Name: Roasted Veggie Quinoa Pilaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 red peppers, diced; 1 green pepper, diced; 2 zucchini, diced; 1 red onion, chopped; 8 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp zesty Italian dry dressing mix; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups quinoa; 4 cups broth; 1 tsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt

The story, tips & photos

Roasted veggie quinoa pilaf in a red Dutch oven and a white serving bowl

Christine snuggling with her son Roy and his fluffy cheeks

That’s why I LOVE long weekends. I get to sneak in even more kisses and cuddles. For a working momma like me, long weekends tend to attract my friends: cleaning, laundry and cooking. These particular friends can be such time hoarders! It’s like they don’t understand (or care) how inconsiderate that is.

So it’s the 1st, and I decide to take control and start winning already in the new year. What do I make? Roasted Veggie Quinoa Pilaf ← it lines up with some of the items on my resolutions list.

Cook amazing things.
Eat a little healthier.
Spend more QT (quality time) with Roy’s cheeks.

This easy Roasted Veggie Quinoa Pilaf looks and tastes absolutely deliciously healthy. Easy with no fuss = additional time on my hands. Win. Win. Win! 😉

Chopped red and green bell peppers, zucchini and red onion on a parchment-lined baking sheet

I love adding veggies to quinoa, bringing color and interest to an otherwise, well…boring and dull grain. I’m sorry, quinoa, but it’s the truth.

Diced peppers, zucchini, red onion and garlic spread out for roasted veggie quinoa pilaf

How to make roasted veggie quinoa pilaf

The simple act of roasting the veggies (specifically red bell peppers) amplifies their flavors and sweetness. In this recipe, I add green and red bell peppers, zucchini, red onion and garlic. Toss them all with spices and olive oil on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Look at those beautiful colors!

Seasoned diced veggies ready to roast for quinoa pilaf

Meanwhile, the quinoa can be cooked in broth. Once the veggies are ready, mix them with the quinoa and you’re all done! How easy is that?

Try squeezing some fresh lemon juice over this dish before serving. OH SOOO GOOD! You can also freeze this recipe. We like to freeze individual portions for work or a lazy night.

So what are some of your resolutions for the new year? 🙂

Bowl of roasted veggie quinoa pilaf with peppers and zucchini

What I’ve used in this recipe:

Green Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven

Here’s a complete list of my kitchen essentials.

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Pilaf