Savory Quinoa Spinach & Walnut Medley
This Savory Quinoa Spinach & Walnut Medley is a delightful and nutritious dish perfect for any time of the year. Inspired by a recipe featured in Prevention Magazine, it combines the nutty flavor of toasted quinoa with the vibrant freshness of baby spinach and sweet grape tomatoes. The addition of crunchy walnut pieces enhances the texture while the rich parmigiano-reggiano cheese brings a creamy depth to the dish. This recipe is easily customizable; feel free to swap out the cheese for your favorite hard variety or skip the walnuts if you're short on time. It serves beautifully as a nutritious side dish or, for a heartier option, toss in some cooked chicken for a wholesome one-dish meal that's sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping health in check.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (measured dry)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon (fresh)
walnut pieces
1/2 cup (toasted)
baby spinach leaves
4 cups (fresh)
grape or cherry tomatoes
1 cup (halved)
parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
fresh basil leaves
to taste (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the quinoa. Place it in a small bowl, cover it with water, and swirl to rinse. Drain it through a mesh strainer to remove the water completely.
2
In a medium skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa to the skillet and toast it, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the quinoa and cook for an additional minute, stirring until fragrant.
4
Pour in 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy, about 15 minutes.
5
Meanwhile, in a small separate skillet, spread the walnut pieces and toast them over medium-low heat until they are lightly browned and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Set aside once done.
6
When the quinoa is cooked, uncover the skillet and add the fresh spinach leaves and halved grape or cherry tomatoes. Stir-fry everything together over medium heat for about 1 minute until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are warmed through.
7
Gently fold in the toasted walnuts and grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese until well combined. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Quinoa Spinach & Walnut Medley?
It is a nutritious dish combining toasted quinoa, fresh baby spinach, grape tomatoes, and crunchy walnuts, topped with parmigiano-reggiano cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the parmigiano-reggiano cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.
Why should I rinse the quinoa?
Rinsing quinoa helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can otherwise give the grain a bitter taste.
What is the purpose of toasting the quinoa?
Toasting the quinoa in olive oil for 8-10 minutes enhances its natural nutty flavor and adds texture.
What type of tomatoes are best for this medley?
Grape or cherry tomatoes are recommended, specifically halved before adding to the skillet.
Can I add a protein source to this meal?
Yes, adding cooked chicken is a great way to turn this side dish into a more filling one-dish meal.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves.
How do I toast the walnuts?
Toast the walnut pieces in a separate small skillet over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until aromatic.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated parmigiano-reggiano, but you can substitute it with any hard cheese.
How long does the quinoa need to simmer?
After reaching a boil, cover and simmer the quinoa for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
What is the garnish for this dish?
Fresh basil leaves are used as an optional garnish to add extra flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, its ingredients hold up well, making it an excellent choice for healthy meal prepping.
How much water do I need for the quinoa?
Use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of dry quinoa.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh baby spinach is preferred for the best texture when stir-frying, as frozen spinach may release too much moisture.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic for fragrance and flavor.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
It is typically served warm, but it can also be enjoyed as a cold grain salad.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a feature in Prevention Magazine.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes, if you are short on time or have an allergy, the walnuts can be skipped.
How do I know when the spinach is done?
Stir-fry the spinach for about 1 minute until it just begins to wilt.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a mesh strainer, a medium skillet with a lid, and a small separate skillet for toasting nuts.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Naturally, the ingredients are gluten-free, but always check labels on processed items like cheese.
How many ingredients are in this dish?
The recipe contains 8 main ingredients.
Can I use other nuts?
Yes, toasted almonds or pecans would also complement the flavors of this medley.
What is the dry measurement of quinoa?
The recipe uses 1 cup of dry quinoa.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, both quinoa and spinach are excellent sources of dietary fiber.
Can I use red quinoa?
Yes, red or tri-color quinoa can be used as a direct substitute for a different look and texture.
What heat level should I use for toasting?
Use medium heat for toasting quinoa and medium-low heat for toasting walnuts to avoid burning.