Harissa-Roasted Vegetable Medley with Quinoa
A vibrant mix of roasted vegetables and protein-packed quinoa, infused with smoky harissa and fresh herbs for a satisfying plant-based meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs quinoa, medium (250g) butternut squash, large red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 medium (250g) butternut squash
- 1 large red onion
- 2 (150g total) bell peppers
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 cup quinoa with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 minced garlic clove. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, dice butternut squash into 1-inch cubes, slice red onion into wedges, and cut bell peppers into strips. Toss vegetables with 2 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Spread on a second baking sheet.
- Step 3: Roast vegetables and quinoa together for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until quinoa is fluffy and vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Step 4: Zest lemon over the dish, then stir in chopped parsley and juice of 1 lemon. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Roasted Vegetable Medley with Quinoa take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Harissa-Roasted Vegetable Medley with 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 quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Roasted Vegetable Medley with 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 Harissa-Roasted Vegetable Medley with 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.
Is Harissa-Roasted Vegetable Medley with Quinoa 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.
