Mexican Quinoa Recipe

Mexican Quinoa Recipe

4 servings
Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or a healthy breakfast with an egg on top, this vegan and gluten free One-Pan Mexican Quinoa Recipe is an easy meal you can make for your family. It is ready in 30 minutes and can alternatively be served as a side dish or just by itself for a protein-packed nutritious meal.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • medium-sized onion

    chopped

    1
  • bell peppers)

    chopped (or 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

    2 small
  • ground cumin
    1 tsp
  • ground coriander
    ½ tsp
  • garlic

    peeled and minced

    2 cloves
  • quinoa

    rinsed and drained

    1 c
  • 15 oz. can black beans

    drained and rinsed

    1
  • corn kernels

    fresh or frozen

    1 c
  • diced tomatoes)

    with all their juices (15 oz.

    1 can
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • water or vegetable broth
    1 c
  • fresh cilantro

    chopped - plus more as garnish

    ¼ c
  • ripe avocado
    1
  • stalks of scallions

    chopped

    2
  • lime

    cut into wedges

    1
  • handful of pumpkin seeds

    optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a 12-inch pan with a lid over medium heat. Add in the onion, peppers, cumin, and coriander. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, 7-8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add in the quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, tomatoes, and salt and pepper. Give it a large stir.

  4. 4

    Pour in the liquid, put the lid on, and bring it to a boil. Then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 20-23 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

  5. 5

    Let it sit for 5 minutes or so and fluff with a fork. Right before serving stir in the fresh cilantro.

  6. 6

    Spoon the Mexican quinoa into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, and scallions. Serve with wedges of lime.

Mexican Quinoa Recipe

Mexican Quinoa Recipe

4.9(52)30 min4 servings346 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 52 ratings

foolproofliving.com
4.9(52 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, wholesome meal that practically makes itself? This One-Pan Mexican Quinoa Recipe is your answer, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a healthy, protein-packed breakfast.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this recipe a true kitchen hero is its incredible ease and versatility. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together a medley of wholesome ingredients, requiring minimal cleanup. You'll love how effortlessly it provides a complete, nutritious meal that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, packed with plant-based protein from quinoa and black beans.

What to Expect

Get ready for a flavor fiesta that’s both comforting and fresh. Each spoonful offers fluffy quinoa, tender black beans, and sweet corn, all infused with the earthy warmth of cumin and coriander, brightened by juicy diced tomatoes. The finished dish is beautifully garnished with creamy avocado, crisp scallions, and fragrant fresh cilantro, delivering a delightful contrast in textures and a burst of zesty lime. It’s a hearty and deeply satisfying meal that tastes indulgent but is wonderfully wholesome.

Customization & Variations

This Mexican quinoa is incredibly flexible to suit your pantry and preferences. While the recipe calls for bell peppers, feel free to swap them for two jalapeño peppers (seeded and chopped) if you prefer a little heat. For the liquid, you can easily use water or vegetable broth based on what you have on hand or your desired depth of flavor. Don't skip the optional handful of pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch!

Serving & Context

This versatile Mexican Quinoa shines as a stand-alone, protein-packed meal, but it also makes an excellent side dish for tacos or grilled chicken. Serve it warm, garnished generously with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, chopped scallions, and a wedge of lime for squeezing.

Frequently Asked Questions