Lemon Herb Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables 🍋🌿
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When the week gets busy and the sky hangs low, I turn to simple bowls that feel like sunshine. This lemony quinoa—tossed with herb-bright dressing and a tray of caramelized, garden-fresh vegetables—is exactly that. It’s cozy enough for winter, light enough for spring lunches, and sturdy enough to pack for the ball field or Bible study. Every bite tastes clean and hopeful, the way a fresh start feels. ✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
- Bright, zesty flavor with everyday pantry staples
- Complete meal in one bowl—fiber, protein, and veggies
- Make-ahead friendly and great warm, room temp, or chilled
- Flexible for any season or what your garden gives
- Naturally gluten-free; easy to make dairy-free or vegan
Quick Reference Snapshot ⏱️
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (as a main) or 6 (as a side)
- Best Season: Year-round (swap veggies with the seasons)
Ingredients 📝
(US + metric provided; choose what’s helpful. “Optional” items add a little extra joy.)
Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well (185 g)
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water (480 ml)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (2 g)
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 small head broccoli, florets cut bite-size (about 3 cups / 225 g)
- 1 red bell pepper, 1-inch chunks (about 1½ cups / 160 g)
- 1 medium zucchini, ½-inch half-moons (about 2 cups / 220 g)
- 1 small red onion, wedges (about 1½ cups / 150 g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole (150 g)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (30 ml)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt (2 g)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (1 g)
Lemon Herb Dressing 🍋
- 1 large lemon, zest + 3 tbsp juice (45 ml)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (45 ml)
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5 ml)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (5 ml), optional for balance
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt (1 g), more to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
Fresh Herbs & Finishes 🌿
- ½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley (15 g)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or basil (6 g)
- ½ cup crumbled feta (75 g), optional
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (170 g), optional for extra protein
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Seasonal Swaps 🗓️
- Spring: asparagus, snap peas, radishes
- Summer: yellow squash, corn off the cob, extra tomatoes, zucchini
- Fall: cauliflower, sweet potatoes (dice ½-inch), carrots
- Winter: Brussels sprouts, butternut squash (½-inch cubes), red onion
- Herb ideas: parsley + dill (spring), basil + chives (summer), parsley + thyme (fall/winter)
From My Garden 🌱
Parsley and dill thrive in my raised beds almost year-round here, and they turn this simple bowl into something fragrant and full of life. If you’re harvesting tender herbs, chop just before using for the most vibrant flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Prepare
- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cool water for 20–30 seconds to remove bitterness.
- Chop the vegetables into uniform pieces so they roast evenly.
Cook
- Roast the vegetables: Add broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tbsp oil, season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper, and toss to coat. Spread in an even layer. Roast 20–25 minutes, tossing once halfway, until edges are caramelized and tomatoes blister.
- Cook the quinoa: While the veggies roast, combine rinsed quinoa, broth (or water), and ½ tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.
- Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Dijon, honey/maple (if using), salt, and red pepper flakes until glossy.
Finish
- Combine: In a large bowl, add fluffed quinoa and warm roasted vegetables. Pour over dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Fold in herbs & extras: Add parsley and dill (or basil). Taste and adjust salt, lemon, and heat. Fold in chickpeas and/or feta if using.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and an extra sprinkle of herbs. 🍋
Serving & Pairing Suggestions 🥙
- Enjoy as a main bowl with chickpeas or grilled chicken/fish on the side.
- Turn into a lunch prep: pack with baby spinach; the warm quinoa will gently wilt the greens.
- Pair with simple sides: sliced cucumbers, olives, hummus, or warm naan.
- For a cozy table, add a cup of tomato basil soup or a crisp apple slaw.
Storage & Make-Ahead 📦
- Refrigerate: Airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water/broth, or enjoy cold.
- Make-ahead tips: Roast vegetables and cook quinoa 1–2 days ahead; toss with dressing and herbs just before serving for the brightest flavor.
- Freezer: Not recommended (fresh vegetables and herbs lose texture).
Final Thoughts 🌤️
“Let your roots grow down into Him.” When our days feel scattered, simple rhythms steady us—rinse, chop, roast, stir. May this bright bowl bring peace to your table and remind you that small, faithful steps make a nourishing life. 💛
Community & Connection 🤗
I’d love to see your bowl! Tag me on Instagram and come say hello.
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Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours 🛒
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- Large rimmed sheet pan (for even roasting)
- Fine-mesh sieve (for rinsing quinoa)
- Microplane zester (for that fragrant lemon zest)
- Handheld citrus juicer
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- Glass meal-prep containers with tight lids
Related on Southern Soil Sunshine 🔗
(More bowls, bright veggies, and lemony goodness—peek around these searches for what you need!)
