Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Cheese

The Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Cheese is a delicious and healthy recipe that features a blend of quinoa, roasted vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese. The recipe starts by cooking the quinoa in water until it's fluffy and tender. While the quinoa is cooking, the vegetables are sliced and tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted in the oven until they're tender and slightly caramelized. Once the vegetables are done, they're mixed together with the cooked quinoa and topped with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.

The salad is packed with a variety of flavors and textures, with the nutty quinoa, sweet roasted vegetables, and tangy feta cheese all coming together in every bite. It's also a nutritious and well-balanced dish, with plenty of fiber, protein, and vitamins from the vegetables and quinoa. Plus, it's easy to customize to your liking by swapping out different vegetables or herbs depending on what's in season or what you have on hand.

Cook Time

Is approximately 25-30 minutes for roasting the vegetables in the oven, and 15-20 minutes for cooking the quinoa on the stovetop. So, the total cook time is around 40-50 minutes. However, most of the cook time is hands-off, as you will only need to stir the quinoa occasionally and check on the vegetables while they are roasting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and place it in a pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
3. Place the onion, peppers, zucchini, and eggplant on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
4. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the quinoa and roasted vegetables.
6. Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition Facts

The Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Cheese recipe:

• Calories: 357
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 17mg
• Sodium: 241mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 10g

If you're looking to make this Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Cheese recipe even healthier, here are a few suggestions:

• Increase the vegetable content: You can add more vegetables to the salad to increase its nutrient density. Consider adding some leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, or some cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
• Use low-fat feta cheese: To reduce the fat content of the salad, you can use low-fat feta cheese instead of the regular one. Alternatively, you can skip the feta cheese altogether and use nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a similar savory flavor.
• Add some nuts or seeds: Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. You can add some chopped almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds to the salad to give it a crunchy texture and a nutrient boost.
• Serve with a side of protein: While the quinoa and vegetables provide a good amount of protein, you can make the salad even more filling by serving it with a side of grilled chicken or fish. This will also provide some additional nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.
• Overall, this recipe is a great base for a healthy and satisfying meal, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking or nutritional needs.

This recipe is relatively high in fat, but the majority of the fat comes from healthy sources like olive oil and feta cheese. It's also high in fiber and protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Keep in mind that the exact nutrition facts may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

This dish is high in protein and fiber thanks to the quinoa, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the roasted vegetables. The feta cheese adds a delicious, tangy flavor while also providing a dose of calcium. Enjoy!