Flavor meets wholesome nutrition with our Healthy Fajita Bowls recipe! This dish is a colorful, nutritious twist on traditional fajitas, focusing on fresh vegetables, lean protein, and zesty spices. It's perfect for those looking to enjoy a delicious, fulfilling meal without compromising on health goals. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the ideal choice for a quick, satisfying, and healthy weeknight dinner.
We love fajitas at our house. From Blackstone Fajitas and Slow Cooker Fajitas to Sheet Pan Fajitas and even Vegetarian Fajitas, they make a regular appearance on my meal plans.
Today, we are giving fajitas a wholesome twist with our Healthy Fajita Bowls. They have the flavors you adore, neatly presented in a nourishing bowl that's as satisfying as it is good for you.
It’s easier than you think, and the payoff is deliciously rewarding!
Ingredients
Protein
- Protein: Use either boneless skinless chicken or tempeh.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty, fresh kick to the marinade. Lemon juice can also work if you're out of limes.
- Gluten-Free Tamari or Coconut Aminos: These are great gluten-free options for adding that deep, umami flavor. Soy sauce is fine, too, if gluten isn't a concern.
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil is a great substitute due to its high smoke point and mild taste.
- Ground Cumin & Chili Powder: These spices bring the classic fajita warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your spice preference. Taco seasoning is also a great option.
Vegetables
- Bell Peppers: The quintessential fajita veggie, bringing sweetness and crunch. Any color works, so pick your favorite or mix and match!
- Onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of bite. White, yellow, or red onions are all fine choices.
- Jalapeño: For that spicy kick. If you're not a fan of heat, feel free to skip it or replace it with a milder pepper.
Sauce
- Greek Yogurt (Dairy or Non-Dairy), or Sour Cream: These options provide a creamy, tangy base for the sauce. Use dairy-free versions to keep it vegan.
- Garlic: Brings a punch of flavor. Garlic powder can be a quick substitute in a pinch.
- Taco Seasoning: Packs in a variety of spices in one go. You can make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of salt.
Bowl
- Cooked Quinoa: A healthy, gluten-free grain that's a great source of protein and fiber. Rice or cauliflower rice are perfect alternatives depending on your dietary needs.
- Cheddar Cheese or Queso Fresco (or Daiya): Adds a lovely meltiness or crumble. Opt for dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan.
- Avocado: Creamy and full of healthy fats, it's like the cherry on top of this delicious bowl.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brings brightness and a pop of color. If you're not a cilantro fan, parsley is a nice substitute.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate Your Protein: Whether it’s chicken or tempeh, giving it some time to soak up those flavors can make a world of difference. If you have the time, don't skip this step.
- Veggie Variety: Don't limit yourself to just bell peppers and onions. Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, mushrooms, and even sweet potatoes can add unique flavors and textures to your bowl.
- The Right Base: I’m a big fan of quinoa for its health benefits, but don’t forget about other grains. Brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice (hello, low-carb lovers!) can be excellent bases for your fajita bowl. Experiment to find your family’s favorite.
- Meal Prep Magic: Healthy Fajita Bowls are fantastic for meal prep. Cook your protein and veggies, prepare your base, and store them separately in the fridge. Come mealtime, simply reheat, assemble, and voila—a nutritious meal in minutes.
Make it Easier
- If you are short on time, you can pick up a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked frozen chicken.
- Skip the sauce and use sour cream.
- But pre-sliced vegetables and shredded cheese.
More Bowl Recipes
- Chicken Noodle Bowl: This hearty, meal-worthy bowl features tender chicken, wholesome noodles, and a rainbow of veggies that even the kids can't resist.
- Mediterranean Bowl: This vegetarian bowl is vibrant and full of flavor and so easy to make.
- Quinoa Taco Salad Bowl: Taco Tuesday gets a healthy makeover with this lively bowl that doesn't skimp on flavor.
- Quinoa Breakfast Bowl: Who says bowls are only for lunch and dinner? Kickstart your day with this nutritious breakfast bowl.
Healthy Fajita Bowls
Ingredients
Chicken or Tempeh
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon gluten free tamari or coconut aminos
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 12 ounces chicken or tempeh
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers red or green, seeded and cut into strips
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely diced
Sauce
- ½ cup Greek Yogurt dairy or non-dairy, or sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Bowl
- 3 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded or queso fresco, crumbled (or Daiya)
- 1 avocado quartered
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a large plastic ziplock bag, combine lime juice, tamari, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder. Add chicken or tempeh and marinade in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or up to 4.
- Spray a large skillet with high heat safe cooking oil and heat to medium high. Add chicken or tempeh and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and tent with foil.
- Add peppers, onion and jalapeño to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender and browning.
- Slice chicken into strips, cutting against the grain.
- Make sauce by combining yogurt, garlic and taco seasoning in a small bowl.
- Place ¾ cup quinoa in four bowls. Top with peppers and chicken, cheese and avocado. Sprinkle with cilantro and drizzle with sauce.
Nutrition
More Gluten-Free Easy Weeknight Meals to Try:
- When you need an easy one pan meal that the whole family will cheer for, this Taco Mac is sheer perfection. Both kids and adults will love it.
- Beef Stuffed Peppers are gluten-free and dairy free. Use different colored peppers for a beautiful presentation on your dinner table!
Shannon Graham
Fajitas are one of my favorites!