Quinoa Pilaf with Cranberries

Elevate your next meal with this vibrant Quinoa Pilaf with Cranberries, a wholesome dish packed with texture and flavor. Featuring fluffy, protein-rich quinoa cooked in low-sodium vegetable broth, this recipe is brightened with sweet, chewy dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted slivered almonds. Aromatic sautéed onions and garlic provide a savory base, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a splash of zesty lemon juice add a fresh, tangy finish. Perfect as a nutritious side dish or a light vegetarian main course, this 30-minute recipe combines wholesome ingredients for a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Make it a crowd-pleaser for special gatherings or an easy weeknight staple!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 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. This helps remove its natural bitterness.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.

Step 8

Mix in the dried cranberries, toasted slivered almonds, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to evenly heat the mixture.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 11

Serve warm as a delicious side dish or a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	939.6 grams (939.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1589

Total Fat 100.00g	128%
Saturated Fat 8.40g	42%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2652mg	115%
Total Carbohydrate 133.80g	49%
Dietary Fiber 14.20g	51%
Total Sugars 11.10g
Protein 49.40g	99%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 382mg	29%
Iron 10mg	53%
Potassium 1535mg	33%

*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: 55.1%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 32.8%