Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onions, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
• Feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Vegetables:
   • Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are roughly uniform in size for even roasting.
3. Season Vegetables:
   • Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over them, season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Toss the vegetables until evenly coated.
4. Roast Vegetables:
   • Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until they are tender and have a nice golden color. Stir the vegetables halfway through the roasting time for even cooking.
5. Assemble Salad:
   • Once the vegetables are roasted, let them cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables with mixed salad greens.
6. Add Cheese and Dressing:
   • Crumble feta cheese or goat cheese over the salad. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
7. Serve:
   • Toss everything together gently and serve the roast vegetable salad warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Roasted Vegetables:

1. Choose Fresh Vegetables:
   • Use fresh and seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. This will also ensure even cooking.
2. Uniform Size:
   • Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps in preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
   • Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than roasting.
4. Use High-Quality Olive Oil:
   • Use good quality olive oil for a richer flavor. It also helps the vegetables crisp up nicely.
5. Experiment with Seasonings:
   • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and oregano are excellent choices.
6. Add Cheese and Dressing:
   • Cheese and a flavorful dressing add a nice finishing touch to the salad. Feta, goat cheese, or a sprinkle of Parmesan work well.
7. Serve at the Right Temperature:
   • Serve the salad warm or at room temperature for the best taste.