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Cilantro Lime Quinoa
5 from 96 votes

Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Cilantro Lime Quinoa is a fluffy and bright grain dish combining toasted quinoa, fresh cilantro, lime zest and juice, and olive oil. The lime adds fresh citrus notes while toasting the quinoa beforehand enhances its nuttiness. It's a versatile side or salad base with a light, zesty flavor balanced by herbs and seasoning.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
17 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 126 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed, dry
  • 1.5 cups water
  • ¼ cup cilantro plus extra to taste, chopped leaves
  • ½ lime see notes, zest and juice
  • 1-2 TBSP olive oil or avocado oil
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve.
  2. Bring a medium saucepan to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water. Stir as it toasts for just a few minutes. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa!
  3. Next add your water, set burner to high, and bring to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest and oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Toss to combine and taste.
  7. Add any extra cilantro, lime, or seasoning that your heart desires and dig in! 
  8. Leftovers taste great and can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
  9. The quinoa will soak up the lime and oil so, to amp up the flavor, add a little extra dressing the next day and you're good to go! A scoop or two makes a fabulous salad topper or a flavor-filled base for a yummy burrito bowl! I seriously can't get enough of this stuff!

Notes

  • For stronger citrus flavor, use juice and zest from the whole lime instead of half.
  • Rinsing quinoa before cooking reduces bitterness and improves flavor.
  • Leftover quinoa can be refrigerated for up to four days and refreshed with additional lime or oil before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 126kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 4g (6%) Sodium 4mg (0%) Potassium 159mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Vitamin A 45IU (1%) Vitamin C 1.8mg (2%) Calcium 17mg (2%) Iron 1.3mg (7%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 126

% Daily Value*

Calories 126kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 4g 6%
Sodium 4mg 0%
Potassium 159mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Vitamin A 45IU 1%
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2%
Calcium 17mg 2%
Iron 1.3mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.