delicious Vegan Lunch OR Dinner By Baraa El Sabbagh, Personal Trainer, Registered Dietician, and Sports Nutritionist in Dubai

A Simple and Delicious Vegan Lunch Recipe 

Can vegan dishes be delicious AND healthy? YES, THEY CAN! I’m really excited to share this recipe with you guys, because it’s been ages since I found a great, vegan option for my Meatless Monday Menu. There are a bunch of vegan restaurants in Dubai, but sometimes I prefer to make something at home.

What's It Like Being Vegetarian?

If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to live like a vegetarian or vegan, there’s a whole podcast episode dedicated to the subject. Find out how to live a meatless lifestyle during my conversation with Rima Aridi!  

Benefits of Making Lunch At Home

When you buy your own ingredients and make your own dressing, you’ll be aware of everything you’re eating. The dressing won’t have the excess amount of oil that restaurants in Dubai are likely to use, and the ingredients can be fresh and healthy when you pick them out yourself. Did you happen to catch my Instagram post about salad dressing? Click here to find out just how many calories you’re unknowingly eating!  

Credit For This Healthy Vegan Recipe Goes To…

We have @upcloseandhealthy to thank for this delicious and healthy vegan recipe! Even if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian, sometimes it’s good to give your digestive system a break and go for a big load of fibers, minerals, and nutrients. Another benefit that comes with going meatless for a day a week is a decrease in processed meats in your day. Last but not least, whether you’re intending to or not, you’re also doing your part for the planet when you skip the animal based products! 

High Calories Doesn’t Mean Unhealthy

If you notice, the nutritional information on this vegan salad recipe says it could add up to 800 calories. Don’t be alarmed! It’s calories from quinoa, which means it has all the nutrients and the good stuff you need from a vegan meal. You just need to calculate how this meal fits into your day’s calorie intake, especially if you’re in the process of a calorie deficit. If you're eating 1,400 calories per day it's possible to have the full salad as one portion or reduce the ingredients to make it 600 calories.  If this salad is for lunch, maybe opt for a more protein based dinner that day!

P.S. If you're eating 2,000 calories a day, then don't even worry about the calories! 

Want A Collection of Healthy, Wholesome Recipes?

If you're looking for a whole bunch of healthy, delicious recipes, look no further than the Super Recipes book! My sister Mirna and I created this together, and it's been amazing seeing people try them out and send over pictures of the results. 

Time for the Healthy Recipe

via GIPHY

Here’s how you make the best, healthy vegan lunch there is: 

Ingredients:

• 1 beetroot chopped
• 2 handfuls of baby spinach
• 1 handful shredded carrot
• 1 sliced green pepper
• 4 tbsp marinated chickpeas
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 avocado (dipped in chia seeds)
• 1 tbsp sunflower seeds

Dressing:

• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil drizzled on top

Method: 

Chickpea marinade:

• 1 can chickpeas drained & boiled in water
• Once it’s cool, mix with 1 tsp cumin, paprika & cumin seeds each
• 2 tbsp olive oil & a squeeze of lemon
• Mix well and set aside 

Cool quinoa as usual with cumin & garlic powder to give it that extra taste.

Build the bowl:

Add the veggies first, then chickpeas, & quinoa last
Drizzle the lemon juice & olive oil and sprinkle with the sunflower seeds

Calories per plate: 

Serves 2 or 1 very hungry person!

Nutritional Info:

800 Kcal
22g Protein
18g Fiber
60g Fat