Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables & Tahini Dressing

Name: Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon tahini; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing); 1 garlic clove, minced; Fresh parsley for garnish

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During Ramadan, it’s important to fuel your body with nutrient-dense and hydrating foods to sustain energy throughout the day of fasting. A well-balanced iftar meal is essential to breaking your fast in a way that nourishes both your body and soul. One such dish that fits this description perfectly is a Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Lemon Tahini Dressing. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this vibrant salad provides a nutritious, flavorful, and light way to break your fast.

Why This Salad is Perfect for Ramadan

Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making it an ideal food to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. Paired with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, it offers a boost of vitamins and minerals while being easy on the stomach after a long day of fasting.

The Lemon Tahini Dressing brings together the earthy, nutty flavor of tahini and the freshness of lemon, adding a zesty kick to the dish while providing healthy fats. This simple but flavorful dressing ties everything together, making this salad not just a healthy option but also an incredibly satisfying one.

Ingredients for the Quinoa Salad

Fresh ingredients for quinoa salad, including quinoa, vegetables, lemon, and tahini, arranged on a wooden surface ready for preparation.

For the Salad:

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 zucchini (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Lemon Tahini Dressing:

1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-2 tablespoons water (to thin out the dressing)
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa

Begin by rinsing your quinoa under cold water. Place it in a saucepan with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside.

2. Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your vegetables by slicing the zucchini, chopping the bell pepper, and halving the cherry tomatoes. Toss them with olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and slightly charred.

Colorful roasted vegetables including zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, drizzled with olive oil and herbs for a flavorful addition to meals.

3. Prepare the Lemon Tahini Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), and water until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the consistency by adding more water if necessary.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and fresh parsley. Drizzle the lemon tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.

5. Serve

Serve this vibrant salad warm or chilled, depending on your preference. It makes for a refreshing, wholesome dish that is perfect for iftar.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This Ramadan-Inspired Quinoa Salad is an ideal choice for a nourishing and satisfying iftar. Here’s why:

High in Protein: Quinoa is a complete protein, making it an excellent plant-based option for vegetarians and vegans.
Rich in Fiber: With quinoa, vegetables, and tahini, this dish is packed with fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
Nutritious Fats: Olive oil and tahini provide heart-healthy fats that help keep you feeling satisfied longer.
Vibrant and Flavorful: The roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and smokiness, perfectly complemented by the tangy lemon tahini dressing.

This salad is versatile enough to be served as a side dish or as a main course. It’s also a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your Ramadan diet.

Serving Suggestions

Here are several ideas for pairing and customizing this quinoa salad to suit your needs:

Hummus and Pita Bread: Serve the salad alongside a generous helping of creamy hummus and warm pita bread. This combination provides a rich, satisfying texture that complements the light and fresh quinoa salad. The hummus adds creaminess while the pita offers a soft, fluffy texture to balance the crispy roasted vegetables.
Grilled Chicken: For those looking to increase the protein content, grilled chicken is a perfect addition. Its smoky flavor works wonderfully with the quinoa and vegetables, making the meal heartier. Marinate the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices for an extra flavor boost.
Roasted Chickpeas: If you prefer a plant-based protein, roasted chickpeas make an excellent alternative. They add crunch and a delightful roasted flavor that pairs well with the earthy quinoa.
Toasted Nuts: Consider sprinkling some toasted almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts on top for added texture. These nuts provide a satisfying crunch and a hint of richness.
Light Lunch or Dinner: This quinoa salad is versatile and can serve as a light lunch or dinner during Ramadan, offering a nutritious yet filling option that won’t weigh you down.

Whether you’re looking for extra protein or simply a flavorful addition, these serving suggestions enhance the salad’s appeal.

If you’re looking for another refreshing and healthy salad to complement your meals, try our delicious Fattoush Salad with Pita Chips, a perfect option for any occasion.

Storage Tips

Properly storing this quinoa salad is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Follow these steps to ensure it stays as delicious as when it was first made:

Airtight Container: Store leftover salad in an airtight container to lock in moisture and preserve the texture of the quinoa and roasted vegetables. This method prevents air from getting in, which helps maintain the salad’s flavor.
Refrigeration: Keep the salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The quinoa and roasted veggies retain their flavor well, but be mindful of the dressing, as it may cause the salad to soften over time.
Separate the Dressing: If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, it’s crucial to store the dressing separately. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and keeps their texture intact. The dressing can be stored in a small jar or container and added just before serving.
Fresh Herbs or Lemon: If storing the salad for more than a day, consider adding fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon just before serving. This revitalizes the salad and refreshes the flavors.
Meal Prep Option: This salad is ideal for meal prepping. Prepare it in bulk, store it properly, and you’ll have a quick, nutritious option ready for several meals during the week.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy this quinoa salad fresh and flavorful over multiple days.

Health Benefits of Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is not just delicious, but also packed with numerous health benefits that make it an excellent addition to your diet, especially during Ramadan:

Rich in Protein: Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. This makes it an ideal plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
High in Fiber: The combination of quinoa, vegetables, and tahini provides a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help keep you feeling fuller for longer, which is especially helpful during fasting.
Packed with Nutrients: This salad is filled with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. For instance, zucchini is a great source of vitamin C, while bell peppers are rich in antioxidants. Tahini adds healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Quinoa has a low glycemic index, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making this salad a great option for people looking to manage their blood sugar.
Boosts Immunity: The lemon tahini dressing provides vitamin C from the lemon and healthy fats from the tahini, both of which help strengthen the immune system.

By incorporating this quinoa salad into your Ramadan meals, you’re not only treating yourself to a flavorful dish but also supporting your health with essential nutrients.

FAQS

What dressing to put on quinoa salad?

A lemon tahini dressing works great with quinoa salad. Mix tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

What dressing is good for roast vegetables?

A balsamic vinaigrette or a simple olive oil, lemon, and garlic dressing pairs well with roasted vegetables.

How do you make quinoa with tahini?

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. For tahini, mix tahini with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and water to reach desired consistency. Toss the quinoa with the tahini dressing.

How long does roast vegetable salad last in the fridge?

Roasted vegetable salad lasts up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Why This Quinoa Salad is Ideal for Ramadan Iftar

Ramadan is a time for reflection, fasting, and nourishing the body with wholesome, balanced meals. The quinoa salad with roasted vegetables is an ideal choice for iftar (the meal to break the fast) for several reasons:

Easily Digestible: After a day of fasting, your body may need foods that are easy to digest. Quinoa is light on the stomach, and the roasted vegetables are tender and easy to absorb, providing your body with essential nutrients without overwhelming it.
Hydrating: While the salad doesn’t include high water content ingredients, the lemon tahini dressing provides a refreshing, hydrating element. This is especially important during Ramadan when hydration is key, and the dressing can help replenish electrolytes.
Versatile: This salad is customizable to suit different dietary needs. Whether you prefer a vegan meal, need more protein, or want to add extra flavor, you can easily adjust the ingredients to your taste. This versatility makes it an ideal dish to cater to different family members during iftar.
Nutrient-Dense: Quinoa and roasted vegetables provide a dense source of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that are especially important after a long day of fasting. These nutrients help restore your energy and support your body’s recovery from the day.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this quinoa salad is perfect for busy families looking for a delicious, stress-free meal during iftar. It can be prepared in advance, making it an easy option when you need a quick and nutritious meal to break your fast.

This salad aligns with the values of Ramadan by offering nourishment, refreshment, and energy during your fasting period.

Additional Recipe Variations

Fresh quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and tangy lemon tahini dressing, garnished with parsley for a nutritious and colorful meal.

While the base of this quinoa salad is flavorful and nutritious on its own, there are several ways you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Add Avocado: For a creamy texture and additional healthy fats, sliced avocado makes an excellent addition. It pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon tahini dressing and adds extra heart-healthy nutrients.
Add Feta or Goat Cheese: If you prefer a creamy, savory addition, sprinkle some feta cheese or goat cheese over the salad. This gives the dish a rich, tangy flavor that complements the roasted vegetables and quinoa.
Substitute Vegetables: While zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes are fantastic options, feel free to swap them out for other seasonal vegetables like eggplant, sweet potato, or carrots. You can even add spinach or arugula for extra greens.
Include Dried Fruits: For a sweet contrast to the savory flavors, try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots. These fruits provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture that adds complexity to the salad.
Boost with Spices: If you want a bolder flavor, experiment with different spices. Add cumin, paprika, or coriander to the roasted vegetables or the dressing for an extra layer of flavor.

By playing around with these variations, you can tailor this quinoa salad to your own tastes or dietary needs, making it even more adaptable for Ramadan and beyond.

Conclusion

This Ramadan-Inspired Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Lemon Tahini Dressing offers a wholesome, flavorful way to break your fast, providing both nourishment and satisfaction. With its blend of wholesome ingredients, vibrant flavors, and nutritional benefits, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy during Ramadan or any time you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal.

Whether you’re looking to mix up your traditional iftar meals or trying something new, this quinoa salad is a winner. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be tailored to suit your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a nourishing, delicious meal that’s sure to become a staple in your Ramadan menu!