Hey there, friends! If you’re anything like me, dinner time can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. That’s why I absolutely adore this quick and healthy easy dinner recipe! It’s packed with vibrant veggies and wholesome quinoa, making it not just nourishing but super satisfying too. I whip this up on those busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll love how simple it is to prepare, and the fresh flavors will leave you feeling great! Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Ingredients List

• 1 cup of quinoa (this is your base, packed with protein!)
• 2 cups of vegetable broth (for cooking the quinoa and adding flavor)
• 1 cup of chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, it adds a lovely green touch)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved (these little guys bring sweetness and color)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing the veggies)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
• Salt to taste (don’t be shy—seasoning is key!)
• Pepper to taste (a little kick never hurt anyone!)

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the cooking process! I promise it’s super straightforward, and you’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be a quinoa pro!

Step 1 – Rinse the Quinoa

First things first, we need to rinse the quinoa. This step is crucial because it helps remove a natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter. Just pop the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water for a minute or two. Give it a good shake to get rid of excess water too!

Step 2 – Combine Quinoa and Broth

Next, grab a medium-sized pot and combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. This broth is going to infuse your quinoa with so much flavor, so don’t skip this part! Just measure it out, dump it in, and you’re all set!

Step 3 – Cooking the Quinoa

Time to get cooking! Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Don’t peek too much—trust the process! You’ll know it’s done when all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa looks fluffy.

Step 4 – Prepare the Vegetables

While the quinoa is cooking, let’s get those veggies ready! Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. You’ll love the sizzle! Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften a bit.

Step 5 – Season the Vegetables

Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can really adjust it to your liking—so don’t be afraid to taste as you go! If you love garlic, maybe add a little more!

Step 6 – Final Mixing

Once your quinoa is all fluffy and the veggies are perfectly sautéed, it’s time to combine them! Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains, then gently mix in the sautéed vegetables. This part is so satisfying, and the colors are just beautiful!

Step 7 – Serving

Finally, it’s time to serve! Dish it out warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy every bite of this healthy, easy dinner—trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about what’s in this delicious dish! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of how wholesome this meal is!

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

This meal is not only packed with flavor but also provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy easy dinner. Enjoy the goodness!

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions I get about this healthy easy dinner recipe. I hope these answers help you out!

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! If you’re not a quinoa fan, you can substitute it with brown rice, farro, or even couscous. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so be sure to check the package instructions.

What other vegetables can I add?
Get creative! You can toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even some frozen peas. The beauty of this dish is that it’s super versatile, so use whatever veggies you have on hand!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the quinoa and sauté the veggies in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for meal prep!

How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since quinoa is a gluten-free grain. Just make sure to double-check that your vegetable broth is also gluten-free if you have any sensitivities!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein-rich quinoa and fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious choice that won’t weigh you down.
• Easy cleanup: With just a pot and a pan, you won’t have a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward!
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of flavors and textures will leave you feeling full and happy!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to make this healthy easy dinner, here are some pro tips to ensure everything turns out just right! I promise these little pointers can make a big difference.

• Rinse the quinoa well: Don’t skip this step! Rinsing helps remove that bitter taste. Make it a habit, and your quinoa will always turn out delicious.
• Watch the cooking time: Keep an eye on your quinoa while it cooks. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy. The 15-minute simmer is perfect for fluffy quinoa, so set a timer!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the spinach and tomatoes, make sure your pan isn’t too crowded. This lets everything cook evenly and gives those veggies a nice, tender texture.
• Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Don’t hesitate to taste your sautéed veggies. If they need a little more salt or garlic, add it! You can always adjust to your liking.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to throw in some herbs or spices for an extra flavor boost! Dried oregano or basil can add a lovely touch—get creative!
• Mix gently: When combining the quinoa and sautéed veggies, be gentle! You want to keep the quinoa fluffy, not mushy, so fold everything together carefully.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, let the dish cool before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your meal soggy. Airtight containers are your best friend!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll not only nail this recipe but also gain confidence in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious leftovers fresh and tasty! Proper storage is key to enjoying this healthy easy dinner even after you’ve made it. Here’s how to do it:

First, let the quinoa and sautéed vegetables cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation from forming in your storage container, which can make your meal soggy. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the mixture! Just pop it into a freezer-safe container or bag, and it’ll last for about 2 months.

Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of great options! For a quick fix, just microwave it. Place the portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it from drying out), and heat it in short bursts of about 1 minute, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through.

If you prefer a stovetop method, simply heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add your leftovers, and stir until everything is hot and inviting again. This method will bring back that lovely texture, and you can even add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it from drying out. Just remember, it’s all about making it just as delicious the second time around! Enjoy!

Healthy Easy Dinner: 7 Simple Steps to Flavorful Bliss

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and healthy dinner recipe that’s easy to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of chopped spinach
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Add chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes to the pan.
6. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Sauté for about 5 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
8. Once quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork.
9. Add the sautéed vegetables to the quinoa and mix well.
10. Serve warm and enjoy your meal.

Notes

• Rinse quinoa to remove bitterness.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference.
• You can add other vegetables as desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: healthy easy dinner