Quinoa with Vegetables

Roasted vegetables don’t have to be the same ol’, same ol’ anymore. Our quinoa with roasted vegetable recipe pairs veggies, like eggplant and zucchini with garlic, quinoa and a wonderful homemade balsamic vinaigrette to tie everything together. As a superfood, quinoa is packed with a nutty flavor and all sorts of nutrition… even protein. This wonderful dish is one you’ll enjoy as leftovers and as a for whichever veggies are abundant and in season. No more leaving zucchini on your neighbors’ doorsteps!

Ingredients for Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables

• Eggplant, zucchini, sweet yellow pepper and red onion: Chop all of these vegetables ahead of time to compile the dish faster. When roasted, these vegetables provide lots of flavor. They’re also good sources of nutrients such as potassium, vitamins A and C and beta carotene.
• Grape tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes in half ahead of time. Grape tomatoes are high in vitamins A and C. If you can’t find grape tomatoes use cherry instead.
• Garlic: Chop the garlic cloves before assembling this dish. The garlic adds loads of umami.
• Chicken broth: Look for a reduced-sodium variety to cut down on sodium. The chicken broth adds savory flavor to the quinoa.
• Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar has a deep flavor that’s sometimes a little sweet and perfect for a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a spicy kick compared to prepared yellow mustard. It also helps the oil and vinegar mix in the dressing.
• Basil, parsley and chives: Use fresh versions of all three of these tasty seasonings and mince them in advance.

Directions 

Step 1: Roast the vegetables

Place all of the vegetables and the garlic in an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Bake uncovered at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until they’re tender, stirring once.

Step 2: Cook the quinoa

Meanwhile, bring the broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the quinoa and reduce the heat. Cover the pan and simmer the quinoa for 12 to 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove the pan from the heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork.

Step 3: Make the dressing

Transfer the vegetables and quinoa to a large bowl. Whisk the vinegar, mustard and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate bowl; drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the dish with minced fresh herbs and toss to combine.

Recipe Variations

• Add more garlic: If you enjoy the flavor of garlic, add at least 2 more minced garlic cloves to the dish.
• Indulge in sweet honey: Add a tablespoon or so of honey to the vinaigrette dressing to make it a little sweeter. The honey also helps the oil and vinegar blend.
• Switch vinegars: Use apple cider vinegar in place of the balsamic vinegar for a fruitier flavor.

How to Store Quinoa with Vegetables

When the quinoa dish cools, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy the leftovers within three to four days.

Can you make quinoa with vegetables ahead of time?

Sure! Don’t add the fresh herbs yet and keep the dish in an airtight container for up to a day before the serving time. Reheat it in a saucepan. The fresh herbs are best added once you’ve warmed up the food and are ready to serve it.

Quinoa with Vegetables Tips

Could I use different vegetables?

Feel free to swap some of the veggies or add more to the dish to your liking! Carrots and celery add color and crunch, while red or green bell peppers add vitamin C. If you’d like to spice things up a bit, dice up a little of your favorite hot pepper variety and add it to the dish.

What is quinoa, anyway?

Quinoa is an ancient food once enjoyed by the Incas. Although it’s technically a seed, it’s often treated as a grain. It’s a bit like a puffier couscous and has a somewhat nuttier flavor. Quinoa is a superfood that has twice the amount of fiber and protein than brown rice. It’s packed with other nutrients such as potassium, lysine, iron, magnesium and vitamin E. Check out our full guide to quinoa, which also has more quinoa recipes to try at home!

Could I add a protein?

Absolutely! Quinoa with vegetables is delicious as a side dish to a protein or  full meal-in-a-bowl if you add diced cooked chicken, flaked salmon or chunks of beef. It’s really quite versatile and a nice way to enjoy a supremely nutritious, always customizable dish!