Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa

If you’re looking for a delicious and vibrant meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, you’ve come to the right place! This Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa is one of my go-to recipes because it’s not only packed with flavor but also super easy to whip up. The combination of grilled vegetables and fluffy quinoa creates a hearty dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase fresh produce, making it a seasonal favorite.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this bowl can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it great for meal prep. Trust me, once you try this delightful dish, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together in no time.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with colorful veggies and quinoa, this bowl is both filling and nutritious.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet grilled veggies, making it an excellent meal for everyone.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—just store them in the fridge!
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand or your favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Quinoa

• 1 cup uncooked tri-color or white quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein, providing a hearty and nutritious foundation for our bowl.
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water: Using vegetable broth instead of water infuses the quinoa with a subtle, savory depth from the very start.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for bringing out the natural, nutty flavor of the quinoa.

For the Grilled Vegetables

• 1 large red bell pepper: Sliced into thick, 1-inch strips to become wonderfully sweet and tender on the grill.
• 1 large yellow bell pepper: Also sliced into 1-inch strips for another layer of sweetness and color.
• 1 medium zucchini: Cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick planks for perfect grilling.
• 1 medium yellow squash: Offers delicate, buttery flavor that complements zucchini.
• 1 large red onion: Cut into 1/2-inch thick rings that caramelize beautifully on the grill.
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms: Left whole or halved for a wonderfully meaty texture.
• 1 bunch of asparagus: Tough ends snapped off; these slender spears cook quickly and get deliciously charred.

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and allows vegetables to caramelize beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness that enhances the natural sugars in vegetables.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic foundation for the marinade.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends classic Mediterranean flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a hint of sweet, peppery flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: To season the vegetables perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a little bit of spice.

For the Dressing

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: A rich base for our dressing.
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides bright acidity that elevates all flavors.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey: A touch of sweetness to balance lemon’s acidity; use maple syrup for a vegan option.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds clean freshness to finish off the dish nicely.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Acts as an emulsifier to create creamy dressing consistency.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: For an extra layer of zesty flavor.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: To season the dressing perfectly.

Variations

This Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa is incredibly flexible! You can easily adapt it based on what you have in your kitchen or your personal preferences:

• Swap in different grains: Try using brown rice or farro instead of quinoa for variety in texture and flavor!
• Add protein: Toss in some chickpeas or grilled tofu for an extra protein boost—perfect if you’re looking to make it even more filling!
• Experiment with spices: Try adding some smoked paprika or chili powder to kick up the flavor profile!
• Mix up the veggies: Feel free to include seasonal vegetables like eggplant or carrots—whatever looks good at your local market!

How to Make Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness. Then, combine it with vegetable broth (or water) and sea salt in a pot. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff it up with a fork once it’s done—that fluffy texture will hold all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Your Veggies

While your quinoa cooks, let’s get those beautiful veggies ready! Slice your bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, mushrooms, and asparagus as directed above. The key here is uniform cuts so they cook evenly on the grill.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, basil, sea salt, and black pepper. This marinade will help bring out all those lovely flavors while ensuring that our veggies don’t stick too much when grilling.

Step 4: Grill Those Veggies

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss your prepared vegetables in half of the marinade until they’re well-coated. Place them on the grill in batches if needed; we want them nicely charred! Grill each side until they’re tender—about 6-8 minutes total should do it.

Step 5: Prepare Your Dressing

In another small bowl (or jar), mix together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, minced garlic along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined—it should be creamy and delicious!

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowl

Now comes my favorite part! In each serving bowl (or one big communal bowl), add a generous scoop of fluffy quinoa followed by those gorgeous grilled veggies piled high on top. Drizzle with your flavorful dressing right before serving—voilà! You now have a stunning Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa ready to delight everyone around you! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa

Creating a delicious Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa is easier than you think, and with these pro tips, you’ll be a grilling guru in no time!

• Prep Your Veggies Ahead of Time: Chopping and marinating your vegetables a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing their taste when grilled.

• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A rich, extra virgin olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that perfect char on your veggies. It’s an essential ingredient that elevates the overall dish.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give your veggies enough space on the grill to ensure they cook evenly and get that gorgeous grill mark. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than grilling.

• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to swap in different herbs or spices based on what you have available or what flavors you love. This recipe is versatile and open to customization!

• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your grilled veggie bowl right away while everything is warm and fresh. The textures and flavors are at their peak!

How to Serve Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa

Presenting your Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa can turn a simple meal into a delightful dining experience! Here are some creative ideas for serving this vibrant dish.

Garnishes

• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add a luxurious texture and healthy fats that complement the grilled veggies wonderfully.
• Chopped Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds for an added crunch that provides contrast to the soft veggies.
• Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh basil or cilantro can brighten up your bowl and add an aromatic touch that enhances all the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Roasted Chickpeas: These provide a crunchy texture and are packed with protein, making them a great complement to your veggie bowl.

• Simple Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side that balances the richer grilled flavors.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with olive oil and grilled until slightly charred brings out its natural sweetness—perfect alongside your quinoa bowl for extra flavor.

• Hummus Platter: Serve some homemade or store-bought hummus with pita chips and fresh vegetables for dipping. It’s great for sharing and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Enjoy crafting your Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa! This dish is not only delicious but also encourages creativity in both preparation and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the quinoa and grill the vegetables in advance, making it easy to enjoy nutritious meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover grilled veggies and quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

• Allow grilled vegetables to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out quinoa and veggies into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label each container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely, for about 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• For a crispy texture, reheat veggies on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use different vegetables for the Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Just ensure they grill well and complement the dish!

How do I make my Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa more filling?

To enhance the heartiness of your bowl, consider adding beans like chickpeas or black beans. Alternatively, top it with sliced avocado for extra creaminess!

What can I serve alongside my Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa?

This bowl pairs wonderfully with a light salad, crusty bread, or even as a side dish for grilled proteins like chicken or fish.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the dressing ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Grilled Veggie Bowl with Quinoa as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your favorite flavors and a healthy way to fuel your body. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy days or enjoying it fresh off the grill, this bowl is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction. Happy cooking!