Lemon-Pepper Broccoli Quinoa Bowl

Main | 18 minutes | Serves 1

Zoom meeting at noon, starving by 12:05. Lemon-Pepper Broccoli Quinoa Bowl turns yesterday’s quinoa + Cabera frozen broccoli into a gourmet desk lunch that looks like meal prep but took only 3 minutes active. Bright, zesty, peppery, and packed with feel-good vibes—this is the solo bowl that makes WFH feel like a café.

Cabera broccoli florets are flash-frozen at peak crunch, so they roast straight from the freezer into golden, caramelized bites. Lemon zest + juice cut through the richness, quinoa adds nutty bulk, and optional feta brings creamy tang. It’s fast, fresh, and zero dishes beyond the bowl.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 300 g Cabera Frozen Broccoli Florets – Straight from freezer; no chopping.

• 150 g Cooked Quinoa – Leftover or microwave pouch; any color works.

• Zest + Juice of 1 Lemon – About 5 ml zest + 30 ml juice; roll it for max yield.

• 15 ml Olive Oil – Good extra-virgin for flavor.

• 50 g Feta – Crumbled; optional but chef’s kiss. Skip for vegan.

• Arugula salad

Optional power-ups: Freshly cracked black pepper (it’s in the name), chili flakes, or toasted almonds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Broccoli (Hands-Off Magic – 15 Minutes)

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)—convection if you’ve got it.

1. In a bowl, toss 300 g frozen Cabera broccoli with 15 ml olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add a generous crack of black pepper. No salt yet—feta will bring it.

2. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet (parchment = zero cleanup). Roast 15 minutes—no flipping needed. Edges will char, centers stay tender-crisp.

Why frozen works: Ice crystals steam the broccoli from inside, then evaporate for crispiness. Fresh can’t compete.

Step 2: Assemble the Bowl (The 60-Second Finish)

1. Tip hot roasted broccoli into your serving bowl.

2. Add 150 g cooked quinoa (warm it 30 seconds in microwave if cold).

3. Crumble 50 g feta over the top. The heat gently softens it into creamy pockets.

4. Add arugula salad

Stir or don’t: Keep layers for Insta-worthy stripes or mix for uniform lemony bliss.

Serve It Up: Desk Lunch Goals Achieved

Eat straight from the bowl—fork in one hand, mouse in the other. The lemon brightens every bite, pepper wakes up the palate, and broccoli’s char plays off quinoa’s earthiness. Pair with sparkling water + lemon slice if you’re fancy.

Total active time? 3 minutes. Total satisfaction? Infinite.

Pro tip: Make quinoa on Sunday. This bowl becomes a 5-ingredient, 3-minute assembly on repeat.