Hey there! If you’re on the hunt for a quick, easy, and downright delicious option for healthy dinner planning, you’ve landed in the right spot! This simple recipe is perfect for anyone, whether you’re a kitchen newbie or just looking for something light and tasty. Imagine fluffy quinoa tossed together with colorful mixed vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. It’s not just about keeping it healthy; it’s about making your dinner feel vibrant and satisfying. Plus, it comes together in no time—20 minutes, and you’re ready to dig in! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for those busy weeknights when you want to keep things wholesome without the fuss.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful and healthy dinner! Each ingredient plays a part in making this dish not only nutritious but also super tasty. I promise, it’s all straightforward stuff you can find at your local grocery store.
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa – make sure it’s fluffy and ready to go!
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (think carrots, peas, and bell peppers) – fresh or frozen works just fine!
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil – this adds a lovely richness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – for that aromatic flavor boost.
- Salt to taste – don’t forget to sprinkle this in!
- Pepper to taste – a little kick never hurts!
- Fresh parsley for garnish – this makes everything look so inviting!
Feel free to get creative with the vegetables or even mix in some protein if you like! The options are endless, and it’s all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps for making this healthy dinner! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the time you’re done. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab a nice skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. It’s important to get the temperature just right—too low and it won’t sizzle, too high and it might burn. You want a gentle shimmer on the oil to know it’s ready for action!
Step 2: Sauté the Mixed Vegetables
Now, toss in your mixed vegetables! I usually go for about 1 cup, which is a great mix of colors and flavors. Sauté those beauties for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens! Just keep an eye on them; you don’t want them to turn mushy. A little crunch is what you’re aiming for!
Step 3: Stir in the Quinoa
Next up, it’s time to add the star of the show—your cooked quinoa. Gently fold it into the pan with the veggies. Don’t forget to sprinkle in that garlic powder, along with some salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to mix everything evenly so each bite is bursting with flavor!
Step 4: Final Cooking Steps
Now, let’s heat it all through! Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when everything is warmed up and the kitchen smells amazing! Give it a little taste test—if it needs a pinch more salt or pepper, go for it!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to plate up! Garnish your dish with some fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. You can serve this quinoa and veggie mix on its own or alongside a light salad or some crusty bread. Trust me, it’s a gorgeous, healthy dinner that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—just 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Packed with healthy ingredients that nourish your body.
- Versatile—swap in your favorite veggies or add protein for extra heartiness.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Light yet satisfying, making it ideal for any night of the week.
Nutritional Information
Let’s break down the goodness in this healthy dinner! Each serving of this quinoa and mixed vegetable dish is approximately 250 calories, making it a light yet filling option. You’ll find around 8 grams of protein, which is great for keeping you satisfied. It also packs in about 40 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of fat, with only 1 gram being saturated. Plus, it’s a fantastic source of fiber at 5 grams per serving! Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients, but they give you a good idea of how nutritious this meal truly is!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to make this healthy dinner even more delightful! First off, if you have leftover quinoa hanging around in your fridge, this is the perfect recipe to use it up. It saves time and helps reduce waste—win-win!
If you’re looking to boost the protein content, consider adding some cooked chicken, chickpeas, or even tofu. Just toss them in with the quinoa for a heartier meal! Also, don’t hesitate to mix up the mixed vegetables—zucchini, spinach, or broccoli would all add great flavor and nutrition.
And finally, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to suit your palate; everyone’s taste is a bit different, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand or prefer. Broccoli, zucchini, or even some chopped spinach would work beautifully! Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose—some might need a little longer to soften.
How can I add more protein?
There are plenty of tasty options to boost the protein in this dish! You can add cooked chicken, beans, or even chickpeas to the mix. Just toss them in with the quinoa and veggies for a heartier meal. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, tofu is another great choice that soaks up all those delicious flavors!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for about 2 months—so you can have a quick, healthy dinner ready whenever you need it!
Serving Suggestions
This quinoa and mixed vegetable dish is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing crunch. You could also enjoy it with some warm, crusty bread for a comforting touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of hummus or a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a little extra flavor and nutrition. The combinations are endless, and it’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
Print
Healthy Dinner Planning Made Easy in 20 Minutes!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and healthy dinner recipe that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked quinoa, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover quinoa for faster preparation.
- Feel free to add protein like chicken or beans.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy dinner planning
