![- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 red onion, cubed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach To make this roasted vegetable quinoa salad, you need fresh ingredients. Quinoa serves as the base. It is high in protein and gluten-free. Assorted vegetables add color and flavor. I love using bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. They roast beautifully and become sweet and tender. Seasoning is key to the dish. Olive oil helps the veggies roast perfectly. Dried oregano and garlic powder bring out the flavors. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. - 1/4 cup feta cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish You can add feta cheese for a creamy touch. It gives a nice contrast to the roasted veggies. Fresh herbs like parsley enhance the dish's look and flavor. They add a burst of freshness to every bite. - Calories per serving: About 250 - Macronutrients breakdown: - Protein: 8g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 9g This salad is not just tasty; it's healthy too. Each serving gives you a good amount of protein. The carbs come from quinoa and vegetables, which are great for energy. The healthy fats from olive oil help keep you full. Enjoy this roasted vegetable quinoa salad knowing it's good for you. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Chop the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. - In a bowl, mix the veggies with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Spread the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet in one layer. - Roast the veggies in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They should be tender and slightly brown. - While they roast, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. - Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is gone. Fluff with a fork when done. - In a large serving bowl, mix the cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables. - Add 1 cup of fresh spinach and toss gently to combine. - If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of feta cheese on top and add fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy this colorful and tasty salad warm or let it chill for a refreshing cold dish. For the full recipe, check the previous section. Best way to rinse quinoa: Rinsing quinoa is key for a great taste. Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Run cold water over it for a few minutes. This washes off the saponins, which can taste bitter. After rinsing, drain the quinoa well. This ensures a fluffy texture in your final dish. Ensuring roasted vegetables are caramelized: Caramelization gives vegetables a sweet flavor. To achieve this, cut vegetables evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate. Spread the veggies in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this traps steam and hinders browning. A hot oven helps too. Roasting at 425°F ensures that they brown nicely. Warm vs. cold serving: You can serve the salad warm or cold. For a cozy meal, serve it warm. The heat enhances the flavors and makes it comforting. If you prefer a refreshing dish, let it cool. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Pairing with proteins: This salad is great on its own, but adding protein boosts its nutrition. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or black beans. These additions make the dish more filling and satisfying. Adding spices: Spices can elevate your salad. Consider adding cumin or smoked paprika. These spices add depth and warmth. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Experiment with your favorite spices to find the perfect balance. Alternative dressings: While a simple olive oil dressing is tasty, you can mix it up. Try a lemon vinaigrette for brightness. A tahini dressing adds creaminess and a nutty flavor. Each dressing brings its unique twist to your roasted vegetable quinoa salad, making it exciting every time. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can easily swap quinoa for other grains. Try using farro, brown rice, or even couscous. Each grain brings its own flavor and texture. Feel free to change up the vegetables too. Use seasonal veggies like asparagus, carrots, or eggplant. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. This salad is vegan-friendly. Just skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based version. You still get a tasty dish packed with flavor. For gluten-free options, stick with quinoa. It is naturally gluten-free. You can safely enjoy this salad without worry. To give your salad a Mediterranean twist, add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes. These additions enhance the flavor and create a fresh taste. For an Asian flair, toss in sesame oil, soy sauce, or chopped scallions. Consider adding edamame or snap peas for a crunchy bite. With these ideas, you can make the roasted vegetable quinoa salad your own. Find the mix that excites your taste buds! To keep your roasted vegetable quinoa salad fresh, put it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about four days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out all the air before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember, freezing may change the texture of the vegetables. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, the best method to reheat is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Warm it for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. After reheating, add a splash of olive oil for extra flavor. Serve it warm or let it cool for a refreshing cold salad. You can store the roasted vegetable quinoa salad in the fridge for up to four days. If frozen, it can last up to three months. To enjoy the best taste, eat it within the first month of freezing. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. How to make quinoa fluffier? To make quinoa fluffier, rinse it well before cooking. This removes the natural coating called saponin. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results. After cooking, let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff it gently with a fork. This helps separate the grains and adds lightness. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. They save time and are often just as healthy. Just toss the frozen veggies in olive oil and seasonings. Roast them for a few extra minutes to ensure they're tender and warm. What to do if the quinoa is bitter? If quinoa tastes bitter, it may not have been rinsed well. Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking. If you've already cooked it, try adding a little salt or dressing. This can help balance the flavor. Is quinoa a complete protein? Yes, quinoa is a complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. It supports muscle growth and overall health. Plus, it's gluten-free and packed with nutrients. What are the health benefits of roasted vegetables? Roasted vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and flavor. They are high in fiber, which aids digestion. This cooking method also helps retain nutrients, making them a smart choice for a healthy diet. How to make the roasted vegetable quinoa salad ahead of time? To make this salad ahead, cook the quinoa and roast the vegetables in advance. Let them cool before mixing. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Combine with fresh spinach and feta just before serving for the best taste. Can I make this salad in advance? Yes, you can make this salad in advance. It tastes great cold or at room temperature. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and flavorful. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covered how to create a delicious roasted vegetable quinoa salad. We explored the main and optional ingredients, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions. I shared cooking tips, serving suggestions, and ways to enhance flavors. We also looked at variations, storage info, and answered common questions. Now, you're ready to make a tasty and healthy dish that fits your needs. Enjoy experimenting with it, and feel free to make it your own.](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5bc716e5-50d7-483a-817d-057268a5e303-250x250.webp)
- Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Discover the colorful and nutritious roasted rainbow vegetable quinoa salad that will delight your taste buds! Packed with vibrant veggies and fluffy quinoa, this easy recipe is perfect for any meal. Just roast the veggies, mix with quinoa, and enjoy warm or cold. Elevate your healthy eating game and impress your guests with this beautiful dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of color to your table!