Cold crisp cucumbers are combined with tart cherry tomatoes, premium quality tuna, nutty quinoa, and salty bacon in this Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl.
This Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl with Lemony Vinaigrette came to fruition one afternoon when I was trying to think of some new easy and convenient, yet healthy meal ideas. We've been so busy lately, that our dinners have often times been made on the fly.
"Fast food" in our family does not mean running through a drive thru somewhere, since none of those places can accommodate our food allergies, nor our desire to eat whole, healthy foods. But this meal... this is my definition of real, fast food. It comes together super fast, yet satisfies the whole family.
When I made these Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowls for the first time, I already had something planned for dinner, but after my girls taste tested a sample of this recipe, both requested we skip what I already had planned. They wanted to eat the quinoa bowls for dinner instead!
I certainly couldn't blame them. Cold crisp cucumbers are combined with tart cherry tomatoes, premium quality tuna, nutty quinoa, and salty bacon. All balanced out with a light and refreshing Lemony Vinaigrette. My girls inhaled their bowls and immediately asked for another serving!
I grew up fishing and crabbing with my family on Kodiak Island, Alaska. I have a respect for the ocean and everything in it, including making sure the seafood we catch and eat is wild and sustainable. Unlike other brands of tuna, this Wild Selections tuna has wonderful flavor; it is not super fishy tasting. My family loved it! I also choose to use Wild Selections premium quality tuna because they are :
Breakfast, lunch, dinner... you really can't go wrong with this recipe! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. 😉
xoxo,
Megan
Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl with Lemony Vinaigrette
Cold crisp cucumbers are combined with tart cherry tomatoes, premium quality tuna, nutty quinoa, and salty bacon in this Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl.
Ingredients
For the Lemony Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lite rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard (I use the Annie's Natural brand)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- sea salt & freshly cracked pepper
For the Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl:
- cooked quinoa
- cooked bacon, crumbled
- canned albecore tuna in water
- cucumber slices
- diced cherry tomatoes
Instructions
To make the Lemony Vinaigrette:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a pint-sized canning jar and tightly secure the lid. Shake until all of the ingredients are well combined. Let the vinaigrette sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to merry.
To make the Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl:
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Fry the bacon or bake it according to these directions
- Now assemble your Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl!
- Store the leftovers in separate containers and assemble each Tuna and Bacon Quinoa Bowl right before serving (otherwise your ingredients might become soggy).
Notes
The night before, I like to cook the quinoa and bacon, and make the vinaigrette, that way this is a quick meal to put together.
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
I'm always hesitant to buy tuna in the can because I don't always like it. This looks like a great brand though- totally trying this one out!
Megan says
I was really impressed with the Wild Selections tuna, Lori! It has great flavor and isn't "fishy" like other brands can be.
Jeanine says
Oh, Megan! You've outdone yourself with this one. What a beautiful salad! And quick too (bonus!).
Megan says
Thank you so much, Jeanine!
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
Yes! This is a real 'fast food'! Love how quick and easy it is! And looks delicious!
Megan says
Thank you, Andi!
Shirley @ gluten free easily (gfe) says
I always love a colorful, vibrant, and crisp salad, Megan! This one definitely qualifies. 🙂 So many delicious ingredients! Bacon and fresh veggies definitely take really good tuna to an even higher level.
Shirley
Joanne Peterson says
This is gorgeous Megan! I know my family will eat this! Thank you for the fast food! We are unable to eat the fast food in the conventional sense as well. This gets my brain going to think of other things we can eat as a bowl. Joanne
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
This looks like a great, healthy and QUICK dinner. Great concept.
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I love this use for tuna! So fresh and delicious!
Paula - bell'alimento says
What a great light dinner or lunch! Perfect for spring and summer.
Sabrina says
It sounds like the crisp, fresh vegetables give this dish a great set of flavors and textures! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Jessica - The Novice Chef says
This looks so beautiful and fresh! I love the colors and your photos!
Joleen @ Joleen Cuisine says
Ooh this sounds soo good. I've been loving turkey bacon lately, so I might just mix that up with my tuna!
Keith @ How's it Lookin? says
Looks great. Bacon in there sounds tasty, thanks for sharing
Liz @ Travelling Table Tales says
This looks amazing. Fast food means the same thing in my household. Just quick, healthy meals that I can throw together. I can't wait to try this.
xx