Balsamic-Roasted Vegetables with Herbed Quinoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An earthy mix of balsamic-roasted seasonal vegetables served atop fluffy quinoa infused with fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs carrot, zucchini, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 1 large peeled carrot sticks, 1 medium sliced zucchini, 1 cut red bell pepper, and 1 small red onion wedges with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized at the edges.
  3. Step 3: While vegetables roast, bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Remove quinoa from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and 1 tsp lemon zest for brightness.
  5. Step 5: Serve roasted vegetables spooned over a bed of herbed quinoa, garnishing with extra herbs if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Balsamic-Roasted Vegetables with Herbed Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Balsamic-Roasted Vegetables with Herbed Quinoa?

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 carrot from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Roasted Vegetables with Herbed Quinoa?

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 Balsamic-Roasted Vegetables with Herbed Quinoa 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.

What goes well with Balsamic-Roasted Vegetables with Herbed Quinoa?

Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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