Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Vegan and gluten free, this Cilantro Lime Quinoa recipe is the perfect base for a healthy bowl! It's easy to make on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot, in 30 minutes or less!

Use it as the base of this Jerk Chicken Bowl or this Shrimp Taco Bowl!

I love using quinoa as the base of a bowl. It's a naturally gluten free whole grain and one of the few plant-based foods that contains sufficient amounts of all 9 essential amino acids.

Cilantro lime quinoa is a great alternative to cilantro lime rice, which is commonly made with white rice. As white rice contains 15 times the carbohydrates and 40 more calories per cup, than the same amount of quinoa.

Quinoa is fluffy in texture and mild in flavor. Adding just a few simple, fresh ingredients to quinoa can really enhance the flavor! In this recipe, we're adding lime and cilantro. Two simple ingredients that add bright, fresh flavor to cooked quinoa.

If you want to spice it up a bit more, I've got some other ideas for you later in the post!

Jump to:

• How to make it on the stovetop
• How to make it in an Instant Pot
• What else can you add to the quinoa?
• Frequently asked questions
• Ways to use it
• More quinoa recipes
• Recipe

How to make it on the stovetop

1. Combine 4 cups of quinoa with 2 cups of water and ½ teaspoon of salt in a medium to large saucepan on the stove.
2. Bring to a boil on the stove over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and let the quinoa sit covered for 10 minutes.
5. Uncover the quinoa and fluff it with a fork.
6. Add ¼ cup lime juice and ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro to the quinoa and stir to combine.

How to make it in an Instant Pot

1. Add 2 cups quinoa, 3 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt to an Instant Pot.
2. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the steam valve to the "sealing" position.
3. Use the manual button to set the Instant Pot to high for 1 minute.
4. After the timer beeps 3 times, wait 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure from the Instant Pot.
5. Remove the lid from the Instant Pot and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
6. Add ¼ cup lime juice and ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro, stir to combine.

What else can you add to the quinoa?

In addition to the cilantro and lime juice, try any of these add-ins to make it spicy or add a bit more zest!

• Lime zest - in addition to the lime juice, try adding the zest from the outside of the lime to the quinoa. This will enhance the lime flavor in the quinoa and give it a little more of a zesty flavor!
• Minced jalapenos - for a kick of spice, stir in 1-2 minced jalapenos in the quinoa. They will add flavor, spice and a nice crunch in the quinoa!
• Black beans - to make a more filling base for a bowl, drain and rinse a can of black beans and add it to the quinoa with the cilantro and lime juice. This could also be used as a delicious, healthy side dish for tacos, enchiladas or fajitas.
• Zhoug sauce - stir in 1-2 tablespoons of my favorite spicy cilantro sauce for even more fresh cilantro flavor and a kick of spice!

Frequently asked questions

• Which type of quinoa should I use in this recipe? I used white quinoa in this recipe. It's the most mild in flavor, which is perfect to use as a blank canvas and add flavor with the cilantro and lime juice. Red, black or tricolor quinoa can also be used in this recipe, just know that the red and black varieties will have a stronger nutty taste.
• How many cups of cooked quinoa do you get from a cup of dry quinoa? One cup of dry quinoa will cook up to become 3 cups of cooked quinoa. This recipe calls for two cups of dry quinoa, so you will end up with 6 cups of cooked quinoa. If you ever want to alter the serving amount, simply hover over the "servings" in the recipe card below and adjust to how many cups of quinoa you'd like to make. The ingredients will automatically update when you change the serving amount.
• Should you rinse quinoa before cooking? Yes, you should always rinse the quinoa before cooking. This removes the outer coating of the quinoa, which can leave a bitter or soapy taste. To do this, place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and place under cold running water for 10-15 seconds.

Ways to use it

This cilantro lime quinoa is extremely versatile and can be used as the base in dozens of bowls or as a side dish. It's perfect for meal prep, as you can make a big batch on Sunday or Monday, then eat it throughout the week!

Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Use it as the base of a taco bowl. It's perfect for the base of this Shrimp Taco Bowl (pictured above), this Cauliflower Taco Bowl or this Chipotle Taco Bowl with Tofu Taco Crumbles.
• Use it as the base of a burrito bowl. Try it in this Sweet Potato Burrito Bowl!
• Use it as a side dish with Mexican food. Cilantro lime quinoa is the perfect side for Taco Tuesday or really any Mexican dish! It's great with fajitas, enchiladas and burritos. Replace a side of rice and refried beans with cilantro lime quinoa and black beans for a healthier Mexican side dish!
• Use it as a side dish with Chinese food. Ditch the white rice and serve this cilantro lime quinoa with your favorite Chinese recipes. It's perfect with this delicious recipe for Gluten Free General Tso's Chicken!

More quinoa recipes

Don't miss this post on how to cook quinoa 3 ways! And be sure to use your new favorite method for cooking quinoa to make one of these delicious quinoa bowls!

1. Lemon Herb Greek Quinoa Bowl
2. Cauliflower Shawarma Bowl
3. Mexican Roasted Delicata Squash Bowl
4. Harissa Shrimp Bowl
5. Roasted Summer Squash Quinoa Bowl
6. 10 Minute Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
7. Za'atar Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

Recipe