Paprika Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl (Printable)

Vibrant bowl with roasted vegetables, quinoa, chicken, fresh salad, and avocado.

# Components:

→ 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 such as arugula, spinach, or romaine
20 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
21 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
22 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
23 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Bowl Assembly

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

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and carrots with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
02 - Roast vegetables for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
03 - While vegetables roast, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa, 2 cups vegetable broth or water, and ½ teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
04 - Pat 2 chicken breasts dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
05 - In a salad bowl, toss 4 cups mixed greens and 1 sliced cucumber with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
06 - Divide cooked quinoa among four bowls as the base. Top each with roasted vegetables, sliced chicken, a handful of lemon salad, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from avocado and olive oil.
  • Smoky Flavor: The use of smoked paprika adds a rich, complex depth to both the vegetables and the chicken.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: The components can be prepared in advance for a quick assembly during the week.
02 -
  • Rinse Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove the natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter.
  • Rest the Meat: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
  • Freshness First: Squeeze the lemon juice fresh rather than using bottled for a much brighter salad flavor.
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