When it comes to dinner, I absolutely adore light meals that leave me feeling satisfied without the heaviness. There’s something so comforting about a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy on the stomach. That’s why I love this recipe for a simple quinoa and mixed vegetable dish—it’s a true gem among not heavy dinner recipes! It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something warm and nourishing without feeling weighed down. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! I remember the first time I made this; I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it came together and how vibrant the flavors were. Trust me, you’ll feel good about serving this to your family or enjoying it yourself after a long day. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite for any light dinner occasion!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful quinoa and mixed vegetable dish. I promise these ingredients are simple, and you might already have some in your kitchen!
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables: I love using broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor. Fresh is best, but frozen works perfectly too!
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa: If you don’t have quinoa, feel free to substitute with brown rice or couscous—both are great options!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds a lovely richness. You can use any oil you prefer, like avocado oil or even butter if you’d like a different flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A dash of garlic brings everything to life. If you have fresh garlic, feel free to use that instead!
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course! Adjust these to suit your preferences.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This brightens the dish and adds a refreshing zing.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get cooking! This recipe is super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step. You’ll see how easy it is to create a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First things first, let’s heat up our olive oil. Grab a medium-sized pan and place it on the stove over medium heat. You want the oil to warm up nicely without smoking—about a minute should do!
- Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add in your mixed vegetables. Toss them into the pan and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. You’re looking for them to become tender but still a bit crisp—nothing mushy here!
- Next, we’ll introduce our cooked quinoa to the mix. Stir it in gently, allowing it to warm up through. This shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Quinoa is such a fantastic addition, providing not only flavor but also a lovely texture.
- Now, let’s season things up! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remember, you can always adjust these to your taste, so don’t be shy! Add the lemon juice as well; it really brightens everything up.
- Give everything a good stir and let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. You want the flavors to meld together beautifully. The aroma will be so inviting!
- Once done, remove the pan from heat and serve your delightful quinoa and vegetable dish warm. I like to plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a little extra flair, but that’s totally optional. Enjoy your light and comforting dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This quinoa and mixed vegetable dish is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with benefits that make it a favorite for any light dinner. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy evenings!
- Light and Nourishing: This meal leaves you feeling satisfied without the heaviness—ideal for those light dinner cravings.
- Versatile: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have or love. It’s adaptable for any taste!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins, protein, and fiber, it’s a wholesome choice for anyone looking to eat lighter.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less clean-up means more time to relax after dinner. Who doesn’t love that?
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for one serving of this delightful quinoa and mixed vegetable dish. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This dish is not only light on the stomach, but it also delivers a good balance of nutrients to keep you feeling energized! Perfect for a wholesome meal any day of the week.
Tips for Success
To make this dish truly shine, here are some helpful tips! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables; zucchini, snap peas, or even spinach can add a delightful twist. If you’re short on time, using frozen mixed vegetables is a fantastic shortcut—just toss them straight into the pan! Also, remember to taste as you go; adjusting the seasoning to your liking is key for the best flavor. Lastly, if you want to add some protein, consider mixing in cooked beans or chickpeas for a heartier meal. Happy cooking!
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your heart’s content! If you want to switch things up, try using different vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or even sweet corn for a bit of sweetness. You can also play around with grains—swap quinoa for farro or even barley for a unique texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. The beauty of this dish is that it can adapt to whatever you have on hand, so let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this quinoa and mixed vegetable dish is simple! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. If you prefer, you can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Just be careful not to overheat, as you want those lovely veggies to stay vibrant!
FAQ Section
Can I use different grains besides quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is a fantastic base for this dish, you can easily substitute it with brown rice, couscous, or even farro. Each grain brings its unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!
What if I don’t like certain vegetables?
Not a problem at all! This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you’re not a fan of broccoli or bell peppers, swap them out for your favorites like zucchini, green beans, or even mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you choose vegetables that cook faster or slower.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it—it’s just as delicious the next day!

Not Heavy Dinner Recipes: 5 Comforting Dishes to Love
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and comforting dinner recipe perfect for any evening.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa with brown rice or couscous.
- Use frozen vegetables for convenience.
- Adjust seasonings based on your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: not heavy dinner recipes