Get ready to elevate your side dish game with this zesty, herb-infused quinoa medley! Packed with bold flavors and a vibrant array of colors, this dish is about to become your new go-to for adding a serious wow-factor to any meal. Prepare to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this epic, culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Zesty Herb-infused Quinoa Medley
This quinoa medley is an absolute flavor explosion that’s sure to have your taste buds dancing with delight! The combination of fragrant herbs, tangy citrus, and a touch of heat creates a sensational and irresistible side dish that’s bursting with massive amounts of yum. Quinoa provides a fluffy, protein-packed base, while the medley of veggies and herbs adds incredible texture and an incredible depth of flavor. This dish is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. Get ready to smash this zesty quinoa medley and watch your dinner guests devour it with pure excitement!
Ingredients
The ingredients in this epic quinoa medley are the perfect symphony of flavors that will have you craving more with every bite. We’re talking fluffy quinoa, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, tangy lemon and lime, spicy jalapeño, crunchy bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes. The combination of these incredible ingredients creates a medley that’s out-of-this-world delicious.
- 1 cup (dry) – Quinoa
- 1 cup – Chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup – Chopped fresh parsley
- 1 – Jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 – Bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 cup – Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 – Lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 – Lime, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapeño: Use a different type of chili pepper, like serrano or habanero, for an extra kick of heat.
- Bell Peppers: Try using a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a colorful and vibrant medley.
How to Make Zesty Herb-infused Quinoa Medley
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this sensational quinoa medley! This dish is an absolute explosion of epic, zesty flavors that’s sure to leave your taste buds craving more.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. While the quinoa is cooking, prep the rest of your ingredients. Finely chop the cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Zest the lemon and lime, then juice them both.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet or wok, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add the chopped jalapeño and continue cooking for an additional minute.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir in the fresh herbs, lemon and lime zest, lemon and lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and the flavors have melded.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For the final touch, gently fold in the chopped tomatoes, being careful not to crush them. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of extra citrus if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Swap: Switch up the herbs by using basil, dill, or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Dietary Swap: For a protein-packed meal, try stirring in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Texture Addition: Fold in some crumbled feta or diced avocado for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Color Boost: Use a variety of bell peppers, like red, yellow, and orange, for a vibrant medley.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Grilled chicken, salmon, or your favorite protein-packed main dish.
Storage: Store any leftover quinoa medley in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy the incredible flavors for weeks to come.
Reheat: You can enjoy this quinoa medley warm or at room temperature. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This dish actually gets even more flavorful as it sits, so you can absolutely prepare it up to 4 days in advance and simply reheat it before serving.
Nutrition Information
This quinoa medley is not only insanely delicious, but it’s also packed with incredible nutritional benefits. Quinoa is a superfood that’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The fresh herbs, veggies, and citrus also provide a fantastic source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this epic dish as a sensational and nourishing side to your favorite meals.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 37 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of quinoa is best for this recipe?
Any type of quinoa will work great in this recipe, but I personally love using a tricolor blend for the extra pop of color and texture. The different varieties of quinoa add a wonderful depth of flavor and visual appeal to this medley.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This quinoa medley actually gets even more flavorful as it sits. You can prepare it up to 4 days in advance and simply reheat it before serving. The flavors will have had time to meld, making it even more delicious.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For an extra kick of heat, feel free to add more jalapeño or swap it out for a hotter chili pepper like serrano or habanero. Just be sure to adjust the amount to suit your personal spice preference.
Is this dish vegetarian/vegan friendly?
Yes, this quinoa medley is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly. However, if you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would be a delicious addition.
How can I make this quinoa medley more filling?
To turn this side dish into a more substantial meal, try stirring in some chickpeas, black beans, or even crumbled feta cheese. The extra protein and heartiness will make this medley a satisfying main course.
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Zesty Herb-Infused Quinoa Medley
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and nutritious side dish featuring quinoa infused with zesty herbs and vegetables.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
3. Add quinoa and reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, olive oil, lemon zest, parsley, cilantro, bell pepper, and cucumber.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quinoa, salad, healthy, side dish