Healthy Dinner Quinoa Vegetable Skillet

Name: Healthy Dinner Quinoa Vegetable Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup spinach; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Natural Cooking

I absolutely love cooking up a nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and colorful! This Healthy Dinner Quinoa Vegetable Skillet has quickly become one of my go-to recipes. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and the wholesome goodness of quinoa, it's perfect for any weeknight dinner. I enjoy how versatile this dish is; you can easily adapt it with whatever vegetables are in season. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when I still want something healthy and delicious.

Created by

Miranda Keats

Last updated on 2026-01-12T05:50:35.827Z

When I first attempted this quinoa vegetable skillet, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. The trick is to prep all your ingredients ahead of time, so you can stir-fry them effortlessly. I love using a variety of vegetables, and I’ve discovered that bell peppers and zucchini bring a delightful sweetness that elevates the dish.

One of my favorite parts is how healthy yet filling it is. Quinoa is an excellent source of protein, and when paired with fresh veggies, it creates a balanced meal. This dish has become a staple in our household, especially during the week when time is of the essence yet health cannot be compromised.

You'll Love This Recipe Because
Packed with protein-rich quinoa and vibrant vegetables
A one-pan meal that's easy to clean up
Customizable with your favorite veggies or leftovers
Perfect for meal prep and goes great with any protein

Cooking the Quinoa Perfectly

Achieving the right texture for quinoa is crucial for a delightful meal. Rinsing it before cooking helps remove the saponins, maintaining a fluffy rather than bitter end product. I usually rinse it in a fine-mesh strainer for about 2 minutes until the water runs clear. This step is often overlooked, but it truly enhances the flavor.

For cooking, I prefer using vegetable broth instead of water; it adds layers of flavor to the quinoa without any extra effort. When brought to a boil, reduce the heat to low to ensure a gentle simmer. Covering the pot with a tight lid is essential; this allows the quinoa to absorb all the liquid while steaming, resulting in perfectly cooked grains in approximately 15 minutes.

Sautéing Vegetables to Enhance Flavor

Properly sautéing your vegetables can elevate the dish significantly. Start with the bell pepper and zucchini; cooking them for about 5 minutes until they are tender will bring out their natural sweetness. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from browning too much, as we want a vibrant, colorful profile.

Adding garlic just before the tomatoes is a key technique to maximize flavor without burning the garlic. Cook these for just 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and become juicy, which will also create a wonderful sauce that coats the quinoa. Watching for this visual change is essential for maintaining that fresh taste.

Making It Your Own: Customization Tips

One of the best features of this quinoa vegetable skillet is its adaptability. Feel free to toss in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall. You can also use leftover vegetables from previous meals, which not only minimizes waste but enhances the dish with different flavors.

If you want to add more protein to this dish, consider incorporating cooked chicken, chickpeas, or black beans. This adds a heartier texture while keeping it nutritious. I often serve it with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese to take the flavor to the next level.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this flavorful dish:

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Dinner Quinoa Vegetable Skillet:

Rinse the Quinoa

First, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove excess starch. This will help keep it fluffy.

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Sauté the Vegetables

While the quinoa is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and zucchini, sautéing for about 5 minutes until tender.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.

Combine Everything

Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Mix in the spinach, season with salt and pepper, and stir until everything is heated through.

Serve

Transfer the quinoa skillet to a serving dish, garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy your healthy dinner!

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for leftovers.

Pro Tips

Experiment with different vegetables depending on the season. You can also add protein like grilled chicken or tofu for extra heartiness.

Storage and Reheating

This quinoa vegetable skillet is excellent for meal prep! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When stored properly, the flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier on subsequent days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Reheating is simple: just pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. If the quinoa appears a bit dry after refrigeration, add a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating to restore moistness and softness. This maintains the delightful texture of the dish.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is straightforward and ideal for gatherings or smaller meals. For larger portions, simply double all ingredients and cook the quinoa in a larger pot while ensuring that your skillet can hold all the vegetables. Keep in mind that cooking times remain roughly the same, but you should monitor it closely as some pans might require adjustments in heat.

If you're cooking for one or two, halving the recipe works beautifully. Just make sure to adjust your vegetable quantities accordingly. Some might think the flavors will be diminished; however, you'll find that each bite remains just as satisfying and packed with nutrients when you use the right ratios.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan as it uses vegetable broth and doesn’t contain any animal products.

→ Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Absolutely! You can substitute quinoa with rice, farro, or even couscous. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.