Paprika Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl (Print View)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 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 parsley, chopped (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and carrots with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Place in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking, until tender with light caramelization at the edges.
04 - While vegetables roast, combine rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
05 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub evenly with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on all sides.
06 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
07 - In a salad bowl, combine mixed greens and sliced cucumber. Dress with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
08 - Divide cooked quinoa among four serving bowls as the base. Top each bowl with roasted vegetables, sliced chicken, a portion of lemon salad, and fresh avocado slices. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • Smoky & Savory: Smoked paprika provides a rich, earthy depth to both the vegetables and the chicken.
  • Balanced Nutrition: A perfect mix of complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats from avocado.
  • Gluten-Free: Naturally suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
  • Fresh Contrast: The crisp lemon salad adds a bright acidity that balances the warm roasted components.
02 -
  • Resting the Chicken: Always let your chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked inside.
  • Fluffy Quinoa: Ensure the quinoa is rinsed before cooking to remove bitterness, and always fluff it with a fork immediately after the resting period.
  • Safety: If you are adding cheese or using pre-packaged broth, remember to check labels for hidden gluten or dairy if you have specific dietary requirements.
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