Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad Recipe

Urvashee Patel | Dessarts

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad gets even better as it sits. A side dish you'll return to again and again!

Like most people who like to cook and entertain, I have some recipes that are my go-to choices that work with almost any menu.

Ina Garten’s orzo with roasted vegetables is one of those top items. It works for summer barbeques, office potlucks, and appetizer salads for any party.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad Photo

While I love orzo, I’ve recently been making a new low calorie, higher protein version with quinoa that is equally satisfying.

Let me tell you, this roasted vegetable quinoa salad has been a huge party hit.

The best part about it is that you can make it the day before. We all know how important that is when you are making food for a large party!

In fact, I think it tastes better the next day because all that flavor gets to soak into the quinoa.

The last time I made this was over the holidays as part of my white elephant and cookie swap party.

Not only did I pull off making 4 different types of cookies but also a full course vegetarian menu — all for a Friday night!

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad Picture

I went with Italian that night so this salad fit in nicely with it’s roasted vegetables and lemon basil flavors.

I also made my spinach artichoke dip and eggplant Parmesan a day ahead so it made my Friday afternoon a breeze!

Once you try this recipe out, it will become your new go to recipe too! Even if your guests are not a fan of quinoa, they will enjoy it.

Trust me, there is so much flavor from the rest of the ingredients they won’t mind the quinoa.

I’ve tried it out on the pickiest family eaters and it was 100% approved. It’s also great for anyone looking for tasty gluten-free options. 

Did I get you excited to plan ahead for your next party menu? Let me leave you with one time saving quinoa tip.

While you are making this fantastic roasted vegetable quinoa salad why not make extra quinoa and use it in other recipes for the rest of your week?

That’s right, a large batch of plain quinoa can be saved and used for all kinds of quick meals.

Save some for a lunch salad or plan to make these quinoa veggie burrito bowls for a quick weeknight dinner.

Are you tired of the dinner routine?

Stuck in a rut or looking for fun new recipes to try?

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Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad Recipe

    8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Quinoa
  • 1 small Eggplant, 3/4 inch diced
  • 1 Red Pepper, 1 inch diced
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, 1 inch diced
  • 1 Red Onion, 1 inch diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 2/3 cup Olive Oil, Divided
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Salt, Divided
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, Divided
  • 1/3 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 4 Scallions, Thinly sliced
  • 15-20 Fresh Basil Leaves, Cut julienne
  • 8 ounces Fat Free Crumbled Feta

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Rinse and drain the quinoa thoroughly. In a medium pot, combine the quinoa with 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook until all the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. The grains should be soft when done.
  3. When the quinoa is done transfer it to a large bowl to allow it to cool and let extra steam escape.
  4. On a large sheet pan, toss the eggplant, peppers, onion, and garlic with 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. The vegetables should all be oil-coated.
  5. Roast in the oven for 40 minutes or until soft and browned. Turn the veggies halfway through with a spatula. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  7. Combine the quinoa, vegetables and dressing into a large bowl and gently toss to mix in the dressing. Add the scallions, feta and basil.
  8. Serve at room temperature or chilled. 

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Source: Adapted from Ina Garten
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Adapted from Ina Garten
Category:
Salads
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Related Recipes:
Vegetarian Recipes, Salad Recipes, Quinoa Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, Vegetable Recipes, Cheese Recipes
Recipe Yields:
8 servings
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Cook Time:
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Published:
Author: Urvashee Patel
Source: Adapted from Ina Garten
Recipe Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 162
Calories 380

% Daily Value*
31%
Total Fat 20g
13%
  Saturated Fat 3g
42%
Sodium 997mg
11%
Total Carbohydrate 33g
4%
  Dietary Fiber 3g
  Sugars 2g
26%
Protein 13g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.
Urvashee Patel

About Urvashee

Urvashee blogs about delectable desserts on her blog, Dessarts. Lucky for us, she's sharing her delectable vegetarian dishes too as a Vegetarian Fanatic.

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