Cilantro Lime Quinoa is easy to make on the stove or in an Instant Pot pressure cooker. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. Enjoy it as a side with your favorite Mexican dishes or in a bowl with beans and vegetables.
You may have eaten Cilantro Lime Rice, but have you ever tried Cilantro Lime Quinoa?
Quinoa is a wonderful whole grain to add to your diet.
Besides being gluten-free, it’s very nutritious.
In fact, while brown rice and quinoa contain about the same amount of carbohydrates per serving, quinoa contains more protein and dietary fiber. This means that it will help you stay fuller longer.
Plus I love the texture and nutty flavor of the grain-like seeds.
My favorite way to make Cilantro Lime Quinoa is in the Instant Pot.
It really couldn’t be easier.
Just add the rinsed and drained quinoa to the pot with some liquid, set the timer, and walk away. The pressure releases naturally, and you can keep it warm as long as you like.
But don’t worry if you don’t have an Instant Pot.
Cooking quinoa on the stove requires very little work and only a few more minutes.
I love adding Cilantro Lime Quinoa to burrito bowls or enjoying it as a side dish with tacos.
It’s delicious eaten hot or at room temperature.
Sometimes I’ll have it as a quick meal with some beans, greens, and salsa.
Or I put some of the quinoa in a bowl and top it with Jackfruit & Black Bean Taco Filling, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and guacamole.
And if you enjoy this quinoa recipe, check out these others:
Now let’s make Cilantro Lime Quinoa!
Cilantro Lime Quinoa (Instant Pot Option)
Cilantro Lime Quinoa is easy to make on the stove or in an Instant Pot pressure cooker. It's vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. Enjoy it as a side with your favorite Mexican dishes or in a bowl with beans and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (any color) rinsed and drained
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (for Instant Pot method) or 2 cups for stove top method
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- zest of one lime
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- salt to taste
Instructions
Instant Pot method:
Add the quinoa and 1 1/4 cup vegetable broth to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and select the manual button. Set the timer for 5 minutes.
When the 5 minutes is up, allow the pressure to release naturally.
Once the pressure has been released, remove the lid and stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Taste and add salt, as desired.
Stove top method:
Add the quinoa and 2 cups vegetable broth to a 2-quart sauce pan and bring to a boil.
Cover the pot and lower the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes with the lid on.
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Keep covered and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Taste and add salt, as desired.
Recipe Notes
If you make Cilantro Lime Quinoa, or any of the other recipes on the website, I would love to see your creations!
Use the hashtag #veggiessavetheday on Instagram and tag Veggies Save The Day so I don’t miss seeing what’s cooking in your kitchen. In addition, you can post your photos on the Facebook page Veggies Save The Day.
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
love cilantro lime rice, so this quinoa option is even better!! and i just got an instant pot yay!
Amy says
Yay! This is a good recipe to try out in your new IP!
Anna says
I also love the texture of quinoa, and it’s so healthy and good for you! The combination of lime and cilantro sounds so refreshing!
Amy says
Thanks Anna! It’s a nice change from rice.
Becky Striepe says
Oh my gosh, I neeeed this for my next burrito bowl!
Amy says
Yes, you do! 🙂
Albert Bevia says
I am always looking for new ways to cook up quinoa, and this is right up my alley, love the flavor combinations
Amy says
Thanks Albert!
Linda from Veganosity says
Cilantro and lime is one of my favorite combinations. This is totally up my alley and I love that it’s full of protein.
Amy says
Thanks Linda!
Katie says
I’m always looking for new sides that bring protein and a little something different to the dinner table!
Amy says
It’s amazing how filling quinoa is!
Uma says
I love quinoa recipes. I will add this to my quinoa recipe list. Looks delicious and simple. Best thing is can be done in instant pot. 🙂
Amy says
Thanks so much, Uma! Yes, I love the Instant Pot!
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
A big batch of this cooked up would be great with so many things. Love those flavours too!
Amy says
Thank you, Mel! A burrito bowl recipe is coming soon!
Mary Ellen | VNutrition says
This is so tasty looking! I love quinoa and lime so I’ll be trying this soon. I need to play around more with my instant pot!
Amy says
Thanks Mary Ellen! I always make quinoa in the IP.
Cadry says
I’m all about cilantro and lime. I’m not surprised that it’s delicious in a burrito!
Amy says
It’s such a great combination!
Sarah De la Cruz says
Ooh! I haven’t tried quinoa in my Instant Pot yet! This looks so yummy—can’t wait to try!
Amy says
Thank you! It’s the only way I cook quinoa. Turns out perfectly every time!
Jenn says
Love how easy this is! Quinoa is my go-to to round out most meals. Will definitely try this!
Amy says
Thanks Jenn! We love quinoa, too!
Linda says
Another great use for my 3qt IP. Really enjoyed this combo. I used water instead of broth since I didn’t have any but I didn’t miss it – especially with all the lime goodness. I’ll make it this way again. Yum!
Amy says
Thank you, Linda! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Morgan says
Brilliant! We only use quinoa (no rice) and it’s never occurred to me to cook it in my IP. Planning to make this as a side for our taco soup tonight. Do you suppose I can double this with good results?
Amy says
Thanks Morgan! Yes, you can double the recipe. The cooking time will be the same, but the time to come up to pressure will be a little longer with the larger quantities.
Kiran A says
How long can the quinoa be stored. I am planning to meal prep and was wondering if I made it this Weekend to take for lunch later this week, will it be alright?
Amy says
Hi Kiran, it will last for a week in the refrigerator. Enjoy!