Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl for Healthy Eating

Name: Roasted Broccoli and Delicata Squash Quinoa Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (uncooked); 2 cups vegetable broth*; 1 delicata squash (medium); ¾ pound broccoli florets; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt (divided); ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (divided); 1 teaspoon coriander; ½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds**; ½ cup dried cranberries; For the dressing:; ½ cup cashews (soaked overnight); 3 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon maple syrup (can use sugar free maple syrup); 4 tablsepoons water (more if needed)

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This Roasted Broccoli and Delicata Squash Quinoa Bowl is a hearty, healthy meal packed with roasted vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and delicious seasonal flavors. Easy to prepare and naturally gluten free, this nourishing quinoa bowl makes a satisfying vegetarian lunch or dinner that's full of fiber, nutrients, and wholesome ingredients.

Roasted broccoli and delicata squash quinoa bowl topped with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and creamy dressing, served in a bowl.

This delicious quinoa bowl is so versatile- I've added cooked chicken, sausage and even white beans and it's always delicious. It's vegan, gluten free, loaded with plant based protein and easy to make.

If you're looking for a healthy, satisfying meal that's packed with seasonal vegetables, this Roasted Broccoli and Delicata Squash Quinoa Bowl is a delicious option. Tender roasted broccoli and naturally sweet delicata squash are combined with fluffy quinoa to create a nourishing bowl that's full of fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's naturally gluten free and makes a wonderful vegetarian lunch or dinner.

If you are looking for more quinoa recipes, you will love this Quinoa Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette, Mexican Quinoa Lasagna, Spinach Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms and this Caprese Quinoa Salad!

Also, my cookbooks are both on sale now and would make a great gift! The Everything Wheat Free Diet Cookbook and The Greek Yogurt Cookbook are both the lowest prices I have seen!

Why You Should Make This Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Bowl

One of the best things about this quinoa bowl recipe is how simple it is to prepare. The broccoli and delicata squash roast in the oven until tender and lightly caramelized, bringing out their natural flavors while the quinoa cooks. Once everything is ready, simply combine the ingredients for an easy, wholesome meal that requires minimal hands-on time.

This roasted vegetable quinoa bowl is also a great choice for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and portion it into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. The combination of quinoa, roasted vegetables, and flavorful toppings creates a balanced meal that's satisfying without feeling heavy.

If you're looking for more ways to enjoy delicata squash recipes, this bowl is a great place to start. Delicata squash has a naturally sweet flavor and tender edible skin, so there's no need to peel it before roasting. Paired with savory roasted broccoli and hearty quinoa, this healthy bowl is an easy way to add more vegetables and whole grains to your meals.

Recipe Ingredients

Quinoa - Everyone's favorite super food! Quinoa is a huge source of plant-based protein and fiber and is extremely versatile in so many dishes.
Vegetable broth - I use this Vegetable broth but you can easily use chicken broth.
Delicata squash - This has a light, slightly sweet, nutty flavor with a texture similar to a baked potato.
Broccoli florets - You can buy a head of broccoli and chop it or make your life easier and buy a bag of pre-chopped broccoli. It's a great time saver.
Olive oil - I love my EVOO. Some of those benefits are that extra virgin olive oil is anti-inflammatory, it may help prevent heart disease and diabetes and may even help to lower cholesterol levels.
Coriander - It has a warm, earthy taste with a slight pepper flavor profile. Coriander is very versatile.
Pumpkin seeds - Loaded with healthy fats, protein and fiber, pumpkin seeds also add a wonderful cruncy texture.
Dried cranberries - Please read the ingredients, many of them contain so much unnecessary added sugar, even in the form of fruit juice. I use these dried cranberries all the time because it's not easy to find the unsweetened ones in grocery stores. I also love this recipe from All Day I Dream About Food- it's so easy to make your own.
Cashews - I use raw unsalted cashews and I soak them in water. Soaking cashews creates an incredible creamy texture. Soaking nuts also helps remove phytic acid, allowing our bodies to get more nutrients from the nuts, and makes them easier to digest.
Garlic - In my opionion, every savory recipe needs garlic!
Lemon - In this recipe, fresh lemon juice is the best but obviously store bought is great in a pinch.
Dijon mustard - Tangy and slightly spicy, Dijon mustard is always a family favorite.
Maple syrup - I love using Maple syrup in recipes because a little goes a long way. Look for 100% Pure Maple Syrup to ensure it's made only from boiled down sap from maple trees. You can also use sugar free maple syrup for a lighter alternative.

How To Make This Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Bowl

Prepare the dressing. Soak cashews in water overnight in the fridge (or for at least 8 hours). Drain.

Add soaked cashews, peeled garlic cloves, and 4 tablespoons water to a blender. Blend on low speed until mostly smooth.

Add lemon juice, salt, mustard, and maple syrup. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. Taste and adjust maple syrup, salt, and lemon juice as needed.

Lemon juice and maple syrup added to blender.

Preheat oven to 400°F/200 C. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.

Cut delicata in half and scoop out seeds. Slice into ½ thick semi-circles.

Sliced delicata squash on a cutting board.

Place the slices in a bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Spread in an even layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 10-12 minutes on the first side until starting to brown.

While delicata squash is cooking, prep the broccoli. Cut florets into even pieces, rinse and dry. Place in a bowl. Coat in 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, and the ground coriander. Toss until evenly coated.

Broccoli and seasonings in a glass bowl.

Remove the delicata from the oven after 10-12 minutes. Flip over and add the broccoli to the pan. Return to oven and roast for a further 15-20 minutes until broccoli is tender and browned on the edges.

Roasted broccoli and delicata squash on a baking sheet.

Rinse and drain quinoa. Combine with broth in a medium pot. Cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Cooked quinoa in a bowl with roasted broccoli and squash next to it on a plate.

Pour quinoa in bowl. Add about ¼ of each delicata squash and broccoli to the bowl.

Sprinkle 2 tbsp each of pumpkin seeds and cranberries over the top.

Cooked quinoa with roasted broccoli and squash on top in a bowl.

Drizzle on 2 tablespoons dressing (or more to taste)!

Quinoa with roasted broccoli and squash on top in a bowl with cashew dressing drizzled on top.

Expert Tips/Substitutions

Feel free to use whatever roasted vegetables you'd like in this recipe. Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, Butternut or acorn squash all would make a delicious substitute for the delicata squash because of the similar texture.

If you don't have quinoa, rice or even farro would also make for a yummy base for this bowl.

This quinoa bowl is vegan but you can easily add sliced cooked chicken or sausage for added protein. Also, white cannelini beans would be a great addition as well.

Recipe FAQ's

Is Delicata Squash healthy?

Absolutely! Delicata squash is low in calories, loaded with vitamins and minerals and high in fiber. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory which helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Are you supposed to remove the skin on the squash?

Leave it on! It's very thin and gets even softer when you roast it.

Can I add spinach or kale to this quinoa bowl?

Yes, the possibilities are endless when it comes to this recipe. Add greens like spinach or kale, animal protein like chicken, sausage or salmon (see above), beans, shredded or crumbled cheese (I bet Feta would be delicious in here!) or even a hard boiled egg.