Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad Recipe
A wholesome Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad featuring caramelized mixed vegetables and fluffy quinoa, tossed with fresh parsley, lemon juice, and optionally topped with creamy feta cheese. This dish is a perfect balanced meal that's flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Roasted Vegetables
- 2 cups assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and red onion), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad Finishing
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Roast vegetables: Toss the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook quinoa: While vegetables roast, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with roasted vegetables, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Toss gently to blend flavors evenly.
- Add feta and serve: Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese if using, and serve warm or at room temperature for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water for a lighter flavor.
- Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand for the roasting step.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated.
- If you prefer extra lemon flavor, add additional lemon zest or juice as desired.
