Quinoa and Roasted Root Veggie Bowl
This Quinoa and Roasted Root Veggie Bowl is a hearty, nutrient-packed meal featuring fluffy quinoa, caramelized sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and parsnips, all tossed with a zesty homemade dressing. Topped with crunchy seeds, creamy feta, and fresh herbs, this bowl is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying flavors. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and easy to customize, making it great for meal prep, a cozy dinner, or a refreshing cold salad. Simple, wholesome, and absolutely delicious—this is a bowl you’ll want to make again and again!
Equipment
- Fine-mesh strainer : To rinse quinoa and remove bitterness.
- Medium saucepan with lid : For cooking quinoa to fluffy perfection.
- Fork : To fluff the quinoa after cooking.
- Cutting board & sharp knife : For peeling and chopping the root vegetables evenly.
- Vegetable peeler : To easily remove skins from carrots, parsnips, beets, etc.
- Large mixing bowl : For tossing vegetables with olive oil and seasonings.
- Baking sheet : To roast vegetables evenly in the oven.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (optional) : For easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
- Spatula or tongs : To flip vegetables halfway through roasting.
- Small bowl or mason jar : For mixing the dressing.
- Whisk or spoon : To blend the dressing ingredients.
- Serving bowls : To assemble and serve the finished dish.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Root Vegetables:
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 parsnip peeled and sliced
- 1 beet peeled and diced
- ½ red onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese omit for vegan option
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- A drizzle of tahini for extra creaminess
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast the Root Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato, carrots, parsnip, beet, and red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the veggies evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
- While the veggies are roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the quinoa and salt, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
- Divide the cooked quinoa into serving bowls.
- Top with the roasted vegetables and drizzle with the dressing.
- Add optional toppings like pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of tahini for extra flavor.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Enjoy your Quinoa and Roasted Root Veggie Bowl warm, or let it cool and store it for meal prep!
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips
✔ Cook the quinoa in advance : Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.✔ Roast the vegetables ahead of time : Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Prepare the dressing in advance : Store it in a small jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake before using.
✔ Assemble when ready to eat : Keep all components separate until serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Storage Instructions
🧊 Refrigerator Storage:- Store the quinoa and roasted veggies separately in airtight containers for up to 4-5 days.
- Keep the dressing in a small jar and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- If using fresh toppings (like avocado, nuts, or herbs), add them when serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Quinoa freezes well : Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Roasted vegetables can be frozen : Spread them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Dressing and fresh toppings don’t freeze well : Make a fresh batch when needed.
Reheating Tips
🔥 Stovetop (Best Method!) : Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the quinoa and veggies, stirring occasionally, until warmed through (about 3-5 minutes).🔥 Oven : Spread roasted veggies on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed and slightly crisp.
🔥 Microwave : Place quinoa and veggies in a bowl, sprinkle a little water or broth over the quinoa, and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated. 💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to eat this bowl cold, simply assemble the ingredients, add your favorite toppings, drizzle with dressing, and enjoy as a refreshing quinoa salad!