Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables: 5 Steps to Success

Name: Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables: 5 Steps to Success
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 cup zucchini, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley, chopped

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s not only healthy but also bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this quinoa salad with roasted vegetables! Quinoa is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a fantastic base for a filling dish. When you toss in those beautifully roasted veggies, it’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! I love how quick and easy this recipe is—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, the combination of nutty quinoa with the sweetness of roasted bell peppers and the slight tang of cherry tomatoes is simply divine. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s a dish that never disappoints, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends!

quinoa salad with roasted vegetables - detail 1

Ingredients for Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

1 cup quinoa, rinsed to remove any bitterness
2 cups vegetable broth, for cooking the quinoa and infusing flavor
1 cup bell peppers, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 cup zucchini, diced for a tender, sweet addition
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved to bring a juicy burst in every bite
2 tablespoons olive oil, for tossing the veggies and adding richness
Salt to taste, because seasoning is key!
Pepper to taste, for a little kick
1 tablespoon lemon juice, to brighten up the flavors
Fresh parsley, chopped for a pop of color and freshness

How to Prepare Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Prepping the Quinoa

First things first, you’ll want to give your quinoa a good rinse under cold water. This step is super important because it helps remove any bitter coating. Once that’s done, grab a pot and add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa along with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool a bit. Trust me, perfectly cooked quinoa is the star of this salad!

Roasting the Vegetables

Now, let’s get those veggies roasting! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss together 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1 cup of diced zucchini, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is coated nicely—this is where the magic happens! Spread them out in a single layer and roast for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!

Combining Ingredients

Once your quinoa and veggies are ready, it’s time to bring it all together! In a large bowl, combine the fluffy quinoa with the roasted vegetables. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. You can serve this salad warm, or let it cool and enjoy it cold—either way, it’s delicious! It’s such a versatile dish that’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or simply a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, quinoa is a superfood that fuels your body.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted vegetables adds a sweet, savory depth that’s simply irresistible.
Quick to Prepare: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can whip this up even on busy days!
Versatile: Enjoy it warm or cold—perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to potlucks.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or add nuts for extra crunch; it’s all about your taste!
Meal Prep Friendly: This salad stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your quinoa salad with roasted vegetables turns out perfectly every time? Here are some of my top tips to help you nail it!

Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing your quinoa! It’s crucial for removing that bitter saponin coating. Just give it a good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
Check the Liquid Ratio: For fluffy quinoa, stick to the 1:2 ratio of quinoa to vegetable broth. If you like it a bit creamier, you can add a splash more broth, but watch out for sogginess!
Keep an Eye on the Veggies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on those veggies while they roast. You want them tender and slightly caramelized, but not mushy!
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning the vegetables before roasting brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh parsley really elevates the dish! If you can, chop it just before mixing it in to keep that vibrant flavor and color.
Let It Chill: This salad tastes even better after it’s had some time to sit. If you can, let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving; the flavors meld beautifully!
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even a little feta cheese for extra texture and flavor! This salad is all about personalizing it to your taste.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a quinoa salad that’s not just good, but absolutely fantastic! Happy cooking!

Variations

The beauty of this quinoa salad with roasted vegetables is its versatility! You can easily customize it to fit your personal tastes or whatever veggies you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables like asparagus in the spring or butternut squash in the fall. Just make sure to adjust roasting times based on the veggies you choose!
Herb Infusions: Swap out the parsley for fresh basil, cilantro, or dill for a completely different flavor profile. Each herb brings its own unique twist to the salad!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the veggies before roasting for a little heat. It’s a great way to wake up the flavors!
Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and a delightful crunch. They also provide some healthy fats to keep you satisfied!
Cheesy Goodness: If you’re not strictly vegan, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top just before serving. The creaminess complements the roasted flavors perfectly!
Grains Galore: Mix in other grains like farro, barley, or even brown rice for a heartier salad. It’s a fun way to experiment with different textures!
Dressing Variations: Instead of just lemon juice, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of tahini for a creamy, nutty flavor that brings everything together.

With these variations, you can make this salad a new experience every time you whip it up. Get creative and let your taste buds lead the way!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your quinoa salad with roasted vegetables properly is key to enjoying those delicious flavors later! Once you’ve made your salad, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent any condensation that can make your salad soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep or leftovers!

When it comes to reheating, if you prefer your salad warm, just pop it in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. But don’t worry if you like it cold; it’s just as tasty straight from the fridge! The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a bit, so you might find it even better the next day!

Oh, and if you’ve added any fresh herbs or delicate toppings, it’s best to add those in right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Enjoy your delicious salad anytime, whether it’s right after cooking or a couple of days later!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is just an estimate. However, for a serving of this delightful quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, you can expect the following typical values:

Calories: Approximately 250
Fat: 10g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 200mg
Fiber: 5g

These numbers can help you gauge how this salad fits into your dietary needs, whether you’re counting calories or simply looking for a healthy, satisfying meal. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with something nutritious and delicious!

FAQ Section

Can I make quinoa salad with roasted vegetables ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add any fresh herbs right before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh. The flavors actually get better as they meld together, so it’s a win-win!

What’s the best way to choose vegetables for this salad?
I love using a mix of colorful veggies to make it visually appealing and delicious! When choosing vegetables, go for ones that roast well, like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. You can also experiment with others like carrots, asparagus, or eggplant. Just make sure to cut them into even sizes for consistent cooking!

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Definitely! If quinoa isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with other grains like farro, brown rice, or even couscous. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary, so check the packaging for specific instructions.

How can I make this salad spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, try tossing in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes with your vegetables before roasting. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha in the dressing for an extra kick! It’s a great way to wake up those flavors!

What can I serve with this salad?
This quinoa salad with roasted vegetables makes a fantastic main dish on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even alongside a hearty soup. It’s super versatile, so feel free to get creative with your meal combinations!

For more information on the health benefits of quinoa, check out Healthline.

To learn more about the nutritional value of vegetables, visit Nutrition.gov.

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.