Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons for roasting
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes, broccoli florets, and sliced bell pepper with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Roast the vegetables for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping them halfway through. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: While the vegetables roast, prepare the quinoa. Combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for another 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh parsley, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa, roasted vegetables, rinsed chickpeas, and fresh spinach.
Step 7: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.
Step 8: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving, if desired.
Notes
For best results, allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly before adding them to the quinoa and spinach. This prevents the spinach from wilting too quickly. This recipe is fantastic for meal prep; store dressing separately if preparing more than a day in advance for crispier greens, though the current mix holds up well.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg