Vegetarian Quinoa and Roasted Beet Salad Recipe

Looking for a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious salad? This Vegetarian Quinoa and Roasted Beet Salad is packed with nutrients, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make! It’s perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or even a light dinner. The earthy sweetness of the roasted beets complements the nutty quinoa beautifully, creating a balanced and truly enjoyable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Salad:

• Healthy & Nutritious: Beets are a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, while quinoa is a complete protein.
• Flavorful: The combination of sweet beets, nutty quinoa, and tangy dressing is simply divine.
• Easy to Make: Roasting the beets is the most time-consuming part, but it’s hands-off.
• Versatile: Add your favorite toppings like crumbled goat cheese (if not strictly vegan), walnuts, or avocado.
• Vegetarian and Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 2 medium beets, roasted and cubed
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Arugula or spinach for a leafy base

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Let cool, then peel and cube.
2. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted beets, feta cheese (if using), and walnuts.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Serve over a bed of arugula or spinach, if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese and consider adding toasted pepitas for crunch.
• Roast the beets a day ahead to save time.
• Add other vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes or carrots.
• Experiment with different herbs like parsley or dill.

Enjoy this delicious and healthy Vegetarian Quinoa and Roasted Beet Salad! Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Ingredients:
quinoa, beets, feta cheese, walnuts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, arugula, spinach

Tags:
Vegetarian, Quinoa, Beet, Salad, Roasted Beets, Recipe, Healthy, Nutritious, Gluten-Free, Vegan Option, Side Dish, Lunch, Dinner, Balsamic Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Olive Oil, Feta Cheese, Walnuts, Arugula, Spinach, Easy to Make, Meal Prep, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Parsley, Dill