Recipe for Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

 Let's dive into the detailed recipe for Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables:

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil)
• Lemon juice

Servings:

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa:

• Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water.
• In a saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed.
• Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Wash and chop assorted vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
• Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.

3. Roast the Vegetables:

• Spread the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
• Stir the vegetables halfway through the roasting time for even cooking.

4. Combine Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables.
• Toss gently to mix the flavors.

5. Dress the Salad:

• Drizzle the quinoa and roasted vegetables with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a burst of freshness.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables to a serving dish.
• Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs.
• Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences and what's in season.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile.
• For added protein, consider tossing in chickpeas, grilled chicken, or feta cheese.

Note:

• Adjust the quantities based on the number of servings needed.
• This quinoa salad is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish.