Okay, so you know how sometimes you just CRAVE something healthy, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? I totally get that! That’s why I’m SO excited to share my go-to recipe: a super simple and totally delicious Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights and meal prepping. As a home cook who’s been playing around in the kitchen for years, I am telling you, this bowl is the bomb. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and, of course, loaded with all the good stuff your body needs to thrive! It’s one of my favorite healthy eating solutions.
Why You’ll Love This Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl
Listen, you’re gonna ADORE this Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl! First off, it’s a breeze to whip up – like, 15 minutes of prep kinda easy. Secondly, the flavors are AMAZING, all warm and roasty and delicious. Plus, it’s seriously good for you, loaded with vitamins and protein to keep you feeling full and energized. And the best part? You can totally make it your own with whatever veggies or toppings you’re craving. Win-win-win!
Ingredients for Your Delicious Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl
Alright, let’s get down to business and talk ingredients for this yummy Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl! You won’t believe how simple this is. You’ll need 1 cup of uncooked quinoa – I like the tricolor kind for a little extra visual pizzazz, but whatever you have works! Two cups of vegetable broth, a red bell pepper (chopped, obvi!), a zucchini (also chopped!), about a cup of broccoli florets, and half a red onion, chopped.
Don’t forget the olive oil, salt, and pepper – to taste, of course! Then comes the protein power: 1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas, rinsed and drained. And if you’re feeling fancy (and I always am!), some feta cheese or avocado for topping! Trust me, it takes it to the next level!
How to Make the Perfect Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl
Okay, cooking this Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl is ridiculously easy, I promise! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time. It’s all about prepping everything first, then letting the oven do its thing. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it, step by step. You got this!
Preparing the Quinoa
First up, we tackle the quinoa. You’ll want to give it a good rinse under cold water – it helps get rid of any bitterness. Then, in a saucepan, combine your rinsed quinoa with the vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Easy peasy!
Roasting the Vegetables
Next up, it’s roasting time! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a big bowl, toss your chopped bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli florets, and red onion with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything’s coated nicely, so they roast evenly. Spread those beauties on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and maybe have a little char on the edges – yum! If you want to roast your chickpeas be sure that is added for the last 10 minutes, but it’s optional.
Assembling Your Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl
Alright, the fun part! Once the quinoa is cooked and the veggies are roasted, it’s time to build your bowl. Start with a base of fluffy quinoa. Then, pile on those gorgeous roasted veggies and chickpeas. And finally, if you’re feeling extra, crumble some feta cheese on top, or add a few slices of creamy avocado. Boom! You’ve got yourself a gorgeous, delicious, and healthy Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl ready to eat! Enjoy!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, let’s chat about a few of the ingredients in this Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl and maybe swap some things around! Quinoa is awesome because it’s a complete protein, meaning it has all the essential amino acids. Plus, it cooks up fast and has a slightly nutty flavor that I just love. If you’re not a quinoa fan (gasp!), you could totally sub in brown rice, farro, or even couscous.
As for the veggies, think of this as a blank canvas! I usually go for red bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli because they roast up beautifully, but honestly, anything goes. Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots… the possibilities are endless. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand or whatever looks good at the market!
Tips for Success with Your Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl
Okay, you want this Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl to be EPIC, right? Trust me, I get it! My biggest tip? Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Seriously, salt and pepper are your friends, but feel free to get creative with herbs and spices too. A little garlic powder or some dried oregano can make a HUGE difference. Also, don’t overcrowd the veggies on the baking sheet; if you do, they’ll steam instead of roast. And finally, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning and add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for an extra pop of flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Okay, so listen – this Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl is PERFECT for meal prepping! You can totally get everything prepped ahead of time. Roast the veggies and cook the quinoa on Sunday, and then just assemble your bowls throughout the week. It’s such a time saver!
As for storage, all the components will keep really well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store the quinoa and veggies separately from any toppings, especially the avocado, to keep everything fresh. Reheating is easy-peasy too! You can pop the bowls in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm them up slightly in a skillet. Trust me, it’s a game changer for busy weeks!
Variations on the Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl
Okay, let’s get those creative juices flowing! This Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl is like a culinary playground – feel free to mix and match to your heart’s content! The veggie options are truly endless! Try sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even some roasted cauliflower. If you’re looking for different protein sources, toss in some grilled chicken, tofu, or maybe some lentils instead of the chickpeas.
A little drizzle of a homemade lemon-tahini dressing or a simple balsamic vinaigrette kicks things up a notch. And don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro totally brightens things up. Go wild, have fun, and make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, I know you probably have some questions about this amazing Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl and that’s okay! I’ve been there, done that, and I’m happy to help. Here are some of the most common questions I get, plus all the answers to make sure your bowl is a total success. Don’t worry, even the easiest recipes can have some questions, but I’ve got you covered!
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! The beauty of this Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl is that you can totally swap out the veggies for whatever you’re craving or have on hand. Don’t like broccoli? Use some bell peppers instead! Or try roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or even some yummy mushrooms. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the variety – your taste buds will thank you!
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No veggie broth? No problem! You can totally use water instead. Your Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl will still be delicious! If you have some bouillon cubes or vegetable broth granules, you can always dissolve those in water for a little extra flavor punch. A little bit of salt and even a bay leaf while cooking the quinoa can really help enhance the flavor if you have it!
How can I add more protein?
Want to amp up the protein even more in your Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl? Easy peasy! You can add some grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. Or, skip the chickpeas and add some lentils, black beans, or edamame. Tofu or tempeh are also great, plant-based options, that bring different textures to the bowl and make it a versatile winner!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a heads-up, the nutritional information for this Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl is just an estimate. It can change depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind!
Print
Protein-Packed Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Bowl
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and filling bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a protein source.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- Optional: feta cheese or avocado for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the quinoa. Cook it in vegetable broth according to package directions.
- In a bowl, toss the bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- If using, roast the chickpeas for the last 10 minutes of the vegetables’ cooking time.
- Assemble the bowls: Place quinoa in the bottom. Top with roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Add feta cheese or avocado if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute any vegetables you like.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
