Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables with Herby Quinoa Lemontahini Dressing

Rainbow Roots My NutritionPacked Roasted Veggie Quinoa

By Jamie ElridgeSeptember 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy something proper tasty and good for you? Ever looked at a plate of beige food and thought, "Nah, I can do better"? This recipe is exactly what you need.

It’s a nutrition bomb disguised as a comfort food hug.

Quick Hook

Remember Bangers and Mash? This recipe's a healthy remix of that classic. Think vibrant colours and a flavour explosion. This recipe is for Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables with Herby Quinoa & Lemon Tahini Dressing.

Sweet roasted veggies with nutty quinoa and tangy dressing, it's a treat!

Brief Overview

Root vegetables have been a staple for ages. They're proper nourishing in lots of cultures. This recipe is dead easy, takes under an hour.

This serves 4 and is ideal for a weeknight dinner or lunch prep. A great way to get some vegetarian nutrition in!

Main Benefits

Honestly, this recipe is all about goodness. Packed with vitamins and minerals , it's a delicious way to boost your nutrition and enjoy a balanced diet .

Serve this on a chilly evening or pack it for a picnic. The roast vegetables and quinoa recipes are amazing.

What makes it special? It's simple, nutrient dense , and tastes incredible. It will give you loads of fiber rich foods and healthy recipes .

Ready to get cooking? Let's dive into the ingredients .

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get real about what you'll need. No fancy stuff, promise. We're aiming for healthy recipes that are actually doable, even on a Tuesday night.

This recipe leans heavily on root vegetables think carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes bringing a natural sweetness and loads of vitamins and minerals to the table.

Plus, we're using quinoa , which is a fab source of plant based protein . So, it is one of the quinoa recipes that will make your body happy and healthy.

Main Ingredients

Okay, here's the lowdown on the ingredients.

Carrots: 1 pound (450g) , about 3 large. Get carrots that are firm and brightly colored. That shows they're fresh.
Parsnips: 1 pound (450g) , similar size to the carrots. They should be firm, not bendy.
Sweet Potato: 1 large , around 1 pound (450g) . Look for a sweet potato with smooth, unblemished skin.
Red Onion: 1 , medium sized.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . Extra virgin is best, but any will do.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon .
Quinoa: 1 cup (180g) , rinsed. Rinsing gets rid of any bitterness.
Vegetable Broth: 2 cups (475ml) .
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped.
Fresh Chives: 1/4 cup , chopped.
Tahini: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Stir it well!
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons . Freshly squeezed makes a difference.
Water: 2 tablespoons .
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon .
Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional).

Seasoning Notes

Thyme and rosemary are my go-to for root vegetables . They add that earthy, cozy flavour. If you haven't got rosemary, oregano works pretty well.

A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing gives it a little zing. The combination of fresh parsley and chives in the quinoa is essential for vibrancy.

The lemon tahini dressing will add that special and unique touch to the recipe, it is a flavor enhancer , the best option to increase the level of this recipe

Equipment Needed

Don't stress about fancy gear.

Large Baking Sheet.
Medium Saucepan with Lid.
Parchment paper. (Optional, but it makes cleaning up a breeze).

That's it! This recipe is all about whole food nutrition and keeping it simple. This provides a balanced diet . So you are going to obtain a good vegetarian nutrition .

Get ready for a nutrient dense meal , full of fiber rich foods .

Honestly, this dish is so good, you won't even realize how healthy it is. Enjoy and don't forget, nutrition is all about balance and making choices that are right for you!

Alright, let's dive into cooking! I'm sharing a fab recipe. It's delicious and a nutrition superstar. It's a healthy twist on Bangers and Mash. Veggie sausage, anyone?

Root Veggie Rainbow: Roasting 101

Let's chat about roasting root vegetables. It's surprisingly simple. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. We're making Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables with Herby Quinoa & Lemon Tahini Dressing .

Prep Steps: Getting Sorted

First, the mise en place . Peel and chop your carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato. Cut the red onion into quarters.

It’s about 20 minutes for the prep. This helps you later. For safety, use a sharp knife. Keep your fingers tucked.

step-by-step: Roast to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Toss those chopped veggies with olive oil. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Spread them on a baking sheet. Parchment paper makes cleanup easier.
Roast for 30- 35 minutes . Flip halfway.
Veggies should be tender. They should also be slightly caramelized.
While roasting, cook your quinoa. Use vegetable broth. Simmer 15 minutes .

Pro Tips for Roasting Royalty

Don't overcrowd the pan. This steams the veggies. Use two sheets if needed. Also, cut the veggies evenly. This ensures even cooking.

You know, nutrient dense meals are all about balance! Aim for that. Fiber rich foods keeps you feeling full! Healthy recipes should be enjoyable.

Roasting root vegetables is a great place to start! And remember, it's easy to swap out ingredients like using butternut squash for the sweet potato or trying brown rice instead of quinoa.

That's it! Now you're roasting like a pro. I like to serve this with some grilled chicken. It's a great source of plant based protein .

Plus, it makes it a really balanced diet. Don't forget about the vitamins and minerals in those root veggies. Honestly, this dish is all about whole food nutrition .

I'm telling you, give it a go!

Recipe Notes

Right then, let’s talk about making this Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables with Herby Quinoa Recipes & Lemon Tahini Dressing YOURS . I want to share some notes I have on ways to make this the best Nutrient dense meals you’ve ever had.

Honestly, there's always room for a bit of a tweak, innit?

Plating and Presentation Ideas.

Fancy a bit of cheffy flair? Pile the fiber rich foods onto a plate. Drizzle the dressing artistically. A sprinkle of chopped parsley? Ooh, fancy ! Seriously though, even just arranging the root vegetables so you can see all the colours makes it look a million times better.

Try topping the vegetarian nutrition meal with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Complementary Sides or Beverages.

This is amazing as is, but sometimes, you want a bit extra. A side salad with a light vinaigrette would work beautifully.

Or, if you're feeling fancy, maybe some grilled halloumi? As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even just a sparkling water with lemon will do the trick.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!

Got leftovers? No worries.

Refrigeration guidelines: Pop it in an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing options: Honestly, the root vegetables might get a bit mushy if you freeze them, but the quinoa freezes really well. Keep in the freezer for up to 2 months .
Reheating instructions: Microwave the quinoa or warm through in a pan. Reheat the root vegetables in the oven to keep them crispy or in the microwave if you don’t mind them being a little softer.

Variations: Make it Your Own

Here are a couple of ideas for swaps and changes:

Dietary adaptations: Need it gluten-free? Just double check your vegetable broth and tahini. Want to make it a plant based protein powerhouse? Add chickpeas!
Seasonal ingredient swaps: In autumn, try swapping the carrots for squash. In summer, add some grilled courgette. It's all good.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals thanks to all those lovely root vegetables .

The quinoa provides a great source of plant based protein , and the tahini dressing adds some healthy fats. It's all about a balanced diet , you know? You're getting plenty of whole food nutrition .

It's a fab way to sneak in some extra healthy recipes .

So there you have it! A few extra tips and tricks to make this Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables with Herby Quinoa & Lemon Tahini Dressing YOUR dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun with it! Cooking should be enjoyable and the great nutrition should be a bonus! Go on, give it a whirl and let me know what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetable dish actually good for me? I'm trying to be healthier, innit?

Absolutely! This dish is packed with nutrients. The root vegetables are full of vitamins and fiber, while the quinoa provides plant based protein. The tahini dressing also provides healthy fats making it a balanced and delicious choice for those wanting a healthy option.

It's much better than grabbing a cheeky Nandos everyday!

How can I adapt this recipe to fit my specific dietary needs or preferences?

This recipe is easily adaptable! If you're vegan, you're already good to go! For a gluten-free option, ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. You can also swap out vegetables you don't like butternut squash works brilliantly instead of sweet potato.

Even change the grains- try brown rice or farro instead of quinoa!

Can I make this ahead of time? I'm proper busy during the week!

You certainly can! The roasted vegetables and herby quinoa can be made a day or two in advance and stored separately in the fridge. Just reheat the vegetables slightly before assembling.

The lemon tahini dressing is best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (mince the garlic, measure out the lemon juice) ahead of time to save even more time. Storing the tahini dressing separately also means the veggies are more likely to retain their flavour!

What about the nutritional information? How does this recipe stack up in terms of calories and macronutrients?

Each serving of this Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables with Herby Quinoa & Lemon Tahini Dressing is approximately 450 calories, with 15g of protein, 20g of fat, 60g of carbohydrates, and 10g of fiber. Keep in mind this is an estimate. Always double check if you are very strict with your diet.

I'm not much of a cook. Any tips for making sure this "nutrition" recipe turns out alright?

Don't you worry your little head! The most important thing is to chop the vegetables into roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet that leads to steaming instead of roasting, and nobody wants soggy veggies!

For a little extra flavour, try drizzling the vegetables with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey before roasting.

How long will leftovers keep, and what's the best way to store them?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Store the dressing separately to prevent the quinoa from becoming soggy. You can reheat the vegetables and quinoa in the microwave or in a pan on the stove. It's almost as good as a cheeky takeaway!