Eating gluten free and vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or spend hours in the kitchen. In fact, there are plenty of easy, wholesome recipes that cater to both dietary needs without any fuss.
Whether you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons or simply choosing a plant-based lifestyle, these recipes are designed to be simple, nutritious, and delicious. From vibrant salads to hearty mains, the right combination of fresh ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques can transform your meals into true delights.
In this post, we’ll explore an easy gluten free vegetarian recipe that you can whip up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches. Plus, we’ll share tips and variations to customize it according to your taste preferences.
If you’re interested in more plant-based inspiration, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the flavorful Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for some exciting twists.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This gluten free vegetarian recipe is a lifesaver for those craving a nutritious meal without complicated prep or hard-to-find ingredients. It is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich beans, and aromatic herbs that deliver satisfying flavors and textures.
The best part? It’s naturally gluten free, so no special substitutions are needed, making it a breeze to prepare.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, it can be adapted easily to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats wonderfully, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving.
Don’t forget to explore our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade to pair this dish with some homemade gluten free tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Quinoa (rinsed) | 1 cup |
Water or vegetable broth | 2 cups |
Chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained) | 1 cup |
Red bell pepper | 1 medium, diced |
Zucchini | 1 medium, diced |
Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved |
Red onion | 1 small, finely chopped |
Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Fresh parsley | ÂĽ cup, chopped |
Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (if using canned chickpeas)
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the quinoa cooks, dice the red bell pepper and zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season the veggies: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Combine chickpeas and tomatoes: Add the chickpeas and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly and the chickpeas are heated through.
- Mix quinoa and veggies: Transfer the cooked quinoa to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve warm or cold: This dish can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for a refreshing salad. It pairs beautifully with homemade gluten free bread or tortillas.
Tips & Variations
For an extra protein boost, toss in some toasted pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts right before serving.
If you prefer a creamier texture, add a dollop of your favorite dairy-free yogurt or tahini sauce on top.
Feel free to swap quinoa with other gluten free grains like millet or buckwheat for a different texture. You can also experiment with seasonal vegetables—roasted sweet potatoes or steamed broccoli work wonderfully.
If you’re craving a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step. For a Mediterranean twist, include some chopped kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
For more creative vegetarian recipes with a gluten free twist, explore our Veg Maharashtrian Recipes: Easy & Delicious Meals or the flavorful Vegetarian Recipes for Cinco de Mayo: Festive & Easy Idea.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Dietary Fiber | 8g |
Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 1.2g |
Sodium | 210mg |
Vitamin C | 70% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
For a more substantial feast, try it with a warm slice of gluten free bread or our Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves. Adding a side of homemade guacamole or salsa can also elevate the flavors and provide a creamy contrast.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, enjoy this recipe chilled as a quinoa salad, perfect for picnics or packed lunches. It also makes a great filling for gluten free wraps or stuffed peppers.
Conclusion
Eating gluten free and vegetarian doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. This easy recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious, nourishing meal that fits both dietary needs effortlessly.
With minimal prep and flexible options for customization, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Whether you’re new to gluten free vegetarian cooking or looking for fresh ideas to add to your repertoire, this recipe offers a balanced combination of flavors and nutrients. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.
And remember, exploring other recipes like our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious can add exciting variety to your meal plan.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your wholesome plant-based meals!
đź“– Recipe Card: Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Description: A quick and easy gluten-free vegetarian salad packed with protein and fresh flavors. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Combine quinoa and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 45 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Quinoa and Black Bean Salad”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and easy gluten-free vegetarian salad packed with protein and fresh flavors. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup quinoa”, “2 cups water”, “1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced”, “1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped”, “1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 tablespoon lime juice”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse quinoa under cold water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine quinoa and water in a pot and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff quinoa with a fork and let cool.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve chilled or at room temperature.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}