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Fresh Vegan Watermelon Poke Bowl Recipe with Easy Sesame Dressing

Fresh Vegan Watermelon Poke Bowl - featured image
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A light, flavorful, and refreshing vegan poke bowl featuring juicy watermelon, creamy avocado, and a nutty sesame dressing. Perfect for summer meals and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cooked sushi or short-grain rice, cooled
  • ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook rice according to package instructions (typically 1 cup rice to 1¼ cups water). Once done, fluff rice with a fork and let it cool to room temperature (about 20 minutes).
  2. While the rice cooks, cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Slice cucumber thinly, shred carrots, and thinly slice green onions (about 10 minutes).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Adjust sweetness or acidity as preferred. Add a splash of water if dressing is too strong (about 5 minutes).
  4. In serving bowls, start with a base layer of cooled sushi rice. Top evenly with watermelon cubes, diced avocado, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and green onions.
  5. Drizzle the sesame dressing evenly over the bowls. Toss gently if desired or leave drizzled on top for presentation.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over everything for a nutty crunch and vibrant look.
  7. Taste a small bite and add a pinch of salt, extra sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to keep grains separate and prevent sogginess. Dice avocado just before serving or toss with lemon/lime juice to prevent browning. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes for extra aroma. Prepare rice and dressing ahead to reduce assembly time. Store components separately to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan poke bowl, watermelon poke bowl, sesame dressing, summer recipe, vegan lunch, gluten-free poke bowl, healthy poke bowl

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/fresh-vegan-watermelon-poke-bowl-recipe-with-easy-sesame-dressing/