Pizza Protein Bowl Recipe

Introduction

The Pizza Protein Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of your favorite pizza into a nutritious, protein-packed bowl. With quinoa, veggies, pepperoni, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or hearty lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6-8 slices pepperoni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced green bell pepper and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened, seasoning with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
2. Step 2: Stir in the cooked quinoa and drained canned diced tomatoes. Mix well and heat through for a couple of minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Step 3: Transfer the quinoa and vegetable mixture to a bowl. Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
4. Step 4: Arrange the pepperoni slices over the layer of cheese as you like.
5. Step 5: Place the bowl under the broiler or in a toaster oven for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese melts and begins to bubble. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Remove carefully and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Pizza Protein Bowl.

Tips & Variations

• Use shredded cheese for even melting and keep an eye under the broiler to avoid burning.
• Substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice for different textures or dietary needs.
• Replace pepperoni with turkey pepperoni, cooked chicken, sausage, or a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option.
• Swap mushrooms for spinach or kale if preferred, or omit vegetables to simplify.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of pepperoni?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken makes a great, healthier substitution. Simply shred or dice it and mix in with the quinoa and vegetables.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the pepperoni and optionally use plant-based cheese. You can add extra vegetables or beans to increase protein and fiber.

Pizza Protein Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

This Pizza Protein Bowl combines wholesome quinoa with sautéed vegetables, tangy diced tomatoes, gooey melted mozzarella, and classic pepperoni for a satisfying and protein-packed meal. It’s quick to make, versatile with ingredient substitutions, and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch bowl that captures all the flavors of a pizza in a healthy bowl format.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6–8 slices pepperoni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Base Ingredients: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced green bell peppers and sliced mushrooms, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to enhance the flavor.
2. Mix in Quinoa and Tomatoes: Stir in the cooked quinoa and the drained canned diced tomatoes. Mix well and let the mixture heat through for a couple of minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Bowl: Transfer the quinoa and vegetable mixture to a bowl. Evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to prepare for melting.
4. Add the Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer, distributing them as you like for maximum flavor.
5. Melt the Cheese: Place the bowl under the broiler or in a toaster oven until the cheese melts and bubbles, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bowl from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the melty cheese for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Pizza Protein Bowl.

Notes

• You can substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and use plant-based cheese or add extra vegetables or beans.
• Turkey pepperoni or cooked chicken can be used instead of traditional pepperoni for a leaner protein option.
• If you don’t have a broiler, melt the cheese by microwaving in 30-second intervals until bubbly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying.

Keywords: Pizza Protein Bowl, Quinoa Bowl, Healthy Dinner, Quick Dinner, Easy Protein Bowl, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Sautéed Vegetables