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.

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 you can use it to make Quinoa Burrito Bowls.

And if you enjoy this quinoa recipe, check out these others:

• Kale Quinoa Salad
• Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
• Avocado Quinoa Salad

Now let’s make Cilantro Lime Quinoa!

5 from 1 vote

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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.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 108 kcal

Author Amy Katz

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:

1. 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.

2. When the 5 minutes is up, allow the pressure to release naturally.

3. 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:

1. Add the quinoa and 2 cups vegetable broth to a 2-quart sauce pan and bring to a boil.

2. Cover the pot and lower the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes with the lid on.

3. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Keep covered and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

4. 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. 

Nutrition Facts

Cilantro Lime Quinoa (Instant Pot Option)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 108 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 1g 2%

Sodium 197mg 8%

Potassium 166mg 5%

Total Carbohydrates 19g 6%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Protein 4g 8%

Vitamin A 3.9%

Vitamin C 2.3%

Calcium 1.3%

Iron 7.2%

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