Authentic Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
A wholesome salad combining fluffy quinoa with caramelized roasted veggies. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (mediterranean, vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs quinoa, butternut squash cubes, red onion slices for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup butternut squash cubes
- 1/2 cup red onion slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 cup butternut squash cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup red onion slices, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the salad.
- Step 4: Top with 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and additional parsley, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Authentic Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
