Best 5 Pesto Quinoa Recipes

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Pesto quinoa is a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. With its vibrant green color and nutty flavor, pesto quinoa is a visually appealing and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. The combination of pesto, quinoa, and vegetables provides a range of essential nutrients and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and enjoyable option for those looking for a healthy and tasty meal.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GRILLED HALLOUMI AND MUSHROOM SKEWERS WITH QUINOA AND PESTO



Grilled Halloumi and Mushroom Skewers with Quinoa and Pesto image

Easy to prepare, low carb, vegetarian, and so tasty! Halloumi cheese, mushrooms, and tomatoes are threaded onto skewers, grilled, and served on a bed of quinoa with pesto and olive oil.

Provided by PlimRed

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian

Time 25m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups water
2 cups quinoa
4 large mushrooms, cut into pieces
4 ounces light halloumi cheese, cubed
4 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons pesto, or as needed
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed

Steps:

  • Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Thread mushrooms, halloumi cheese, and tomatoes onto skewers. Cook under the broiler, rotating the skewers a few times, until halloumi beings to turn golden and the vegetables are cooked through, about 5 minutes
  • Stir pesto and olive oil together in a bowl; add enough oil to reach the desired consistency.
  • Divide quinoa between 2 plates and place skewers on top. Lightly drizzle with pesto mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 918.6 calories, Carbohydrate 114.6 g, Cholesterol 47.5 mg, Fat 34.2 g, Fiber 13.2 g, Protein 40.6 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Sodium 756.6 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

PESTO QUINOA WITH WHITE BEANS RECIPE BY TASTY



Pesto Quinoa With White Beans Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: fresh basil, fresh arugula, olive oil, walnuts, lemon juice, salt, garlic, pepper, water, medium zucchini, white bean, sun-dried tomato, pine nuts, quinoa

Provided by Rachel Gaewski

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups fresh basil, packed
2 cups fresh arugula, packed
⅓ cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon, divided
⅓ cup walnuts
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
2 cloves garlic, quartered
¼ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons water
1 medium zucchini, sliced
15 oz white bean, 1 can, drained and rinsed
¾ cup sun-dried tomato
¼ cup pine nuts
3 ½ cups quinoa, cooked

Steps:

  • In a food processor, combine the basil, arugula, ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil, the walnuts, lemon juice, ¾ teaspoon salt, the garlic, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and the water, and pulse until smooth. Set aside.
  • Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, until lightly browned.
  • Add the white beans and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 3-4 more minutes, until the beans begin to crisp. Add the pine nuts and cook for 2-3 more minutes, until toasted.
  • Transfer the zucchini mixture to a medium bowl with the quinoa. Add the pesto and stir until well-combined.
  • Distribute the quinoa between 4 airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Nutrition Calories: 1407 Fat: 109 grams Carbs: 135 grams Fiber: 23 grams Sugars: 18 grams Protein: 39 grams
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 975 calories, Carbohydrate 128 grams, Fat 65 grams, Fiber 21 grams, Protein 35 grams, Sugar 14 grams

PESTO QUINOA SALAD



Pesto Quinoa Salad image

My daughter-in-law got me hooked on quinoa, and I'm so glad she did! I've been substituting quinoa in some of my favorite pasta recipes, and this dish is the happy result of one of those experiments. I love using my garden tomatoes and peppers in this salad; however, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers are equally delicious. -Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2/3 cup water
1/3 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 tablespoons prepared pesto
1 tablespoon finely chopped sweet onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
2/3 cup fresh mozzarella cheese pearls (about 4 ounces)
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil, optional

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil; stir in quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly., Mix pesto, onion, oil, vinegar and salt; stir in pepper, tomatoes, cheese and quinoa. Refrigerate, covered, to allow flavors to blend, 1-2 hours. If desired, stir in basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 268mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PESTO QUINOA



Pesto Quinoa image

I got this recipe from a friend who was living in Ecuador. Quinoa was a staple of her diet there; it is a great source of protein.

Provided by Sarah

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tomato, diced
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring the quinoa and chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the moisture is completely absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat; stir the pesto through the quinoa. Fold the tomato into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198.4 calories, Carbohydrate 28.7 g, Cholesterol 2.5 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 7.3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 70.3 mg, Sugar 1 g

PARSLEY WALNUT PESTO QUINOA SALAD



Parsley Walnut Pesto Quinoa Salad image

A seriously amazing and fresh salad; the epitome of healthy and nutrition-packed. I served this over fresh baby kale with balsamic dressing on the side for those that want a more robust flavor. This is amazing with the addition of garlic! Serve cold or at room temperature.

Provided by Tami Jones

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup water
½ cup quinoa
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup fresh parsley
¼ cup walnuts
2 tablespoons olive oil, or more as needed
1 cup diced tomato
1 cup diced baby cucumber
¼ cup sliced leeks
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese, or more to taste
sea salt to taste

Steps:

  • Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover the saucepan, and steam until broccoli is tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
  • Puree parsley, walnuts, and olive oil together in a blender or food processor until sauce is smooth.
  • Stir quinoa, broccoli, tomato, cucumber, and leeks together in a large bowl. Pour parsley sauce over quinoa mixture and toss to coat completely. Sprinkle blue cheese over the top and season with sea salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 254.2 calories, Carbohydrate 22.6 g, Cholesterol 6.3 mg, Fat 15.8 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 228.4 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

Tips:

  • Choose fresh ingredients: High-quality ingredients make a big difference in the flavor of your pesto quinoa. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and quinoa will give you the best results.
  • Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender is the easiest way to make pesto. It will help you get a smooth and consistent sauce.
  • Adjust the consistency of the pesto: If you want a thicker pesto, add more nuts or cheese. If you want a thinner pesto, add more olive oil or water.
  • Taste the pesto before serving: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
  • Serve the pesto quinoa immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later: Pesto quinoa is best when served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze pesto quinoa for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Pesto quinoa is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a great way to use up leftover quinoa, and it is also a healthy and satisfying meal. With its bright flavors and creamy texture, pesto quinoa is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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