Quinoa Pilaf with Cranberries
Elevate your next meal with this vibrant Quinoa Pilaf with Cranberries, a wholesome dish packed with texture and flavor. Featuring fluffy, protein-rich quinoa cooked in low-sodium vegetable broth, this recipe is brightened with sweet, chewy dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted slivered almonds. Aromatic sautéed onions and garlic provide a savory base, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a splash of zesty lemon juice add a fresh, tangy finish. Perfect as a nutritious side dish or a light vegetarian main course, this 30-minute recipe combines wholesome ingredients for a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Make it a crowd-pleaser for special gatherings or an easy weeknight staple!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove its natural bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside.
While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
Mix in the dried cranberries, toasted slivered almonds, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to evenly heat the mixture.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve warm as a delicious side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1589 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 100.0 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2652 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.8 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.2 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.1 g | ||
| Protein | 49.4 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 382 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1535 mg | 33% | |
*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.
