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There are few dishes as vibrant and satisfying as a quinoa salad, especially one brimming with caramelized roasted vegetables. This quick & easy quinoa salad with roasted vegetables is a go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a colorful potluck contribution. With its balance of nutty quinoa, savory roasted veggies, and a light, zesty dressing, it’s a dish that tastes just as good as it looks.

What makes this salad a staple in my kitchen is its versatility. You can serve it warm or chilled, it packs well for lunches, and it plays nicely with proteins if you’re looking to bulk it up. It’s gluten-free, naturally vegan, and incredibly customizable based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. The flavors come alive with every bite, thanks to the roasted garlic undertones and herb-forward vinaigrette.

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

This dish is the perfect mix of convenience and nutrition. Quinoa cooks up in under 20 minutes and provides a solid base of plant-based protein. Roasted vegetables bring in hearty textures and sweet, smoky depth. The dressing ties it all together with a tangy kick that enhances every ingredient without overpowering.

It’s ideal for those days when you want something nourishing but don’t have the energy for something complicated. You can make this ahead, double the batch, or enjoy it fresh with minimal effort. It also fits into nearly any dietary lifestyle, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or friendly gatherings.

What Vegetables Work Best for Roasting?

While you can get creative with your veggie choices, some stars stand out for this salad. Think bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and sweet potatoes for their color, sweetness, and ability to caramelize. Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts also add a wonderful bite. If you’re short on time, even pre-chopped or frozen veggies work fine—just make sure they’re roasted until golden and tender.

Ingredients for the Quick & Easy Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and flexibility. Each ingredient brings something important to the table, and together, they create a deliciously balanced meal.

Quinoa provides the protein-rich, fluffy base that absorbs all the flavors of the dressing and vegetables.

Bell peppers add sweetness and a burst of color once roasted to perfection.

Zucchini brings in moisture and mild flavor, making the salad feel more filling.

Red onion caramelizes beautifully and adds a mild, sweet bite.

Cherry tomatoes roast quickly and pop with juicy tanginess.

Olive oil is essential for roasting and for adding richness to the dressing.

Garlic intensifies flavor when roasted and gives the dish a warm depth.

Lemon juice offers freshness and a citrusy zing that brightens everything.

Dijon mustard adds sharpness and binds the vinaigrette.

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil introduce brightness and herbal notes.

Salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors and balance the dish.

How To Make the Quick & Easy Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are slightly charred and the centers are tender.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

While the vegetables are roasting, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Cook it in 2 cups of water (or broth for extra flavor) over medium heat until the liquid is absorbed and the grains are fluffy, about 15 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced roasted garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir in finely chopped herbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm quinoa and roasted vegetables. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm or chilled.

How to Serve and Store This Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

This quinoa salad makes about 4 servings as a main dish or up to 6 as a side. You can enjoy it fresh out of the mixing bowl while it’s warm, or chill it for a cool, refreshing lunch the next day. It keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better as the flavors meld.

For meal prep, divide it into jars or containers and add a scoop of protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta if you like. It travels well and makes an excellent office or picnic lunch.

What to Serve With Quinoa Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Add extra protein with simple herb-marinated grilled chicken skewers that pair perfectly with the fresh tang of the quinoa salad.

Baked Falafel

Crispy baked falafel adds texture and earthy spices that make this a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Creamy Hummus & Pita

Serve a scoop of hummus on the side with warm pita for dipping and complementing the salad’s vibrant notes.

Roasted Salmon

A fillet of roasted or grilled salmon brings healthy fats and a satisfying richness to balance the light salad.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Use the quinoa salad as a filling for roasted bell peppers for a creative twist on a veggie-forward meal.

Garlic Bread

For something simple and comforting, pair this dish with toasted garlic bread or flatbread.

Lentil Soup

A warm, spiced lentil soup makes this a cozy and wholesome dinner combo.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this colorful and filling salad, you might enjoy these other veggie-rich and flavor-packed ideas:

• Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes for a fresh and tangy summer option.
• Apple Salad with crunchy textures and a creamy dressing.
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Avgolemono if you’re in the mood for a warm but zesty dish.
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad with a comforting twist and bold flavor.
• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for something heartier with bright citrus notes.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest lunch or healthy board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in any extra veggies? Maybe feta or avocado? I love hearing your spins on my recipes.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for fresh flavors!

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