Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe with Roasted Vegetables and Lemon Vinaigrette

Quinoa is a superfood that's high in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. It's also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. In this easy quinoa salad recipe, we combine roasted vegetables and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to create a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion.

This quinoa salad is not only healthy and nutritious, but it's also incredibly flavorful thanks to the combination of roasted vegetables and zesty lemon vinaigrette. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and flavor, and you can easily customize the recipe to include your favorite veggies.

One of the great things about this salad is that it's very versatile. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or make it the main course by adding some protein like chickpeas, tofu, or grilled shrimp. You can also switch up the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Try adding some cherry tomatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled eggplant for a different twist.

In addition to being delicious, this quinoa salad is also very filling and satisfying. The quinoa provides a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, which will keep you feeling full and energized for hours. It's also low in calories and fat, making it a great option if you're watching your weight.

Overall, this easy quinoa salad recipe with roasted vegetables and lemon vinaigrette is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Ingredients

1. 1 cup quinoa
2. 2 cups water or vegetable broth
3. 1 red bell pepper, chopped
4. 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
5. 1 zucchini, chopped
6. 1 red onion, chopped
7. 2 tablespoons olive oil
8. 1 teaspoon salt
9. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
11. 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
12. 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

1. 1/4 cup olive oil
2. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3. 1 garlic clove, minced
4. 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. In a large bowl, toss the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they're tender and lightly charred.
3. While the vegetables are roasting, rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth.
5. Bring the quinoa to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan.
6. Simmer the quinoa for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove the quinoa from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the Lemon Vinaigrette.
9. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, chopped fresh parsley, basil, and mint.
10. Drizzle the Lemon Vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
11. Serve the Easy Quinoa Salad warm or chilled, garnished with extra chopped fresh herbs if desired.

This Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe with Roasted Vegetables and Lemon Vinaigrette is a healthy and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The quinoa provides a good source of protein and fiber, while the roasted veggies are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. The lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty and tangy flavor to the dish, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal.

You can also customize this quinoa salad recipe to your liking by adding or substituting other veggies or herbs. For example, you could use roasted sweet potatoes instead of bell peppers, or add some chopped cilantro or dill for extra flavor.

In conclusion, this Easy Quinoa Salad Recipe with Roasted Vegetables and Lemon Vinaigrette is a simple and nutritious dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor. Give it a try and see how delicious healthy eating can be!