• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggies Save The Day
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Guide
  • eBooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Guide
  • eBooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Me
    • Recipes
    • Guide
    • eBooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    Cilantro Lime Quinoa (Instant Pot Option)

    By: Amy Katz · Published: Jan 29, 2018 · Last modified: Oct 6, 2020 · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    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.

    Cilantro Lime Quinoa with lime wedges and fresh cilantro

    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.

    Bowl of Cilantro Lime Quinoa in front of an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker

    Ingredients

    • quinoa
    • vegetable broth
    • lime (zest and juice)
    • cilantro
    • salt

    Instant Pot

    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.

    Overhead view of a bowl of Cilantro Lime Quinoa

    Serving suggestions

    I love adding this seasoned 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 with black beans, Spicy Roasted Cauliflower, and guacamole. And you can use it to make Quinoa Burrito Bowls.

    Closeup of overhead of Quinoa Burrito Bowl

    More quinoa recipes

    • Butternut Squash Quinoa Power Bowl
    • Vegan Black Bean Quinoa Casserole
    • Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash
    • Easy Vegan Quinoa Salad

    And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.

    If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★

    Cilantro Lime Quinoa (Instant Pot Option)

    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.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print SaveSaved! Rate Email recipe + ingredient list
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 108kcal
    Author: Amy Katz

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup quinoa, (any color) rinsed and drained
    • 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth, (for Instant Pot method) or 2 cups for stove top method
    • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
    • zest of one lime
    • ½ cup chopped cilantro
    • salt, to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Instant Pot method:

    • Add the quinoa and 1 ¼ 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.
    Follow me on Instagram Share your recipe photos by tagging @veggiessavetheday

    Nutrition

    Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 166mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 1.9mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1.3mg

    Nutritional information is an estimation only.

    Want to learn the 5 Secrets to Cooking the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Way? Join the the FREE 5-day mini course and get the secrets delivered to your inbox.

    « Vegan Green Bean Curry
    Small Batch Brownies In Your Air Fryer (Oil-Free) »

    About Amy

    Amy Katz is a vegan recipe developer, photographer, and Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach. She loves sharing delicious plant-based Mediterranean diet recipes that home cooks of all levels can enjoy. Her easy vegan recipes have been featured on NBC News, Parade, VegNews, BuzzFeed, MSN, Greatist, PureWow, Brides, LIVEKINDLY, Insider, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. She lives in Orange County, California with the love of her life, Brad, and their adorable black cat, Ozzy.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    All commentsI made thisQuestions
    1. Lynn

      May 29, 2020 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is wonderful and so easy to make! I wasn’t a fan of quinoa because I found it so blah. What a difference two simple additions made. Now I can’t wait to try new quinoa recipes!

      Reply
      • Amy Katz

        May 29, 2020 at 11:12 am

        Thank you so much, Lynn! I was the same way about quinoa, but now I really enjoy it.

        Reply
    2. Kiran A

      August 12, 2018 at 9:12 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Amy

        August 12, 2018 at 11:48 am

        Hi Kiran, it will last for a week in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Morgan

      June 21, 2018 at 10:14 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Amy

        June 21, 2018 at 10:16 am

        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.

        Reply
    4. Linda

      March 25, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Amy

        March 25, 2018 at 12:44 pm

        Thank you, Linda! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Amy holding an avocado like a heart

    Hi, I'm Amy! As a Certified Vegan Nutrition Health Coach, my passion is creating vegan Mediterranean diet recipes to inspire everyone to choose plant-based meals more often. At Veggies Save The Day you'll find simple delicious recipes that are easy to make any night of the week.

    More about me →

    Dinner Favorites

    • Easy Sheet Pan Vegan Fajitas
    • Easy Vegan Vegetable Soup
    • Vegan Lentil Meatloaf Muffins
    • Vegan Black Bean Quinoa Casserole

    Now Trending

    • Mediterranean Yellow Rice
    • Sauteed Green Beans with Mushrooms
    • 15 Minute Tomato Paste Pasta Sauce
    • Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Instant Pot Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    SUBSCRIBE

    Enjoying the recipes?

    Now you can buy me a coffee (or an iced matcha green tea soy latte)!

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Policy

    Featured in

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Veggies Save The Day |  Unauthorized use and/or duplication of material without express and written permission from this site's owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Veggies Save The Day with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.