Quinoa, a gluten-free and protein-packed grain, can be transformed into a flavorful and vibrant dish with the right combination of ingredients and cooking techniques. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a hearty and satisfying main course, a zesty quinoa recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From tangy lemon-herb quinoa to spicy Mexican-inspired quinoa bowls, this article will guide you through the steps to create a flavorful quinoa dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.
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ZESTY QUINOA SALAD
This bright and colorful salad is a great summertime recipe (or anytime you want to feel like it's summertime). Light and citrusy, it's a whole new way to enjoy quinoa. Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans provide tasty vegan protein. If you're not vegan, add even more protein by adding chunks of chicken or turkey. Yum!
Provided by scrumdiddly
Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
- Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 674.5 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
ZESTY CONFETTI SALAD WITH QUINOA
A blend of veggies and quinoa pulled together with a tangy, slightly spicy citrus-pepita dressing. Though there are a lot of ingredients, it's easy to make.
Provided by MN_SpiceHunter
Categories Grains
Time 55m
Yield 5-7 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Rinse quinoa well. Combine with 3/4 cup water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and holes have formed in surface of quinoa. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature or cooler.
- Dry toast pepitas by putting them in a large skillet or frying pan and shaking over high heat until they begin to pop and "dance". Remove from heat.
- In food processor, combine pepitas, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice concentrate, olive oil, chili powder, cumin and salt. Blitz until a rough paste forms. (It looks a little funny at this stage--don't worry!).
- In a very large bowl, combine veggies, quinoa and sesame seeds and toss. Add citrus-pepita dressing and mix well to coat. Chill at least one hour; overnight is ideal.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 285.4, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 2.3, Sodium 169.3, Carbohydrate 35, Fiber 7.3, Sugar 11.7, Protein 9
HOT AND ZESTY QUINOA
"I created this healthy whole grain side to serve my family instead of potatoes or rice. It's so easy and has a little kick. Quinoa's a nurturing grain and a complete protein." -Sandra Letizia, Providence, Rhode Island
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat; fluff with a fork., In a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add tomatoes and green chilies. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir in quinoa and artichoke; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 135 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 361mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
ZESTY QUINOA SALAD RECIPE - (4.6/5)
Provided by CarolineNGa
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl. Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.
ROASTED SWEET POTATO QUINOA SALAD WITH ZESTY LIME DRESSING RECIPE - (4.2/5)
Provided by á-70803
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes: 1. Preheat oven to 400F 2. Transfer the chopped sweet potato to the baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, and gently toss to coat. 3. Bake for 20 minutes. Let potatoes cool slightly before handling. For the Quinoa: 1. Add dried quinoa and cooking liquid of choice to a pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover pot with a tight-fitting lid. 2. Let the quinoa cook for 10-12 minutes or until fluffy and no water remains. 3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly in pot before handling. For the Dressing: 1. Add oil, lime juice, vinegar, honey, spices and salt to a bowl or mason jar. Whisk or shake until the salad dressing comes together. Adjust sweetness, salt or lime to taste, if needed. Set aside. For the Salad: 1. In a large mixing bowl, add the slightly cooled sweet potatoes, slightly cooked quinoa, cranberries, onions and fresh herbs. 2. Pour the dressing over top of the veggies and quinoa. Gentle stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. 3. Garnish with raw pumpkin seeds on top. 4. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
ZESTY QUINOA
If you are a fanatic for clean eating and ambitious, bold flavor combinations, I think you will greatly enjoy this recipe for not only the delicious flavor but the health benefits as well! I have experimented with many clean recipes of my own on my journey to satisfy my cravings and strive for good health - this is by far one of my favorites that I've concocted myself! Hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Tastes delicious warm or cold.
Provided by Sam L (Sam)
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 1
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, and chia seeds to the quinoa in the saucepan. Add salt and turmeric. Stir evenly and cook over medium heat until excess moisture is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Serve hot or refrigerate for a few hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 325.7 calories, Carbohydrate 56.8 g, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 6.6 g, Protein 12.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 168.4 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
QUINOA VEGGIE SALAD WITH ZESTY VINAIGRETTE
Quinoa with various veggies and a zesty (and easy) vinaigrette that makes a wonderful salad dressing for any salad. I used one English cucumber instead of 2 normal cucumbers because we prefer the taste. Cook the quinoa with the water as you would normal rice (works in a rice cooker as well).
Provided by Randy Finger
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Scrape the cooked quinoa into a large bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
- Place the vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and mustard into a blender. Drizzle in the oil while blending at high speed until the dressing is thick.
- Add the cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, tomato, and olives to the bowl with the quinoa. Pour the dressing overtop and gently fold until evenly mixed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 calories, Carbohydrate 21.2 g, Fat 13 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 370.9 mg, Sugar 0.8 g
Tips:
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This will help to remove the saponins, which are bitter-tasting compounds that can be found on the surface of quinoa.
- Use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water or broth. This will ensure that the quinoa cooks evenly and doesn't become too dry or mushy.
- Bring the quinoa to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to cover the pot during cooking so that the quinoa doesn't dry out.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. This will help to separate the grains and make the quinoa light and fluffy.
- Quinoa can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, pilafs, and bowls. It can also be used as a side dish or as a main course.
Conclusion:
Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Quinoa is also gluten-free, making it a good option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
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