Easy Quinoa Pilaf

This post is sponsored by iHerb. As always, all opinions are my own.

This easy quinoa pilaf is made with sweet dried apricots and salty pistachios for a side dish that is full of flavor. Serve this with pilaf your favorite protein or add it to a bed of mixed greens for a delicious and healthy salad.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is technically a seed, although many people think of it as a grain. It’s a complete protein which means it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. It’s a great pantry staple and I love how versatile it is! While pilaf is a dish that is typically made with rice, I decided to create a version with quinoa! This is not a traditional pilaf but I think you’ll love it!

Where to Buy Quinoa

You can find quinoa at most grocery stores, near the rice. There is red quinoa, white quinoa, and tri-color quinoa. There isn’t a big difference in taste, so feel free to buy any of them for this recipe. I love the way the red quinoa looks in this pilaf!

How to Prepare Quinoa

Quinoa needs to be rinsed before eating. If your quinoa doesn’t indicate that it’s pre-rinsed, you’ll need to rinse it in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove a bitter coating on the quinoa that contains saponins. You will need to dry the quinoa in order to toast it, so I do recommend buying pre-rinsed quinoa if possible.

Tips for Perfect Quinoa Pilaf

• Be sure to rinse your quinoa before cooking, unless you’ve purchased pre-washed quinoa.
• Adding the apricots to the warm quinoa will gently hydrate the fruit, giving them a deliciously plump texture.
• To save time, buy pre-shelled pistachios. You can also substitute sliced almonds or pine nuts.

How to Store Leftover Quinoa Pilaf

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This quinoa pilaf can be served cold or at room temperature. It’s a great make-ahead meal because it can be prepared in advance and doesn’t require any reheating.

Ideas for Serving Quinoa Pilaf

This pilaf makes a great side dish with your favorite protein. You can also serve it on top of a bed of mixed greens for an easy salad. You can also add chickpeas or your favorite protein to turn this into a hearty main dish, perfect for lunch!

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