"How to Make a Delicious Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables for a Refreshing Summer Vibe"

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables is a healthy, flavorful, and vibrant dish, perfect as a main course or a side. Here's a simple recipe with tips and tricks to make it delicious every time.

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• Dish name: Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

• Cuisine: International

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

• Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 zucchini, cubed

• 1 bell pepper, roughly chopped

• 1 red onion, roughly chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup olive oil (divided)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

3. Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes with half of the olive oil, all the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet.

4. Roast the vegetables in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender and starting to brown.

5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the roasted vegetables, parsley, basil, lemon juice, and the remaining olive oil. Toss to mix well.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.

7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Tricks:

• Quinoa Preparation: To get rid of quinoa's natural bitterness, rinse it under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer before cooking.

• Vegetable Choice: Use a mix of your favorite seasonal vegetables for variety in flavor and color.

• Roasting Evenness: Cut vegetables into even sizes to ensure they roast evenly.

• Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a burst of fresh flavors.

• Dressing Balance: When seasoning your salad, start with less; you can always add more, but you can't take it out.

• Resting the Salad: Letting the salad rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together.

• Quinoa to Vegetable Ratio: For a heartier salad, you can add more quinoa, or for more veggies per bite, increase the amount of vegetables.

• Serving Options: This salad can be customized with additional elements like feta cheese, sliced avocado, nuts, or seeds for added texture and nutrients.

This Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables is not only tasty but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a wonderful healthy meal option for any day.