Open Arms of Minnesota

Weekly Recipe: Basil Pesto Quinoa


By: Allison R Vatne, 2018-2019 Aramark Distance Dietetic Internship Program, MN

Have you tried quinoa (keen-wah)? Quinoa is a grain crop grown for its edible seeds. First discovered and harvested in the Andes Mountains of South America, quinoa has grown wildly popular in the United States today. Quinoa is a protein rich food, with more protein per serving than other common whole grains like rice and millet. Quinoa is also a complex carbohydrate that can fuel you through any busy day. Do you identify as vegetarian or vegan? Simple! Try this quinoa recipe without chicken or replace it with a plant-based protein source such as roasted chickpeas. Check the pesto jar label, as this recipe can easily be considered gluten free, too. After cooking, quinoa can be enjoyed in hot and cold dishes. This quick recipe is perfect for any meal and can be taken on the go!

Basil Pesto Quinoa

Recipe adapted from Tasteful Venture.

Serving Size: 4-5

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, dry
  • 1 container cherry or grape tomatoes
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken cutlets
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1-2 T. lemon juice
  • ½ Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh pesto, of choice

Directions:

  1. Cook 1 cup dry quinoa as directed on package, of choice.
  2. While quinoa is cooking, preheat oven to 400ºF.
  3. Place cherry or grape tomatoes on a baking sheet and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil and gently toss. Spread tomatoes out on baking sheet.
  4. Bake tomatoes for 12 minutes or to desired doneness, flipping halfway through.
  5. Dice chicken cutlets into bite size pieces on a cutting board.
  6. Place chicken pieces into a large bowl, and add a pinch of salt and 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Lightly toss.
  7. In a grill pan over medium-high heat, add ½ tablespoon of olive oil and chicken pieces.
  8. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through, and the chicken internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
  9. In a serving bowl, combine cooked quinoa, baked tomatoes, 1/3 cup fresh pesto, and cooked chicken.
  10. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

For one serving: 420 calories, 31 grams of protein, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 19 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber, 6 grams of sugar, 400 mg of sodium, 400 mg of potassium

More from Open Arms

HIV Day On The Hill Graphic

HIV Day On The Hill

Join Us For HIV Day On The Hill Join us for a day of advocacy on Tuesday, March 12, at 8 AM for HIV on the Hill! Collaborate with HIV advocates and LGBTQ leaders as we discuss legislative priorities such as expanding PrEP access

Read More »

Voyage Minnesota Features Leah Hebert Welles

Open Arms CEO Leah Hebert Welles Featured By VoyageMinnesota Open Arms of Minnesota CEO Leah Hebert Welles has been featured by VoyageMinnesota as part of its Daily Inspiration series.  VoyageMinnesota’s mission is to promote mom and pops, artists, creatives, makers and small businesses by

Read More »
End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!