Cilantro Lime Quinoa
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly fresh, Cilantro Lime Quinoa is the perfect fusion of vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrition. This quick and easy recipe combines fluffy quinoa with the tanginess of fresh lime juice and zest, the earthy warmth of minced garlic, and a finishing touch of fragrant chopped cilantro. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal gluten-free side dish or light vegetarian main that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether paired with grilled proteins or served as a refreshing salad base, this healthy quinoa dish delivers a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this recipe is guaranteed to elevate any meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.125 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Once cooked, remove the quinoa from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff it with a fork.
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper.
Pour the lime mixture over the cooked quinoa and gently toss to combine.
Stir in the chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. You can add more lime juice or salt to suit your preference.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Enjoy as a side dish or a light main meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
722 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.5 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1214 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 97.0 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 25.3 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 93 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 305 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
