Cilantro Lime Quinoa Recipe - Vegetarian and Gluten-Free (2024)

FAQs

What to add to my quinoa? ›

If you're serving it as a simple side, season it first. At the very least, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. To kick it up another notch, stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese, or use it in one of the quinoa recipes below!

Quinoa (pronounced: KEEN-Wah) is a vegan favorite that's rich in protein and other nutrients. Along with buckwheat and amaranth, quinoa is considered a pseudocereal (or pseudograin.)

Rubio's Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl (1 serving) contains 66g total carbs, 53g net carbs, 25g fat, 17g protein, and 550 calories.

Once the liquid is almost completely absorbed and you see the germ (which look like tiny spirals) separating from and curling around the quinoa seeds, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the burner. Let stand for 5 minutes, covered, and then fluff the quinoa with a fork.

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

Strong flavors like onions or spices work too. In a soup, you can add spices and other flavors like celery, carrot, etc. We make an amazing fried quinoa recipe that includes lots of green and white onions, which covers up the flavor of the quinoa. It tastes much better than if we'd cooked it in plain water.

Quinoa is naturally a gluten free grain. However, even though it's naturally gluten free, it's considered a high-risk grain since it is often harvested with wheat, barley, and rye. Cross-contact may occur making it no longer safe for those with extreme sensitivities to gluten.

It can provide a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, antioxidants, manganese, iron, folate, and magnesium. Quinoa has a subtle nutty flavor. A person can add it to a variety of dishes, such as salads, or use it in place of rice.

Though technically a seed, Quinoa is classified as a whole grain and is a good source of plant protein and fiber. One cup cooked provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.

Quinoa is high in fiber, plus several vitamins and minerals that are low in many people's diets. Regularly eating quinoa can help you meet your needs for magnesium, potassium, iron, fiber, and folate, a vitamin that's especially important during pregnancy due to its role in fetal growth and development ( 14 ).

Is cilantro high in calories? ›

One cup of raw cilantro weighing about 16 grams (g) provides: 3.68 calories.

Even better, you get all this nutrition at just 111 calories per ½ cup of cooked quinoa. It's gluten-free. If you have celiac disease or choose a gluten-conscious path, quinoa's nutritional profile makes it a smart choice to replace other grains that contain gluten, like wheat, spelt, and bulgur.

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time. To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

Some foods, quinoa included, contain some fiber that is not meant to be digested. We call it insoluble or indigestible fiber, and its job is to pass through the system and pull out waste along with it. Think of it like tape or a brush that you use to remove lint from a sweater.

It wasn't a huge difference in texture, but definitely noticeable. Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

Up the protein content even more by folding in some beans or lentils. A few mouthwatering combos to try: Mix a half cup each of cooked quinoa and chickpeas with a handful of halved grape tomatoes, some chopped cucumber, a few sliced olives, a sprinkle of feta cheese, a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

Quinoa is gluten-free and packed with nutrients like protein, zinc, fiber, and folate, as well as antioxidants. Quinoa doesn't take long to prepare, and you can add it to your diet in both sweet and savory dishes.

Sprinkle cooked quinoa into your favorite potato salad, green salad, egg salad, or even macaroni salad. Stir some quinoa into whatever other grain you're cooking for a bit of nutritional diversity.

Traditionally, quinoa seeds have been roasted and ground to make flour, added to soups as a thickener, and eaten as a cereal.