PESTO QUINOA WITH SPINACH
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Quinoa and spinach are a powerfully healthy combination. The addition of pesto makes this entree so delicious, and with nothing more than some cooked quinoa, fresh spinach, and some cheese or nutritional yeast to top it all off, this is a super quick and easy way to get a meal on the table. And if you are in the mood, add a little extra veggie or maybe some falafel or a nice grilled protein
This recipe is vegetarian, and it can be vegan if you're using a vegan pesto and nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan cheese. If you would like it to be gluten-free as well, just cook the quinoa in water instead of vegetable broth.
Ingredients
· 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
· 2 cups water or vegetable broth
· Large handful fresh spinach
· 1/4 cup prepared vegetarian pesto
· 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice
· Salt (to taste)
· Pepper (to taste)
· Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
· Optional: 1 tbsp walnuts
DIRECTIONS
Simmer quinoa in vegetable broth or water, covered, for 10 to 12 minutes, until quinoa is almost cooked.
Mix in spinach and heat for 3 to 4 more minutes, until spinach has wilted and quinoa is cooked through.
Remove from heat. Stir in pesto, drizzle with lime juice and season well with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or stir in a bit of nutritional yeast for extra flavor and top with walnuts if you like! Dig in!
MACROS
Servings 4
Calories per Serving 223
Fat 6 g
Carbohydrate 30.3 g
Fiber 3.4g
Sugar 1.6 g
Protein 11.6 g