Healthy Dinner Roasted Veggie Quinoa Plate

Name: Healthy Dinner Roasted Veggie Quinoa Plate
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 bell peppers, diced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 carrot, sliced; 1 red onion, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Smart Ideas

I’ve fallen in love with this Healthy Dinner Roasted Veggie Quinoa Plate! It combines the earthy flavors of roasted vegetables with the wholesome goodness of quinoa, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. Prep time is minimal, and the oven does all the work, transforming the veggies into caramelized bites of deliciousness. I love how customizable it is — feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal produce. It’s a delicious and nutritious way to end the day while still feeling good about what I eat.

Created by

Frederica Houghton

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:37:38.115Z

When I first made this dish, I couldn’t believe how simple yet flavorful it turned out to be. Roasting the vegetables at high heat brings out their natural sweetness and creates a wonderful depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. I usually toss a variety of seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is evenly coated for that perfect roast.

One of the best tips I can share is to keep an eye on the quinoa while it cooks. It’s easy to forget about, but achieving that fluffy texture is key. I also love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten everything up. This dish is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Colorful and vibrant presentation that appeals to the eyes and palate
Packed with nutrients from an array of fresh vegetables
Easily customizable with your favorite seasonal veggies or spices

      

Understanding Quinoa

Quinoa is not only a nutritious grain but also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarian and vegan diets. When preparing quinoa, rinsing is crucial; it removes the saponins that can give a bitter flavor. I always rinse my quinoa thoroughly under cold water for about 2 minutes, then drain it well before cooking.

The cooking ratio of quinoa to liquid is typically 1:2. While vegetable broth adds flavor, you can use water if you prefer a lighter taste. After the quinoa simmers, it’s essential to let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing; this helps it become light and airy, preventing it from being mushy.

Perfectly Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavors through caramelization. For the best results, ensure your veggies are cut into uniform sizes to achieve even cooking. I recommend aiming for bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick, which will roast perfectly in the oven at 400°F. Don't overcrowd your baking sheet; this allows for proper air circulation, leading to beautifully caramelized edges.

When tossing vegetables in olive oil and seasonings, ensure they are well coated but not drenched. A light coating will allow for crispiness rather than a soggy texture. If you're looking for more variety, adding vegetables like sweet potatoes or eggplants works wonderfully here, just note that these may require additional roasting time.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious roasted veggie quinoa plate:

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
2 bell peppers, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 red onion, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley for garnish

With these ingredients, you can enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your roasted veggie quinoa plate:

Prepare the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the diced bell peppers, zucchini, carrot, and red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread in a single layer and roast for about 25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Combine and Serve

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the roasted vegetables. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and toss gently. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful and healthy dinner!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika to the vegetables before roasting. This dish also pairs beautifully with protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This roasted veggie quinoa plate is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook a large batch of quinoa and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to separate the cooked quinoa from the roasted vegetables to maintain their texture. I usually store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.

If you want to freeze this dish, allow the quinoa and vegetables to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

The Healthy Dinner Roasted Veggie Quinoa Plate is incredibly versatile! Feel free to top it with your favorite protein to make it more filling, like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese can add a creamy richness that complements the dish remarkably well.

For a kick of flavor, try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika to the vegetable mixture before roasting. Fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, can also elevate the dish. A drizzle of balsamic reduction or tahini sauce adds a gourmet touch to your plate, making it visually appealing and unforgettable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quinoa and roasted veggies ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly for denser veggies.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the roasted veggie quinoa plate for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.