Are you ready to elevate your salad game? This quinoa and roasted vegetable salad is a vibrant mix that’s not just a feast for the eyes, but also packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a side dish for any gathering, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Imagine the nutty flavor of quinoa paired with sweet, caramelized roasted vegetables. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, ensuring your salad is anything but boring. This dish is not just healthy; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors.
A Wholesome Salad Full of Flavor
This delightful salad brings together the nutty essence of quinoa with a medley of roasted vegetables. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a dish that is both refreshing and hearty. With vibrant colors and an array of textures, it’s a dish that entices the senses and satisfies the palate.
Ingredients That Shine
The star of this salad is undoubtedly the quinoa, which serves as a fluffy base.
Diced bell peppers add sweetness, while zucchini contributes a tender crunch.
The addition of cherry tomatoes provides a burst of juiciness, making each bite a delightful experience.
Furthermore, the incorporation of fresh parsley not only enhances the flavor but also gives the salad a pop of color.
Crumbled feta cheese can be added for a creamy tang, rounding off the flavor profile beautifully.
Preparation Process
To prepare this salad, start by cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth or water to infuse it with flavor.
This simple step elevates the dish, ensuring that the quinoa is anything but bland.
While the quinoa cooks, toss the diced vegetables with olive oil and seasonings, then roast them until they are tender and slightly charred.
This roasting process caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, enhancing their sweetness and adding depth to the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Once the quinoa and roasted vegetables are combined, the salad can be served warm or chilled.
This versatility makes it perfect for meal prep or as a side dish at gatherings.
Serve it in a rustic bowl to complement the fresh ingredients and colorful presentation.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this salad visually appealing, but it is also packed with nutrients.
Quinoa is a great source of protein and dietary fiber, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
The variety of vegetables contributes essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health.
Final Touches
To enhance the dish further, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
These final touches can brighten the flavors and make the salad even more inviting.
Enjoy this colorful bowl as a main dish or a side, knowing it’s both delicious and nutritious!
A Wholesome Salad Full of Flavor
This quinoa and roasted vegetable salad features a blend of seasoned roasted veggies alongside fluffy quinoa. It’s refreshing, hearty, and bursting with flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly charred, stirring halfway through.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the roasted vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired. Enjoy warm or chilled.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
