This Cilantro Lime Quinoa is super simple to make and a great alternative to cilantro lime rice! If you are trying to make your Taco Tuesday a little healthier, this is the perfect recipe. Make your life a little easier by starting this recipe with Instant Pot Quinoa. Pair it with some delicious fresh Pico de Gallo and some Instant Pot Chicken Tacos and you’ll have some calories to spare for the Best Margarita Recipe.
It was many many years ago before I really knew my way around the kitchen that I discovered that if you added a little lime juice and fresh cilantro to rice you could get it to taste like it came from Qdoba, and when you are in your early 20s and a total dork, a discovery like that feels seriously life changing. I was all, “Okay, watch out Rachael Ray. I’m legit coming for you.”
I was pretty sure I could be the next Food Network Star at that point.
Anyway.
SWAPPING CILANTRO LIME RICE FOR CILANTRO LIME QUINOA
I still agree with young, dorky, newly married, incredibly naive Lisa that cilantro lime rice is pretty flipping amazing . . . even though the discovery wasn’t really mine and didn’t make me a genius. If you have never made it at home you should. If you are a poor college student, then this summer you should plant some cilantro in a bright window and you should love on your cilantro lime rice and beans all summer long. It’s a super affordable meal.
OR.
Or, you should jump on the Quinoa Train! Choo choo! ( . . . . . I really need more coffee this morning guys. I’m doing this half caf situation and I think it’s not working for me. Sorry, sidetrack.) Guys, quinoa really is all that it’s cracked up to be. It’s high in protein and fiber, unlike white rice. You couldn’t call it a low carb food, but it doesn’t do the same things to your blood sugar levels that other carbs do. Basically, if you are trying to eat better, quinoa is a great substitute for carbs, especially rice.
Which makes me feel like a TOTAL genius for coming up with Cilantro Lime Quinoa.
Fun fact: I *never* google recipes before I publish them. In other words, if 7.3 gagillion other food bloggers have already made Cilantro Lime Quinoa, I in fact do not want to know about it.
I have a great recipe that is going to be using this Cilantro Lime Quinoa in a few days, but until then, you should use this anytime you are having taco night! It’s a great sub for your rice and super delicious. I am determined to make you all quinoa lovers yet.
Please note: If you are new to making quinoa you want to rinse the dry grain before you combine it with water according to the package instructions and cook it. Washing it removes the bitter taste, which is especially key in a recipe like this with minimal other ingredients.
MORE DELICIOUS QUINOA RECIPES
Cilantro Lime Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa cooked according to package instructions see note
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 TBSP lime juice the juice from half a lime
Instructions
- After cooking the quinoa, let cool slightly. Then mix in the cilantro and lime juice. Serve warm or cold with your favorite taco fixings in place of cilantro lime rice.
Notes
Ashley says
I’ve been on a healthy eating kick lately, so I’m totally down with this cilantro lime quinoa. My husband will only eat quinoa if I doctor it up, so this might do just the trick. ;-)
Thank you Ashley! And I made a taco bowl to go with it, it’s up today! :)
Maria @ kitchenathoskins says
Love this healthier twist to my all time favorite cilantro lime rice:)
Thanks Maria!
Amy says
Great idea, I love cilantro rice, so I’m looking forward to trying it this way . ????
Thanks Amy!