Are you tired of boring, bland side dishes that leave your taste buds wanting more? Get ready to revolutionize your meal with this mouthwatering quinoa and vegetable medley that's not just a side dish, but a nutritional powerhouse! Packed with flavor, color, and incredible health benefits, this recipe will elevate your chicken dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, steam broccoli florets in a separate pot or steamer basket for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain nutritional value and texture.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate grains.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli florets, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Serve warm as a nutritious and colorful side dish alongside grilled or roasted chicken.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before cooking to enhance its nutty taste.
- Use a fork to fluff quinoa after cooking - this prevents clumping and creates a light, airy texture.
- Choose fresh, crisp vegetables like broccoli to maintain nutritional value and add vibrant color to your dish.
- Experiment with different vinegars or add a splash of lemon juice for varied flavor profiles.
- For meal prep, this side dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 88kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
