Roasted Beet Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl

ByNkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
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Colorful Beet and Butternut Squash Bowl with Quinoa! A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried maple butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Full disclosure: I always…

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A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet

Colorful Beet and Butternut Squash Bowl with Quinoa!

A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried maple butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Full disclosure: I always like serving this instead of stuffing during most Thanksgiving. 

Incidentally, I do not wait for Thanksgiving to make this side dish. I make it throughout the year, and the leftovers are purely divine. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to salads. Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn’t know you needed. It’s a great way to combine flavor and nutrition in one simple move. This recipe is perfect for quinoa lovers. Though, if you have yet to fall in love with it, you will still enjoy it. You are sure to turn into quinoa’s biggest fan.

A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads.

Healthy Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl

Literally every single year, I make this roasted beet and butternut squash quinoa bowl recipe instead of my paleo plantain stuffing. I know what you think. That quinoa isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Remember, this recipe incorporates roasted butternut squash, making it Thanksgiving enough! Hahaha! Can we all agree that everyone should serve whatever they enjoy as their Thanksgiving meal? Let’s face it, that is how you make new memories and create new family traditions! Also, let’s no forget that this recipe/color is equally perfect as a Christmas side dish as well.

My Thanksgiving dinner is usually short and sweet. Also, clean, healthy, and most importantly, colorful! I like making this quinoa bowl, and my family enjoys eating it! And I’m so excited to share it right here, right now, with you!

My roasted beets butternut squash quinoa bowl recipe starts with my baked quinoa. Then add roasted maple butternut squash and beets made in the air fryer to give you the easiest, yummiest, most colorful side dish ever! And if you wish to make this during Thanksgiving, it becomes your no-stuffing stuffing!

A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads.

More Healthy Quinoa Recipes to Try:

How Do You Bake Quinoa From Scratch?

Simply combine your quinoa with broth and seasonings, bake for 30 minutes, and it’s ready. I’ve baked quinoa for people who claim to dislike quinoa only for them to gobble it all up, singing its praises. Trust me, this is the way to make quinoa everyone loves!

How to bake quinoa in the oven with chicken broth, bay leaves and rosemary

Why You Will Love This Roasted Beet Butternut Squash Quinoa Recipe

  • Colorful and prettiest side dish!
  • It is a healthy and nutritious!
  • Packed with flavors from the roasted maple butternut squash, roasted beets and  baked quinoa.
  • You’ll add more colors to your Thanksgiving meal (or any meal year-round).
  • It’s so simple!
  • It’s perfect for gluten-free eaters.
  • Even people who claim they hate quinoa love this recipe. 
  • Vegan/plant-based side dish!
A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet #vegan #sidedish

Tools/Equipment You Will Need

Ceramic baking dish

Ingredients for Roasted Butternut Squash and Beet Quinoa Bowl

  1. Quinoa – cooked or baked quinoa; see below how I baked my quinoa, which gives you a gluten-free way to get more fiber and nutrients like protein, folate, and zinc.
  2. Roasted maple butternut squash – use this recipe to roast/bake your butternut squash in the air fryer or oven and get the benefits of this high-potassium veggie in your belly. 
  3. Air fryer roasted beets – check my recipe on how I made mine and get those ‘beet’-iful health benefits including support for healthier blood pressure.
  4. Freshly chopped parsley (optional)
A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet #vegan #sidedish

Ingredients for Baking Quinoa from Scratch:

  • Raw quinoa
  • Seasoned Broth; Chicken or veggie broth
  • Bay leaves
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
How to bake quinoa in the oven with chicken broth, bay leaves and rosemary

How to Make Quinoa Beet Butternut Squash Bowl (Step-by-Step)

First, I’ll detail how to bake quinoa from scratch followed by how you can assemble all the components together to make my roasted beet butternut squash quinoa bowl!

How to Bake Quinoa from Scratch

  1. Preheat and rinse. Preheat the oven to 350F. While it warms up, put your raw quinoa in a colander and rinse it well.
  2. Season. After washing, put your quinoa into a baking dish along with the broth, rosemary, and bay leaves. 
  3. Bake. Bake for 30 minutes or until the quinoa soaks up all the liquid and has a tender texture. 
  4. Fluff. Fluff it up with a fork. You can then serve it as-is for a simple side dish or carry on with the quinoa beet butternut squash bowl, which requires you to let it cool first. 
A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet #vegan #sidedish
Freshly out of oven before fluffing

How to Assemble Roasted Beet Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl

  1. Add ingredients

    With all ingredients ready, add some quinoa to a big bowl. Then add the roasted butternut squash and beets. Sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley, if using.A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet #vegan #sidedish

  2. Stir to combine

    Use a spatula to mix everything together.

  3. Taste and serve

    Since your quinoa, butternut squash, and beets are all prepared with their own seasonings, you really won’t need to add anything additional. However, give it a taste and add more salt or seasoning to your preferences. You can serve this for Thanksgiving or on a Sunday night for a special dinner. It’s easy to make ahead and simplify your meal planning! Also, leftovers make perfect quinoa salad!

A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads.

Tips and Recipe Notes

  • You can make this ahead!
  • If you’ve disliked quinoa in the past, try my ratio for liquid to quinoa. I use 2 cups of quinoa to 3 cups of liquid. This ensures I do not get soggy and bland quinoa. Try it!
  • Feel free to customize this recipe to your preference. Add as much/less roasted beets and butternut squash as you desire. If you prefer more butternut squash, add more; if you want less quinoa, reduce the quantity.
  • The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great quinoa salad!
  • You can use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash.
  • Make the air fryer roasted beets and butternut squash day(s) before to save time.
  • This recipe can be served warm or cold!
  • I do not recommend adding additional sauce. You don’t want it soggy!

What to Serve with Quinoa Beet Butternut Bowl

Oven-Baked Orange Glazed Turkey Breast! The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. 

Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings! A lemony, buttery, garlicky, and succulent easy-to-make air fryer lemon pepper turkey wings is the simple turkey meat recipe you need! 

A lemony, buttery, garlicky, and succulent easy-to-make air fryer lemon pepper turkey wings is the simple turkey meat recipe you need! These are the elevated turkey wings you can count on for any occasion! These lemon pepper turkey wings will never disappoint. Also, it comes together so quickly because you will use the air fryer. On the other hand, you are welcome to use the oven if you do not have an air fryer! This is an excellent option during Thanksgiving, Sunday, or weeknight dinners. #Turkey #wings #Thanksgiving

Air Fryer Salmon: Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside!

Air fryer salmon is easy, quick, tasty, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. This best healthy salmon recipe has a crisp outside and flaky + tender inside! Air-fried salmon is flavorful, tasty, light, and perfect with any side dish! This is genuinely the best healthy salmon recipe; also, it is low-carb, keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free! #Salmon #seafood #Airfryersalmon #Fishrecipe #salmonrecipe #healthysalmonrecipe

Stuffed Turkey Breast. Easy to make oven-roasted boneless turkey breast recipe is moist, juicy, and tender on the inside. And perfectly crispy on the outside, this baked stuffed turkey breast recipe is excellent for a small family instead of an entire turkey.

Take the stress out of your holiday cooking with this easy oven-baked stuffed turkey breast recipe. Oven roasted boneless stuffed turkey breast is moist, juicy, tender, and incredibly delicious! This simple baked turkey breast is the perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for small families during the holidays and beyond. Making turkey breast takes way less time than a whole turkey, and yet very flavorful and perfect for a small gathering! With its crispy skin yet tender on the inside, your whole family is going to love this well-seasoned turkey meat! #turkeybreast #ovenroastedturkey #thanksgivingturkey #bonelessturkeybreast #holidays

Quinoa FAQs

What Goes Well with Quinoa?

Quinoa is an excellent side dish for any meal. Any time you’d serve rice, you could serve quinoa instead. Of course, it’s amazing when mixed with my roasted butternut squash and beets to make this delicious bowl!

How Do I Make Quinoa Taste Good?

Some people don’t like quinoa because they say it tastes bitter. But if you follow my method for baking the quinoa with seasoned broth and herbs first, you’re going to completely change how you feel about it. Give it a try!

What Should I Season My Quinoa With?

In my recipe, I use seasoned broth, fresh rosemary, and bay leaves. I find this imparts the perfect flavors, though you can use other savory seasonings as you see fit. 

What Is the Ratio of Water to Quinoa?

Typically, most cooks tell you to do 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water or broth. However, you’ll get better results when you do 2 cups of quinoa to 3 cups of broth. 

How Much Quinoa For 1 Cup Cooked?

A cup of dry quinoa may not look like much, but it will expand about 3 times, giving you roughly 3 cups when cooked.

Can This Be a Salad?

Yes, it absolutely can! In fact, we love adding the leftovers to salads during the week for another tasty way to enjoy this recipe. 

A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads.

Variations/Substitutions

  • Experiment with your favorite savory seasonings to create new flavor profiles.
  • Prefer to serve this with meat? You can use beef broth instead.
  • No butternut squash? Try sweet potatoes since they’re somewhat similar.

CHECK OUT OUR THANKSGIVING DINNER:

Like most American children, my kids look forward to the yearly Thanksgiving and Christmas. We like serving the meals the kids would enjoy. Last year’s (2022) Thanksgiving dinner featured this easy roasted butternut squash and beets quinoa bowl. It really added a beautiful color to our table! Sometimes, I make it during during too! Check out my entire simple Thanksgiving dinner spread for inspiration.

Thanksgiving Dinner Table

How to Make Roasted Beet Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl 

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A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet

Roasted Beet Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Side dish
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn’t know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet #vegan #sidedish

Ingredients

Scale
  • Quinoa – 2-3 cups cooked or baked quinoa; see below how I baked my quinoa, which gives you a gluten-free way to get more fiber and nutrients like protein, folate, and zinc.
  • 2–3  cups Roasted butternut squash – use this recipe to roast/bake your butternut squash in the air fryer or oven and get the benefits of this high-potassium veggie in your belly. 
  • 2–3 cups Roasted beets – check my recipe on how I made mine and get those ‘beet’-iful health benefits, including support for healthier blood pressure.
  • Freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Ingredients for Baking Quinoa from Scratch:

  • 2 cups of raw 
  • 3 cups of seasoned chicken or veggie broth
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 2 fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

How to Bake Quinoa from Scratch

  1. Preheat and rinse. Preheat the oven to 350F. While it warms up, put your raw quinoa in a colander and rinse it well.
  2. Season. After washing, put your quinoa into a baking dish along with the broth, rosemary, and bay leaves. How to bake quinoa in the oven with chicken broth, bay leaves and rosemary 
  3. Bake. Bake for 30 minutes or until the quinoa soaks up all the liquid and has a tender texture. 
  4. Fluff. Fluff it up with a fork. You can then serve it as-is for a simple side dish or carry on with the quinoa beet butternut squash bowl, which requires you to let it cool first. A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet #vegan #sidedish

How to Assemble Quinoa Beet Butternut Squash Bowl

  1. Add ingredients. With all ingredients ready, add some quinoa to a big bowl. Then add the roasted butternut squash and beets. Sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley if using. A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet #vegan #sidedish
  2. Stir to combine. Use a spatula to mix everything together.
  3. Taste and serve. Since your quinoa, butternut squash, and beets are all prepared with their own seasonings, you really won’t need to add anything additional. However, give it a taste and add more salt or seasoning to your preferences. You can serve this for Thanksgiving or on a Sunday night for a special dinner. It’s easy to make ahead and simplify your meal planning! Also, leftovers make the perfect quinoa salad! A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads.

Notes

You can make this ahead!

If you’ve disliked quinoa in the past, try my ratio for liquid to quinoa. I use 2 cups of quinoa to 3 cups of liquid. This ensures I do not get soggy and bland quinoa. Try it!

Feel free to customize this recipe to your preference. Add as much/less roasted beets and butternut squash as you desire. If you prefer more butternut squash, add more; if you want less quinoa, reduce the quantity. 

The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great quinoa salad!

You can use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash.

Make the air fryer roasted beets and butternut squash day(s) before to save time.

This recipe can be served warm or cold!

I do not recommend adding additional sauce. You don’t want it soggy!

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

MORE HEALTHY SIDE DISHES TO TRY:

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A simple quinoa bowl with air fryer roasted beet (beetroot), roasted air-fried butternut squash, and baked quinoa is filling, satisfying, healthy! This roasted beet butternut squash bowl with quinoa is colorful, making it a perfect side dish for every main dish and every occasion! Quinoa, beets, and butternut squash is a combo you didn't know you needed. The leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and make great additions to quinoa salads. #quinoa #butternutsquash #beet #vegan #sidedish

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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I'm Nkechi Ajaeroh, a 2x International Best Selling Author, Food Enthusiast, and Public Health expert with a Master's in Public Health. Originally from Nigeria, I now reside in the United States. My passion is crafting heart-healthy Nigerian meals with an American twist. My blog explores the joy of food and life, sharing my personal and professional journey and helping you navigate your healthy lifestyle. I am dedicated to impacting lives through storytelling and inspiring others to achieve their personal goals. LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

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12 Comments

  1. This bright, vibrant, fabulous flavored quinoa bowl is perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.



    Reply

  2. This quinoa bowl was so tasty! Going to make some more for healthy lunches throughout the week.



    Reply

  3. This was so good! And I loved the pretty pink color, too!



    Reply
  4. Carrie Robinson says:

    I am loving everything about this- the roasted beets, butternut squash, quinoa… and that gorgeous color! 🙂 Can’t wait to try this recipe soon.



    Reply

  5. This was delicious! We really enjoyed both making and eating it!



    Reply

  6. I like the smile of anticipation on your child’s face. I would smile likewise with such lovely food in front of me!

    Reply