Let me tell you, this healthy quinoa recipe is one of my go-to dinners when I need something quick and satisfying! It’s all about simplicity, flavor, and wholesome ingredients that make you feel good. I remember the first time I made it; I was amazed at how just a few ingredients could come together so beautifully. With vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy feta, it’s not just good for you—it’s downright delicious! Plus, it cooks up in about 30 minutes, so you can whip it up even on the busiest of nights. Trust me, this is the healthy recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of quinoa
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, rinse the quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness and gives you that lovely nutty flavor. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and the vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa looks fluffy.
- After that, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and let it cool slightly. This little break allows the flavors to settle in.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffy quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and crumbled feta cheese. Oh, the colors are just beautiful!
- Now, drizzle the mixture with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it really brings everything to life!
- Toss everything gently until well combined, and serve it warm. I promise, every bite is a burst of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients that nourish your body without sacrificing taste.
- Easy cleanup—just one pot and a bowl to wash!
- Delicious flavor from fresh veggies and creamy feta that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep; leftovers taste great the next day!
Tips for Success
- Rinse your quinoa: Seriously, don’t skip this part! Rinsing quinoa under cold water removes the saponins, which can give it a bitter taste. It makes all the difference!
- Check your broth: Use a good quality vegetable broth for a richer flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try homemade broth or add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap in whatever veggies you have on hand! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale work beautifully. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Perfect your feta: If you’re not a feta fan, try crumbled goat cheese or even mozzarella for a different taste. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor profile!
- Let it cool: Allowing the quinoa to cool slightly before mixing in the veggies helps preserve their fresh crunch. You want that delightful contrast in textures!
- Season to your taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices! A sprinkle of oregano or a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish to a whole new level.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken: For a heartier meal, toss in some grilled chicken breast or shrimp. It not only boosts the protein but also adds a lovely smoky flavor!
- Change up the veggies: Mix and match your favorite seasonal vegetables! Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even some broccoli florets can add great texture and flavor.
- Swap the cheese: If feta’s not your thing, try using crumbled goat cheese or even some shredded mozzarella for a creamier twist. Each cheese brings its own unique taste to the dish!
- Spice it up: Want a little kick? Add some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while mixing. It’ll give the dish an exciting new flavor profile!
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish even more! Mix them in right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Make it Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair. It’s like a little vacation on your plate!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious quinoa dish is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I love making a big batch so I can enjoy it for lunch the next day!
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you want to keep it nice and fluffy, simply pop it in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. You might want to add a splash of vegetable broth or a drizzle of olive oil to keep it moist and flavorful.
Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop. Just add a tiny bit of water or broth to a pan over low heat, toss in your quinoa, and stir gently until heated through. This method really helps to revive the dish and keep those lovely textures intact. Enjoy your meal without losing any of that delicious taste!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful quinoa dish. Keep in mind, these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 10g
This dish is not only filling but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect healthy recipe for dinner that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, and you can easily make it vegan by swapping out the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omitting it. You could even add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How do I cook quinoa properly?
Cooking quinoa is super simple! Just remember to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness. Then, use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to quinoa (like vegetable broth) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed—usually about 15 minutes. Fluff it up with a fork, and you’re good to go!
What can I serve with this dish?
This quinoa dish is quite versatile! You can serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for added protein. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. If you want to keep it light, a side of lemony greens or a simple cucumber and tomato salad would compliment it perfectly. Enjoy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious quinoa dish ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a truly satisfying meal! I love pairing it with a variety of options that complement the flavors and add some variety to the table.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: A perfectly grilled chicken breast or a flaky piece of salmon makes for an excellent protein addition. It brings a wonderful contrast to the lightness of the quinoa.
- Fresh Salad: Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. The crunch of fresh greens adds a delightful texture and keeps things refreshing!
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus bring a touch of sweetness and depth to the meal. Drizzle them with olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs before roasting for extra flavor.
- Hummus and Pita: For a fun twist, serve some creamy hummus and warm pita bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and adds that Mediterranean flair!
- Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out some bell peppers and stuff them with a mix of your leftover quinoa and other goodies. Bake until the peppers are tender for a beautiful presentation and a hearty side dish.
You really can’t go wrong with these pairings! Each option enhances the bright flavors of the quinoa while rounding out your meal beautifully. Enjoy experimenting and find your perfect combination!
Print
Healthy Recipes Dinner Easy: 7 Quick & Delicious Ideas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and healthy dinner recipe that is quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of quinoa
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently and serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: healthy recipes dinner easy
