Quinoa with Roasted Rainbow Vegetables
Colorful veggies are roasted to perfection, then combined with quinoa and garlic-balsamic dressing. Easy to prepare and great made ahead of time!
AuthorKaitlin - The Garden Grazer
Prep Time:20 minutes mins
Cook Time:25 minutes mins
Total Time:45 minutes mins
CourseMain Dish, Side Dish
CuisineGluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
Servings6 medium bowls
- 1 cup white quinoa (uncooked)
- 12 oz. asparagus
- 2 bell peppers (I use 1 orange + 1 yellow)
- 1 small red onion
- 12 oz. cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
- 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt to taste
For the garlic-balsamic dressing:
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.*
Cut asparagus into about 1 1/2-inch pieces, woody ends removed. Cut bell peppers and onion into 3/4 to 1 inch squares. Place on baking sheet. Add cherry tomatoes. Salt if desired.
Place in oven and roast for 25 minutes, or desired tenderness.
Meanwhile, cook the quinoa: Place 1 cup quinoa (rinsed and drained) in a small saucepan with 1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a light boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and set aside.
When quinoa is done cooking, immediately place in a large bowl and toss with spinach. (The heat from the quinoa will lightly wilt the spinach.)
Pour dressing over quinoa and mix well to combine. Add roasted vegetables and stir.
Salt to taste (or add fresh basil, or a splash more balsamic if desired). Great served warm or chilled.
*For oil-free roasting: Place a sheet of parchment paper (or Silpat) on the baking pan. Feel free to roast with a drizzle of oil if you prefer, however.
Onions: If you're not a fan of onions, you can omit or replace with another vegetable. (They're fairly strong in this recipe.)
Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley is a flavorful addition as well.
Calories: 152 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Potassium: 547 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin A: 2422 IU | Vitamin C: 70 mg | Calcium: 50 mg | Iron: 3 mg