Quinoa and Veggie Nirvana: A Flavorful Vegan Bowl

This Quinoa and Veggie Nirvana bowl is a delightful, nutritious, and vegan-friendly dish that packs a punch of flavors and textures. It combines the protein-rich qualities of quinoa with a medley of roasted vegetables, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for any time of the day.

Ingredients ###

For the Quinoa:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 tsp salt

For the Roasted Vegetables:
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 zucchini, chopped
– 1 yellow squash, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 red onion, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions ###

1. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the veggies evenly. Spread the veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Bowl: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.

5. Serve: Divide the quinoa and veggie nirvana into bowls. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and wholesome meal!