Paprika Roasted Vegetable Quinoa (Printable Version)

Nourishing bowl with paprika-roasted veggies, quinoa, golden chicken, lemon salad, and creamy avocado slices.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
04 - 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
05 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Quinoa

10 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
11 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water
12 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Chicken

13 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
17 - ½ teaspoon salt
18 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Lemon Salad

19 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
20 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
21 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
22 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
23 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Bowl Finish

24 - 2 ripe avocados, sliced
25 - 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and carrots with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.
03 - Combine quinoa, vegetable broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
04 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
05 - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
06 - In a salad bowl, toss mixed greens and cucumber slices with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
07 - Divide cooked quinoa among four bowls as the base. Top with roasted vegetables, sliced chicken, lemon salad, and fresh avocado slices. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Beautiful layers of color and texture make for an impressive presentation
  • Each component can be customized to your taste preferences
  • Perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates
  • Gluten-free and easily adaptable for vegetarian diets
  • Leftovers store well, making this ideal for meal prep
02 -
  • Meal prep friendly: Roast vegetables, cook quinoa and chicken ahead of time and store separately for quick assembly during busy weekdays
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking
  • Season each component well - properly salted quinoa makes a big difference
  • If making ahead, keep the avocado and dressed greens separate until serving time
  • For crunch, add toasted nuts or seeds just before serving
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