Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl

Summary

Dig into this delicious Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl! Packed with nourishing ingredients, this bowl is a testament to the fact that eating healthy doesn’t mean compromising on taste. You’re about to dive into a culinary journey that’s not only nutritious but is an explosion of flavors in every bite. So, grab your apron, let’s get started!

Ingredients

• Quinoa: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
• Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves: ½ cup, finely chopped
• Lime: 1, zest and juice
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Red bell pepper: 1, diced
• Black beans: 1 cup (240 ml), drained and rinsed
• Sweet corn kernels: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Avocado: 1, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (240 ml), halved
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste

Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 65g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 5g

Instructions

1. Start by rinsing your quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. This step ensures the removal of any bitter outer coating.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the quinoa and 2 cups of water.
3. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes translucent and the water is absorbed.
4. Once done, remove the pot from heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, fluff it up using a fork.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and olive oil. Mix until well integrated. This cilantro-lime dressing is the essence of your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl.
6. To the quinoa, add the diced red bell pepper, black beans, sweet corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
7. Drizzle the cilantro-lime dressing over this quinoa mix, ensuring every ingredient gets a hint of the zesty punch.
8. Season your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl mixture with salt and pepper to your liking, and give it a gentle toss.

Tips

1. Always rinse quinoa to avoid a bitter aftertaste.
2. Fresh lime juice is the key. Try to avoid bottled lime juice for the best flavor.
3. You can refrigerate the Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl for up to two days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl while it’s still slightly warm, or you can chill it for an hour if you prefer a cold salad. Garnish with extra slices of lime, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and maybe a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for some creaminess. Dive into this bowl of goodness, and let every bite motivate you to keep up with your health journey on AH7.

FAQ

1. Can I substitute quinoa with another grain?
   Yes, you can use rice or farro as a substitute, but keep in mind that the cooking times and water ratios might differ. Quinoa brings its unique nutty flavor and texture to this recipe, so substituting will alter the overall taste.
2. What can I use instead of olive oil?
   If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Both are neutral in taste and blend well with the flavors in this recipe.
3. How can I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just ensure that the avocado slices are well-covered to prevent browning.
4. I’m not a fan of cilantro; can I omit it or replace it?
   Certainly! If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can try using fresh parsley or even mint. Both herbs will give a fresh touch to the bowl.
5. Can I add some protein like chicken or tofu to this bowl?
   Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be a great addition if you’re looking to increase the protein content. Just ensure it’s seasoned well to complement the bowl’s flavors.
6. Is there a vegan alternative to the suggested Greek yogurt or sour cream garnish?
   Yes, you can use vegan sour cream or a dollop of coconut yogurt to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
7. What other beans can I use apart from black beans?
   While black beans are a popular choice for this recipe, feel free to experiment with pinto beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans.
8. My quinoa was still a bit crunchy. What went wrong?
   It’s possible the quinoa wasn’t cooked long enough or there wasn’t enough water. Ensure you’re using the right water-to-quinoa ratio and cooking until the quinoa becomes translucent.
9. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   If you like a kick in your dishes, you can add some diced jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper.
10. Can I make this bowl in advance for meal prep?
    Certainly! If prepping in advance, consider keeping the avocado and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This ensures freshness and prevents sogginess.

There you have it! A Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl that’s not only bursting with fresh flavors but also loaded with nutrients. Remember, every time you opt for such healthy meals, you’re making a positive choice for your body. Keep it up, and happy cooking!

Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl

Dig into this delicious Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl! Packed with nourishing ingredients, this bowl is a testament to the fact that eating healthy doesn’t mean compromising on taste. You’re about to dive into a culinary journey that’s not only nutritious but is an explosion of flavors in every bite. So, grab your apron, let’s get started!

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Nutritions

Nutrition Facts

Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl

Amount per Serving

Calories

450

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

15

g

23

%

Carbohydrates

 

65

g

22

%

Fiber

 

10

g

42

%

Sugar

 

5

g

6

%

Protein

 

14

g

28

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Ingredients

• Quinoa: 1 cup 240 ml
• Water: 2 cups 480 ml
• Fresh cilantro coriander leaves: ½ cup, finely chopped
• Lime: 1 zest and juice
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons 30 ml
• Red bell pepper: 1 diced
• Black beans: 1 cup 240 ml, drained and rinsed
• Sweet corn kernels: 1 cup 240 ml
• Avocado: 1 sliced
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup 240 ml, halved
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste

Instructions

• Start by rinsing your quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. This step ensures the removal of any bitter outer coating.
• In a medium-sized pot, combine the quinoa and 2 cups of water.
• Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes translucent and the water is absorbed.
• Once done, remove the pot from heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, fluff it up using a fork.
• In a separate mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and olive oil. Mix until well integrated. This cilantro-lime dressing is the essence of your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl.
• To the quinoa, add the diced red bell pepper, black beans, sweet corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
• Drizzle the cilantro-lime dressing over this quinoa mix, ensuring every ingredient gets a hint of the zesty punch.
• Season your Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl mixture with salt and pepper to your liking, and give it a gentle toss.

Notes

Tips

Always rinse quinoa to avoid a bitter aftertaste.

Fresh lime juice is the key. Try to avoid bottled lime juice for the best flavor.

You can refrigerate the Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl for up to two days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container.