Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bake

Name: Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bake on busy weeknights when I need a nutritious meal that comes together quickly. The combination of roasted vegetables and protein-packed quinoa makes this dish not only delicious but also satisfying. Plus, it's incredibly versatile, allowing me to use whatever vegetables I have on hand. In under an hour, I can whip up a wholesome dinner that the whole family enjoys, and the leftovers are even better the next day for lunch!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:04:22.266Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy and flavorful it turned out! Roasting the vegetables beforehand bolds their natural sweetness, and combining them with quinoa creates a hearty and nutritious dish that feels comforting. I recommend using seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture.

One of my favorite tips is to toss the cooked quinoa with a splash of lemon juice and fresh herbs before layering it in the baking dish. This elevates the overall taste and makes every bite exciting! If you're looking for ways to customize it, adding protein like chickpeas or shredded cheese can make it even more fulfilling.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and filling with a perfect balance of flavors
Easy to customize based on seasonal vegetables
Great for meal prep and delicious as leftovers

      

Choosing Your Vegetables

The beauty of this Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bake lies in its versatility. You can use whatever vegetables you have available or are in season. While bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli give it a nice color and texture, other great options include carrots, spinach, or sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables may require a slightly longer roasting time to achieve that tender, caramelized finish.

When preparing your vegetables, aim for uniform cuts to ensure even cooking. Diced vegetables should be about 1-inch in size. This allows them to roast thoroughly without becoming mushy. If you're using more water-rich vegetables like tomatoes, consider reducing their quantities slightly to avoid too much moisture in the bake.

Perfecting Your Quinoa

Quinoa is a fantastic base for this dish, bringing both protein and fiber. It’s crucial to rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove the natural saponins that can lead to a bitter taste. This step enhances its nutty flavor and makes the final dish more palatable. I find that using a fine mesh strainer works best for this task.

To ensure your quinoa has a light and fluffy texture, avoid stirring it too much while it cooks. Once the liquid is absorbed, let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This simple technique helps to separate the grains and avoid clumping, resulting in a more desirable texture in your bake.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious bake:

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to properly measure the quinoa and broth for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roast the Vegetables

In a bowl, toss the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Cook the Quinoa

While the vegetables are roasting, rinse the quinoa and combine it with vegetable broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

Combine Everything

Once the quinoa and roasted veggies are ready, mix them in a large bowl. Stir in cheese if using, and then transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese and combine the flavors.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving and enjoy your nourishing bake!

Allow the bake to cool slightly before portioning to serve.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and spices to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix.

Storage and Reheating

This Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bake is an excellent option for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to freeze it, portion the bake into individual servings and freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Just ensure they are labeled with the date for easy tracking.

When reheating, you can simply pop the portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If the bake seems a bit dry, adding a splash of broth or olive oil before reheating can help restore moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or as a hearty side. To elevate the meal further, consider serving it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra creaminess and tang. Pairing it with a simple green salad can also add a refreshing contrast to the warm baked quinoa.

For a touch of spice, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also enhance the flavors, providing an aromatic finish to your nourishing bake. Feel free to experiment with toppings to suit your taste!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Just omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze this quinoa bake?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

→ What other grains can I use instead of quinoa?

You can substitute cooked rice, farro, or even couscous if you prefer.