Fiesta Veggie Stir Fry

We needed something fast, colorful, and tasty. So yeah, this Fiesta Veggie Stir Fry totally saved the day. It’s like a party on a plate.

It’s packed with veggies. Bright, fresh, and full of crunch. And the flavors? So good and a little spicy too.

We love how easy it is to toss together. Just grab a pan, throw it in, and boom—dinner’s ready. It makes healthy eating feel fun.

Wanna give it a go? Come cook it with us. It’s super simple, promise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: A quick 20-minute stir fry that requires minimal prep and cooking time.
• Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with vibrant vegetables, spices, and fresh lime, you’ll get a burst of flavor with every bite.
• Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for preparing ahead of time and storing for meals throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add a protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a more filling dish.
• Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: This stir fry is plant-based and gluten-free, making it a great option for a variety of dietary needs.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Skillet or Wok: To stir-fry your vegetables to perfection.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing and chopping your veggies.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring your spices and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: To toss the veggies and avoid burning.
• Juicer: To squeeze the lime for that fresh citrusy kick.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this colorful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil to sauté your veggies and bring out their natural sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: One red, one yellow, and one green bell pepper, sliced. They add color and sweetness to the dish.
• Red Onion: One large red onion, sliced. It adds a savory touch and slight sweetness.
• Zucchini: One zucchini, sliced into half-moons. It adds a mild, refreshing flavor and texture to the stir fry.
• Chili Powder: A teaspoon of chili powder gives the dish a mild heat and depth.
• Cumin: Half a teaspoon of cumin to complement the chili powder with its earthy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Lime: The juice of one lime adds brightness and tanginess to balance the savory flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro: Two tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish and added freshness.

Variations for Fiesta Veggie Stir Fry

• Add Protein: You can easily add tofu, tempeh, grilled chicken, or shrimp to make the stir fry more filling and provide a source of protein.
• Spice It Up: Increase the chili powder or add a diced jalapeño to the stir fry for an extra kick.
• Add Corn: Throw in some sweet corn for a bit of sweetness and texture contrast.
• Swap the Veggies: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots, depending on what you have on hand.
• Use Soy Sauce: If you’re not avoiding soy, you can add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami flavor.
• Add Avocado: For some creaminess, top your stir fry with sliced avocado right before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Veggies

Start by washing and slicing all your vegetables: the bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini. Make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. If you haven’t done so yet, juice the lime and chop the cilantro as well.

2. Heat the Oil

Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for about 30 seconds until it shimmers. You want the oil to be hot enough to sear the veggies but not so hot that they burn.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the sliced onions to the hot oil first, since they take a bit longer to soften. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to become translucent. Then, add the bell peppers and zucchini, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to soften slightly but still retain their color and crunch.

4. Add the Spices

Once the veggies are nearly done cooking, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables and bloom in the oil. This step really brings out the flavors and aromas of the spices.

5. Add the Lime Juice

Squeeze the juice of one lime over the stir fry. The acidity from the lime will brighten the dish and balance the heat of the chili powder. Toss the veggies again to combine.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the stir fry from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. You can serve this dish immediately or let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Fiesta Veggie Stir Fry

This stir fry is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• On Its Own: Serve the stir fry as a side dish to complement grilled meats or other mains.
• As a Main Dish: Pair with a side of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) for a complete meal.
• In Tacos: Use the stir-fried veggies as the base for a vibrant veggie taco, topped with avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
• With Quinoa or Couscous: For a heartier, protein-packed meal, serve with quinoa or couscous.
• As a Salad Topper: Use the stir fry as a topping for a fresh salad with greens, beans, and a tangy dressing.

Storing Fiesta Veggie Stir Fry

• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This stir fry is great for meal prepping and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be sure not to overcook it when reheating, as the veggies can lose their texture.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the stir fry, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Protein	3g
Carbs	24g
Fiber	5g
Sugars	7g
Fat	4g
Saturated Fat	0.5g
Sodium	180mg

Conclusion

This Fiesta Veggie Stir Fry is a fantastic, healthy, and easy recipe that brings a burst of flavor and color to any meal. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner, prepping for the week ahead, or just in need of a veggie-filled dish, this stir fry is sure to satisfy. The combination of sweet bell peppers, savory onions, and earthy cumin, all topped with a zing of lime, will make your taste buds dance with joy. It’s quick, customizable, and an absolute winner for meal prep, so make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!