For a richer flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors even more. Feel free to substitute kale or Swiss chard for the spinach. Ensure the quinoa is rinsed well to remove any bitterness.
Quinoa and Spinach Pilaf
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PREP TIME10 mins
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COOK TIME25 mins
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TOTAL TIME35 mins
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS16
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Quinoa and Spinach Pilaf. Earthy quinoa dances with fresh spinach and bright lemon zest, creating a flavorful and nutritious complement to any main course. A delightful twist on a classic, perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate36 g
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Cholesterol8 mg
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Fiber7 g
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Protein11 g
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Saturated Fat2 g
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Sodium146 mg
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Sugar2 g
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Fat6 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
4 mins
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
02
Step
1 mins
Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the butter and onion mixture. Toast the quinoa for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to enhance its nutty flavor.
03
Step
20 mins
Pour the water over the quinoa mixture and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been completely absorbed.
04
Step
5 mins
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to fully steam.
05
StepStir in the fresh baby spinach and grated lemon zest. The residual heat will wilt the spinach. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Efren Hessel
Jun 27, 2025Next time, I'm going to try adding some toasted pine nuts for crunch.
Liana Marks
Jun 25, 2025I love the bright flavor the lemon zest adds!
Norval Skiles
Jun 24, 2025Simple, healthy, and tastes great. What more could you ask for?
Vidal Ohara
Jun 23, 2025My kids actually ate their spinach! Huge win!
Odell Schuster
Jun 10, 2025I used vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor, and it was delicious.
Liliana Heaney
May 31, 2025This recipe is very flexible. You can easily add other vegetables or herbs.
Lauretta Bode
May 29, 2025Be careful not to overcook the quinoa, or it will get mushy.
Herta Larson
May 27, 2025This recipe is a lifesaver! So quick and easy for a weeknight dinner.
Isadore Lemke
May 22, 2025I added a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to really make the lemon zest pop.
Scottie Blandagrant
May 15, 2025A great way to use up leftover spinach.