Description
Looking for a quick, healthy, and colorful dish that fits into your busy lifestyle? This Quick & Easy Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables is a deliciously satisfying option loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, and fresh roasted veggies. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, a light lunch, or healthy snack options, this salad has you covered. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be prepped ahead for busy weekdays. Ideal for anyone looking for simple food ideas without sacrificing taste or nutrition!
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)
Instructions
1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly and cook with 2 cups of water or broth in a saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat, and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool slightly.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and carrot on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. While veggies roast, whisk olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. In a large bowl, combine quinoa and roasted vegetables. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
5. Fold in crumbled feta and chopped herbs. Serve warm, room temp, or chilled.
Notes
Let the quinoa cool slightly before mixing to avoid wilting herbs.
Roast veggies in a single layer to get perfect caramelization.
Store the dressing separately for best texture if meal prepping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quinoa salad, vegetarian, healthy snack, meal prep, dinner ideas, gluten-free