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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Zest and juice of 2 limes - 1 small red onion, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, diced - 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper, to taste Cilantro lime quinoa starts with quinoa as the base. Quinoa is a superfood packed with protein and fiber. Rinsing it is key to removing any bitter taste. You can use vegetable broth for flavor and depth. For freshness, we add chopped cilantro and lime juice. Both give a bright and zesty kick. Lime zest adds even more lime flavor without extra liquid. Next, we have additional ingredients. Diced red onion offers crunch and a mild bite. Halved cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Diced avocado brings creaminess, balancing the dish. If you like heat, add jalapeño. Just a bit adds a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. For seasoning, olive oil is essential for richness. Cumin gives warmth and an earthy note. Garlic powder enhances the dish with its savory taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper. These simple seasonings bring all the flavors together. This dish is not just healthy but also fun to make. The bright colors and fresh scents make cooking enjoyable. Whether you eat it warm or cold, cilantro lime quinoa is a dish everyone loves. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium saucepan. Combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. This broth adds great flavor. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You will know it’s done when the quinoa absorbs all the liquid. While the quinoa cooks, let’s prepare the salad. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1 cup of chopped cilantro, the zest and juice of 2 limes, 1 small diced red onion, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced avocado, and a finely chopped jalapeño if you like some heat. This mix gives your dish fresh and vibrant flavors. Next, add seasoning. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Then sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients really enhance the overall meal. Once the quinoa is ready, fluff it with a fork. Let it cool slightly before combining. Add the fluffed quinoa to your mixing bowl with the veggie mix. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the quinoa and vegetables mix well. Now, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper. This step ensures the flavors are just right. You can serve it immediately or chill it for 30 minutes. Letting it sit helps the flavors meld, making it even tastier! To get the best texture for your cilantro lime quinoa, start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly. This step removes the bitter coating called saponin. Rinsing it under cold water for a few minutes helps a lot. After cooking, use a fork to fluff the quinoa. This makes the grains light and airy. Avoid using a spoon; it can make the quinoa mushy. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh cilantro and ripe tomatoes add brightness. The zest and juice from limes give a refreshing kick. If you want more lime flavor, add extra juice. Adjust the spices, too. A pinch more cumin or garlic powder can enhance the taste. Just remember to taste as you go. Cilantro lime quinoa pairs well with proteins. Try serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp. Black beans or chickpeas are great for a vegetarian option. You can serve it as a side dish or as a main meal. It works well with tacos or salads. Enjoy it warm or chilled for a refreshing bite. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, toast the quinoa in a dry skillet for a few minutes before cooking it with broth. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, corn, or black beans work great in this dish! Make It Ahead: This quinoa salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great meal prep option. {{image_2}} You can easily add proteins to your cilantro lime quinoa. Grilled chicken gives a great flavor. Just slice it thin and mix it in. Black beans or chickpeas are also great options. They add protein and fiber. Plus, they keep it vegan-friendly. You can use any of these options to make the dish heartier. For a fun twist, consider adding corn or bell peppers. These ingredients bring sweetness and crunch. They also brighten the dish. If you like spice, try different peppers. A diced poblano or serrano can add heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. These changes make the dish more exciting and flavorful. Cilantro lime quinoa is very adaptable for diets. It’s already vegan and gluten-free, which is awesome. If you need to avoid gluten, this dish is safe. You can also swap in other grains, like brown rice or farro. This keeps the meal fresh and interesting while still being healthy. To store leftover cilantro lime quinoa, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. When you want to eat it, just take out the amount you need. You can freeze cilantro lime quinoa for up to three months. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label your bags with the date and contents. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating quinoa, keep it fluffy. You can heat it in the microwave or on the stove. For the microwave, add a splash of water and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stove, add a little water and warm it over low heat. Stir gently to keep the texture nice. Avoid high heat to prevent it from becoming mushy. Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain. It is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. One cup of cooked quinoa has about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. This makes it a great choice for a filling meal. Quinoa also contains vitamins and minerals. It has magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. These nutrients support your body and help keep you healthy. Eating quinoa can help with weight management and digestion. Yes, you can use water in place of vegetable broth. However, using broth adds more flavor. Water might make your quinoa taste bland. If you choose water, try adding a bit more salt or spices. You could also add a squeeze of lime to enhance the taste. Experiment with flavors to find what you like best! Cilantro lime quinoa lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. To keep it fresh, let it cool before sealing. If you notice any odd smells or changes, it's best to toss it out. You can enjoy this dish cold or reheat it for a warm meal. In this post, we explored how to make cilantro lime quinoa. We covered the main ingredients like quinoa and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and preparing your salad. You learned tips to perfect the texture and enhance the flavor. Plus, I offered variations for proteins and dietary needs. Lastly, we discussed storage practices. This dish is simple, tasty, and a great addition to your meals. Enjoy your cooking and the fresh flavors of cilantro lime quinoa!

Cilantro Lime Quinoa

A refreshing and zesty quinoa salad with cilantro and lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes zest and juice
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 quarter teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • 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 the saucepan, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and jalapeño (if using).
  • Add the fluffed quinoa to the mixing bowl, along with olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the quinoa and vegetables are well mixed.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper to your preference.
  • Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Keyword cilantro, lime, quinoa, salad, vegetarian