Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this grilled veggie quinoa salad! It’s not just a salad; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures that’ll make your taste buds dance! Packed with colorful grilled veggies and fluffy quinoa, this dish is a powerhouse of nutrition and taste. I love how it’s so refreshing yet filling, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s plant-based and oh-so-healthy—think protein, fiber, and a rainbow of vitamins all in one bowl! Trust me, you’ll want to whip this up for your next meal!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious grilled veggie quinoa salad. I promise it’s simple and straightforward! Get your measuring cups ready!
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you love)
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for that perfect drizzle
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy!
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for freshness
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, to brighten it all up
How to Prepare Grilled Veggie Quinoa Salad
Now, let’s dive into making this fabulous grilled veggie quinoa salad! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, rinse your quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Next, in a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
- While that’s cooking, preheat your grill to medium heat. You want it nice and warm for those veggies.
- In a bowl, toss your diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well coated!
- Grill the veggies for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re tender and have those lovely grill marks.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it cool for a few minutes before combining.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa, grilled veggies, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Give it a good toss to combine everything!
- And voila! Your grilled veggie quinoa salad is ready to serve. Enjoy it warm or cold, whichever you prefer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a colorful, nutritious dish that’s visually stunning on any table.
- Loaded with protein and fiber, making it filling and satisfying.
- Perfect for meal prep—enjoy it warm or cold throughout the week.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable with your favorite seasonal veggies—get creative!
- Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty kick that brightens every bite.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my go-to tips to make sure your grilled veggie quinoa salad turns out absolutely perfect every time! First, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa—this step is crucial for removing any bitterness. If you want those veggies to have that perfect char, make sure your grill is preheated before you toss them on. Also, feel free to experiment with different veggies based on what’s in season; it’ll keep things fresh and exciting! Lastly, let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving—it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your vibrant creation!
Nutritional Information Section
Okay, let’s talk numbers! This grilled veggie quinoa salad is not only delicious but also packed with goodness. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 1g, Unsaturated Fat: 7g)
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g (Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 3g)
- Sodium: 10mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients. Enjoy this nutritious bowl of happiness!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this grilled veggie quinoa salad? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! If you’re not a quinoa fan, try using brown rice, farro, or even couscous. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How long will leftovers last?
Your salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good toss before serving again!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually great for meal prep. Just store the components separately and combine them right before serving for the freshest taste.
What can I add for extra protein?
For a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas, black beans, or grilled chicken. They’ll pair perfectly with the flavors!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It holds up well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Enjoy it throughout the week!
For more information on the health benefits of quinoa, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, visit our blog for inspiration!
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Grilled Veggie Quinoa Salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and healthy grilled veggie quinoa salad packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill veggies for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- Combine quinoa, grilled veggies, parsley, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Toss to mix and serve.
Notes
- Use seasonal vegetables for best flavor.
- This salad can be served warm or cold.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: grilled veggie quinoa salad, healthy salad, quinoa recipe