Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Salad

A wholesome, protein-rich salad packed with roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty dressing — perfect for meal prep or a clean, balanced meal.

 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

 Base

• 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

 Roasted Vegetables

• 1 zucchini (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot (sliced)
• 1 small red onion (chunks)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper

 Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

 Nuts & Toppings

• ¼ cup almonds or walnuts (chopped)
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (optional for extra crunch)
• Fresh parsley or coriander

 Instructions

 1. Cook Quinoa

• Rinse quinoa well
• Boil with water (2:1 ratio)
• Simmer 12–15 minutes until fluffy
• Let it cool

 2. Roast Vegetables

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
• Toss veggies with olive oil, seasoning, salt & pepper
• Roast 20–25 minutes until slightly charred

 3. Make Dressing

• Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt & pepper

 4. Assemble

• In a bowl, combine:
  • cooked quinoa
  • roasted veggies
  • nuts & seeds
• Pour dressing and mix well

 5. Serve

• Garnish with fresh herbs
• Serve warm or chilled

 Nutrition Info (Approx per serving)

(based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 280–350 kcal
• Protein: 8–10g
• Fat: 14–18g
• Carbs: 30–35g
• Fiber: 5–7g

 Nut Info

Nuts Used:

• Almonds or walnuts (¼ cup total)

 Benefits:

•  Heart-healthy fats
•  Brain support (especially walnuts)
•  Adds crunch & satiety
•  Provides plant-based protein

 Allergy Info:

• Contains tree nuts
• Safe alternatives:
  • sunflower seeds
  • pumpkin seeds (already included option)
  • roasted chickpeas

 Health Benefits

•  Quinoa → complete protein (all 9 amino acids)
•  Veggies → fiber, vitamins, antioxidants
•  Olive oil → healthy fats
•  Nuts → energy + nutrient-dense

 Variations

 Vegan Version

• Already vegan (skip honey or replace with maple syrup)

 Protein Boost

• Add grilled chicken or tofu

 Spicy Version

• Add chili flakes or hot sauce

 Extra Creamy

• Add avocado slices

 Q&A Section

Q1: Why rinse quinoa?

 Removes bitterness (natural coating called saponin).

Q2: Can I make it ahead?

 Yes, perfect for meal prep — lasts 3–4 days in fridge.

Q3: Can I eat it cold?

 Yes, tastes great both cold and warm.

Q4: Can I skip roasting?

 Yes, but roasting adds deeper flavor and texture.

Q5: Is this good for weight loss?

 Yes — high fiber, filling, balanced nutrients.

 Pro Tips

• Let quinoa cool before mixing (prevents soggy salad)
• Don’t overcrowd veggies while roasting
• Add dressing just before serving for freshness

• Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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