Quinoa and Cranberry Pilaf

Name: Quinoa and Cranberry Pilaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil (extra-virgin, divided); 1 cup quinoa (uncooked, rinsed and drained); 1 cup red onion (diced); 3 tbsp cider vinegar (or lemon juice); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 3/4 cup chicken broth (no-sodium); 4 cups green beans (packaged); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 2 1/2 cups baby spinach (packed, packaged); 1/2 cup cranberries (dried); 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (natural, toasted (optional)); 1/4 cup goat cheese (crumbled reduced-fat)

Jan 5, 2015

Quinoa and Cranberry Pilaf

This beautiful dish is easy to prepare and perfect for holidays. Enjoy the delicious leftovers for lunch.

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Course Salads, Side Dishes

Servings servings

Calories 152 kcal

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil extra-virgin, divided
1 cup quinoa uncooked, rinsed and drained
1 cup red onion diced
3 tbsp cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 clove garlic minced
1 3/4 cup chicken broth no-sodium
4 cups green beans packaged
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 1/2 cups baby spinach packed, packaged
1/2 cup cranberries dried
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds natural, toasted (optional)
1/4 cup goat cheese crumbled reduced-fat

Instructions

Heat 2 tsp of the oil in saucepan over medium-high heat; stir in quinoa and 1/4 tsp of the salt. Cook, stirring until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer. Cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.
Remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes and fluff with fork. Transfer to bowl and let cool.
Place green beans and 1/2 cup water in shallow heatproof dish; cover and microwave on high until tender, 1-2 minutes. Immediately immerse in bowl of ice water and let cool completely. Drain well and pat dry.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir together remaining oil, red onion, vinegar, garlic and remaining salt and pepper. Add quinoa, green beans, baby spinach, cranberries and pumpkin seeds (if using); transfer to large serving platter and sprinkle with goat cheese.