Meatless Monday: Basil-Lime Pesto Quinoa

Hello Darlings!

I love anything I can just pop in my rice cooker and leave alone- rice, oatmeal, and especially quinoa. Quinoa is a grain that I normally use as a base for a dish, so it’s very rarely the highlight. This week’s Meatless Monday From A-Z’s creation, however, is different. Often I add pesto to a simple dish to amp up its flavor (like these Pestoed-Mushroom Stuffed Baked Avocados).  By adding a basil-lime pesto to quinoa, I brought a delicious herb-y brightness to the generally not-particularly-flavorful grain. Add a hint of citrus and the whole dish is transformed!

Ingredients:

– ½ Cup Quinoa

– 2 Cups Fresh Basil

– ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese

– ½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

– ¼ Cup Walnuts

– 1 Tablespoon Lime Zest

– 2 Teaspoons Lime Juice

– Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions:

1. Add quinoa to rice cooker. Add water according to your cooker’s instructions. Let cook.

2. Add basil, cheese, walnuts, and lime zest to food processor. Pulse the processor until all ingredients are combined and chopped well.

3. Add EVOO and lime juice to food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste. Continue to combine until your pesto is smooth.

4. In a small bowl combine cooked quinoa and pesto. Mix well.

5. Enjoy!

This is such a super simple way to add great flavor to traditional quinoa! What is your favorite quinoa meal? Let me know in the comments below!