A Lighter Quinoa Stuffing

Elevate your holiday table or everyday dinner with "A Lighter Quinoa Stuffing," a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food. This flavorful recipe swaps traditional bread for protein-packed quinoa, simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth to deliver a rich, nutty base. Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme infuse vibrant aromas, while sautéed vegetables—onion, celery, and carrot—add depth and texture. Sweet bursts of diced apple and dried cranberries pair beautifully with the crunch of chopped walnuts, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet. Finished with a bright drizzle of lemon juice, this stuffing is the ultimate gluten-free, heart-healthy side dish that’s perfect for holiday festivities or weekday meals. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a nutritious and flavorful crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium apple, diced
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bitterness.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Set aside.

Step 3

While the quinoa cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to combine.

Step 7

Stir in the cooked quinoa, fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 8

Drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture and stir again.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 10

Remove from heat and serve warm as a holiday side dish or a nutritious addition to any meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1293 grams (1293.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1668

Total Fat 79.70g	102%
Saturated Fat 8.00g	40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2792mg	121%
Total Carbohydrate 207.30g	75%
Dietary Fiber 18.80g	67%
Total Sugars 80.50g
Protein 36.80g	74%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 185mg	14%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 1646mg	35%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.4%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 49.0%