My Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad is packed with protein and perfectly grilled veggies!
Hello everyone!
When the weather heats up it is so nice to make a quick meal that doesn't involve the oven. Grilling is simple, delicious and perfect for this time of year. If you are looking for a quick and easy vegetarian grilling idea to mix up your meal plan, you've got to try my Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad. Believe it or not, this meal comes together in less than 15 minutes AND the colors alone make it totally swoon-worthy.
It's also gluten-free, clean eating and I included a vegan substitute for the honey... if that's how you roll.
Why you've love my Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad...
You do have to fire up one stove top burner to cook the quinoa, but other than that this quick and simple recipe is made on the grill. I like to make the quinoa in the morning or the day before so I have it all ready. It makes this meal a 15-minute wonder!
The quinoa is perfect in this plant-based meal because it has so many nutrients and even protein.
It’s time to spend some time outdoors, friends.
The veggie combination I used is fresh summer squash, zucchini, and red pepper. I like this color combination but feel free to use any vegetables you get fresh this year. You could easily add onion, mushrooms or even eggplant to your grilling pan.
The dressing has a light balsamic flavor with a touch of lemon and honey. To finish off the dish I added some fresh lime basil from my garden, but once again use what you have.
My Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad is perfect for a light dinner and even more fantastic for lunch the next day. You just might find yourself adding it to your summer meal rotation. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Enjoy!
Honey Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 zucchini, cut in ½ inch pieces
- 1 squash, cut in ½ inch pieces
- 1 red pepper, cut in ½ inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt & pepper
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey *
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, coat all the vegetables with the olive oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Pour into a grilling pan.
- Grill vegetables over medium heat for 12-15 minutes. You want them to be tender, but still be somewhat crisp and not soggy.
- Whisk the balsamic, honey and lemon together. Mix the dressing with the cooked quinoa and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the grilled vegetables.
- Serve hot or cold. Refrigerates well.
Notes
Want more grilled vegetable recipes?
- The Best Grilled Vegetables with Whipped Garlic Feta Dip
- Grilled Vegetable Buddha Bowl
- Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Herb Goat Cheese
Like my Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad? Pin this to your favorite board!
Thanks for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow with some of my favorite products to keep your smile white.
Your turn!
What is your favorite thing to grill?
I adore these Shrimp Burgers with Mango Salsa. The hubs and I have been making them for years!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.blogspot.com says
Grilled veggies are always so delicious! Sounds great, Julie!
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
I love honey and balsamic on brussel sprouts but I've never thought to try it on other veggies. This looks amazing!
Lisa Ballantyne says
I'm a salad fanatic and this looks absolutely amazing! And I love balsamic dressings! Thank you for sharing! And a big LOL at Suzie up there--if she would like to share a recipe for grilled shoes, that would be a riot!
Farrah says
Yay! I love all the colors in this! Grilled veggies are awesome, and I'm always a fan of new quinoa recipes! :]
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Farrah!
Sarah says
This looks delicious! I could eat grilled veggies all day every day in the summer!
JulieWunder says
I could too! One of my favorite parts of the season.
Danyelle Musselman says
This sounds SO good! I'm am huge fan of roasted veggies, and love quiona!
Deborah@Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Love all the colors! Grilled veggies are my favorite. Thanks for linking up!
Jess @hellotofit says
This post has me wondering if our grill still works...it hasn't been used since last spring (landlord's old grill) and I think we were down to one burner.
Your dish looks yummy, though! Love grilled vegetables in the summer.
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks says
Love the way this looks! I feel like I whip up a version of this all the time. Especially with the fresh basil...
JulieWunder says
Fresh basil is my favorite in summer!
Annette @ Sweating Through Life says
I wish I had a grill!!!! Apartment living does not allow for that, so I'm going to keep enjoying your grilling pictures:) Look delish!
JulieWunder says
Oh bummer! One day! Hopefully soon! You could easily roast these veggies in the oven. Try 400... check at 20 minutes.
Jamie says
You always have the most colorful salads! I love them!! Best thing to grill is lemon asparagus and tuna. Those are my two faves : ) Thanks for sharing another AWESOME recipe : ) !!
JulieWunder says
Thank you! I love color in my food. I love grilled tuna too!
Annmarie says
This looks delicious AND my kids would love it too! They are obsessed with quinoa and love grilled veggies! 🙂
JulieWunder says
You raised those kids right!
Andrea says
I love quinoa but grilling is scary. Your photo just revealed what that weird looking pan in my cupboard is for- who knew! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Haha! I have to be honest... the hubs does the grilling. You could also pop the veggies on a foil covered pan and put them in the oven. My guess is 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes until they are tender. I haven't tested that time though, so I'd check it before then 🙂
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Isn't everything better grilled? Seriously.
JulieWunder says
Totally agree!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I would eat my shoe if it was grilled, seriously. I love the smokiness and char!
JulieWunder says
Me too! So good!
Blane Sherer says
Colorful healthy vegies !
Libby Haire says
Wow, that is really colorful, Julie!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Libby!