Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa

Name: Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 yellow squash, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Simple Cooking

I absolutely love making Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa as a nutritious and vibrant dish that brings together the best of fresh vegetables and wholesome grains. Every bite bursts with flavor, thanks to a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. I often serve it as a hearty main course or a delightful side dish, and it’s perfect for meal prep. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a favorite in my household for its delicious health benefits and ease of preparation.

Created by

Willow Harries

Last updated on 2026-01-15T18:45:35.194Z

I remember the first time I made Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa; the aroma filled my kitchen and told me I was in for a real treat. I experimented with various vegetables and herbs I had on hand, which resulted in a colorful and flavorful dish that my family adored. The trick is to roast the veggies to a perfect caramelization that brings out their natural sweetness.

This recipe is flexible—feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables, but be sure to include a mix of colors for that appealing presentation. I learned to let the quinoa absorb all the flavors from the herbs, which makes every mouthful memorable. Cooking it with vegetable broth adds depth and richness that elevate the dish.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bursting with vibrant flavors and colors from fresh roasted vegetables
Packed with protein and nutrients from quinoa and herbs
Easily customizable for different dietary preferences

      

The Role of Quinoa

Quinoa is the star of this dish, serving as a protein-rich base that not only provides a hearty texture but also absorbs the flavors of the roasted vegetables and herbs beautifully. Known for its nutty flavor and fluffy consistency, it's essential to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any bitter saponins. When cooked, the quinoa should be light and fluffy, indicating that it's been prepared properly. If you notice any crunchy grains, you may need to add a splash more broth and simmer for an additional minute or two.

For a more flavorful quinoa, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought. This allows you to control the saltiness and enhance the overall taste of the dish. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, quinoa is naturally gluten-free and an excellent choice. Additionally, it can be easily scaled up; just maintain the 1:2 quinoa to broth ratio for cooking.

Perfectly Roasting Vegetables

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavors through caramelization. Make sure to cut your vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. For example, dice the bell pepper and zucchini into about half-inch pieces so they roast through in the same amount of time. If some vegetables tend to brown faster, such as cherry tomatoes, consider adding them midway through the roasting time to prevent them from becoming mushy.

While you're roasting, keep an eye on the vegetables. They should become tender and slightly charred on the edges within 20 minutes. If they seem to be cooking too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Always make sure to toss the vegetables halfway through for even roasting.

Ingredients

For the Quinoa

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Roasted Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the diced bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Toss to coat. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until they're tender and lightly caramelized.

Combine

Once the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are roasted, fluff the quinoa with a fork. In a large bowl, mix the quinoa and roasted vegetables together. Add fresh parsley, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

Try adding some feta cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice to elevate the flavors even more. You can also swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability to keep the dish fresh and exciting.

Serving Suggestions

Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa can shine as a main dish or a side. For a complete meal, add a protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu, which complements the dish's vibrant flavors. This recipe also works wonderfully as a salad base; serve it chilled with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing summer option.

Consider garnishing your dish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor. A drizzle of balsamic reduction can elevate the dish further, adding a tangy sweetness that balances the savory vegetables.

Storage and Meal Prep

This Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa is perfect for meal prep. To make ahead, store cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will last for about 3 to 5 days. When you're ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or reheat it in a microwave for a quick meal.

If you want to freeze this dish, ensure that the quinoa and vegetables are completely cool before transferring them to freezer-safe bags. This will help maintain the texture. Reheating frozen portions in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water will help retain moisture and prevent drying out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth as per the recipe, this dish is completely vegan.

→ How long does leftover quinoa last in the fridge?

Leftover quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa?

Yes, you can freeze the quinoa and vegetables. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

You can use any vegetables you like, such as asparagus, carrots, or broccoli. Just ensure they have similar cooking times for even roasting.