Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet

Name: Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet
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 carrot, diced; 1 red onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet for its vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients. The combination of perfectly roasted vegetables and fluffy quinoa creates a filling meal that's both nutritious and satisfying. It's a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, as it comes together easily in one skillet. Plus, I can customize the veggies based on what I have on hand, making it not just delicious, but also versatile. This dish is a great way to incorporate more veggies into my diet while enjoying every bite.

Created by

Marianne Hughes

Last updated on 2026-01-18T04:10:15.785Z

When I first made this Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet, I was surprised at how delicious and filling it turned out. The key is to roast the vegetables just enough so that they caramelize slightly, bringing out their natural sweetness. I often toss in zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, but feel free to mix and match based on seasonal produce.

One of my best tips is to cook the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water. It adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the roasted veggies beautifully, making this dish not just healthy but truly satisfying.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Nutritious and colorful vegetables packed in one dish
Fluffy quinoa that soaks up all the delicious flavors
Easily customizable according to your taste and seasonal veggies
Quick and easy cleanup with just one skillet

      

Ingredient Spotlight: Quinoa

Quinoa is a fantastic base for this Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet due to its unique texture and nutritional profile. This ancient grain is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, which is especially important for vegetarian diets. When rinsed properly, quinoa develops a fluffy texture that allows it to absorb the robust flavors of the roasted vegetables. Be sure to cook it in vegetable broth instead of water to enhance its flavor, and fluff it gently after cooking for the best results.

An integral technique when cooking quinoa is to maintain a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid. This ensures perfect cooking every time. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can toast the quinoa in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding it to the broth. This step is not mandatory, but it adds depth to the overall taste of the dish.

Versatile Vegetable Choices

One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility. While bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and red onions are fantastic choices, you can easily swap them out for seasonal or preferred vegetables. For instance, try adding asparagus or cherry tomatoes in the spring, or roasted butternut squash in the fall. If you're looking for extra greens, cook some chopped spinach or kale alongside the quinoa during its final few minutes of cooking. This will not only enhance the dish visually but also boost its nutritional value.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with different flavors by incorporating herbs and spices. Adding thyme or rosemary to the vegetable mix before roasting can infuse the dish with aromatic notes. If you enjoy a touch of heat, consider sprinkling in some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when combining the quinoa and vegetables.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet is a great meal prep option. You can prepare the quinoa and roast the vegetables ahead of time, storing each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat them together in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This saves time and allows you to enjoy a hearty meal on a busy weeknight without the hassle of cooking from scratch.

If you're looking to extend the dish's shelf life, consider freezing it. Portion the skillet into containers and freeze for up to three months. When reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a skillet. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth to prevent it from drying out, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying meal every time.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the diced bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Combine and Serve

In a large skillet, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables. Stir well over medium heat until heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for an additional flavor boost. Fresh parsley or basil make great garnishes!

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with various accompaniments. A dollop of homemade tzatziki or a sprinkle of feta cheese can add a creamy element that complements the roasted veggies beautifully. For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas, which pair well with the quinoa and enhance its heartiness without overpowering the dish.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, serving the dish with toasted nuts like slivered almonds or pine nuts can provide a delightful texture contrast. Finally, a simple side salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette can brighten the meal, making it even more satisfying and refreshing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your quinoa comes out gummy or overly sticky, this is usually due to excess moisture. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove the natural saponins, which can cause bitterness as well as clumping. Using a fine-mesh strainer is ideal for this task, and ensuring a good 1:2 liquid-to-quinoa ratio will set you up for success, producing fluffy grains that won't stick together.

On the vegetable side, if your roasted veggies don't develop a caramelization or browning, it could be due to overcrowding the baking sheet. Ensure that the veggies are spread out in a single layer with space in between to allow air circulation. A good rule of thumb is to use a large baking sheet and keep it half full or less. This will give you beautifully roasted vegetables that are tender and flavorful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! You can use any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Just ensure that they are similar in cooking time.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Yes, this Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet is completely vegan and is packed with nutrients.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

→ Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.