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, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup zucchini, diced; 1 cup spinach, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Dinner Quinoa Vegetable Skillet when I want to prepare a nourishing and colorful meal in a flash. With quinoa as a base, this dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it both filling and satisfying. The fresh vegetables add a vibrant touch, and I’ve found that using whatever I have on hand makes it versatile and fun. It’s an easy, one-pan recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-10T10:58:14.049Z

When I first began making this quinoa vegetable skillet, I was surprised at how quickly everything came together. I typically start by sautéing the garlic and onions to build a flavorful foundation, then I add colorful vegetables like bell peppers and spinach to keep it vibrant. The secret is to cook the quinoa until it’s fluffy—this ensures that each grain absorbs all the amazing flavors!

One thing I love about this recipe is its flexibility; I can switch up the vegetables based on what's in season or what I have in the fridge. It’s a great way to reduce food waste while experimenting with different flavors. Plus, the dish stays delicious as leftovers, which makes meal prep easy for the week ahead.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Nutritious, packed with vegetables and whole grains
Quick one-pan meal, perfect for busy nights
Easily customizable with seasonal ingredients

      

The Importance of Quinoa

Quinoa is a superfood grain that not only serves as the base for this skillet but also elevates the dish's nutritional profile. It's packed with complete proteins, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets. The recommend cooking time of 15 minutes ensures that it maintains a slightly chewy texture, which complements the tenderness of the sautéed vegetables perfectly.

Using vegetable broth instead of water significantly enhances the flavor of the quinoa. When simmering, the broth infuses the grains with rich, savory notes, making each bite delightful. If you're looking to experiment, try using a homemade broth or adding herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor that can marry nicely with the vegetables.

Customizing Your Skillet

One of the best parts of this quinoa vegetable skillet is its versatility. You can easily swap in seasonal vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s fresh at the market. For instance, diced carrots, peas, or even sweet potatoes can work wonderfully in place of bell peppers and zucchini. Just remember to adjust cooking times to ensure all vegetables are tender. For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.

If you're aiming for a heartier meal, proteins like chickpeas, black beans, or even grilled chicken can be added post-quinoa to make this dish more filling. For an added creamy texture, you could stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese right before serving, enhancing the dish's richness without losing its healthy vibe.

Ingredients

For the Quinoa Skillet

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Mix and match your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch!

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the bell pepper and zucchini, cooking until tender.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and stir in the chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt.

Serve warm with fresh herbs if desired.

This dish is excellent served warm or as a chilled salad!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any leftover cooked proteins like chicken or chickpeas for an extra boost of nutrition.

Storing and Reheating

This quinoa vegetable skillet is perfect for meal prep. Once cooked, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to rehydrate the quinoa, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. A quick stir in the microwave or a gentle warm-up in a skillet over medium heat will refresh the flavors and textures wonderfully.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the skillet. Once cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results. This way, you can enjoy a quick and nutritious meal even on your busiest days!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your quinoa skillet, serve it on a bed of leafy greens like arugula or kale. The fresh greens add a peppery bite that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the vegetables. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top before serving brightens the dish and enhances the overall experience.

For a satisfying finish, pair the skillet with a side of whole-grain bread or pita. This will round out the meal nicely and give you some texture contrast. You can also create a delightful grain bowl by topping your quinoa skillet with avocado slices, seeds, or nuts for a finishing crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, you can use water, but the broth adds extra flavor.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add broccoli, carrots, peas, or any seasonal veggies you prefer.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan as written.