Description
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad With Roasted Vegetables is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Fluffy quinoa is tossed with caramelized roasted zucchini, peppers, and onions, then brightened with lemon juice, fresh parsley, and briny olives. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, an easy dinner idea, or a refreshing vegetarian recipe, this one is endlessly versatile, gluten-free, and downright addictive. It’s one of those food ideas you’ll keep in your back pocket for quick meals and crowd-pleasing potlucks.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 zucchini, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Chop zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and halve cherry tomatoes. Spread them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
2. Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, juice of one lemon, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, chopped parsley, and olives. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
Always rinse quinoa to avoid bitterness and enhance flavor.
Let the roasted vegetables cool slightly before mixing to preserve freshness.
Add crumbled feta or chickpeas for extra protein and variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg