Zesty Quinoa Packed with Veggies and White Beans

This vibrant and healthy dish combines protein-packed quinoa with colorful veggies and creamy white beans for a satisfying meal. It's quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.

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TIME50 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.7 / 5

Zesty Quinoa Packed with Veggies and White Beans

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 small red onion, chopped 1 (10 ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with liquid 1 cup vegetable broth 1 cup quinoa 4 ounces hot giardiniera 1 teaspoon garlic powder salt and ground black pepper to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by warming some oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the carrots, celery, bell pepper, and onion, and cook them until they’re just tender but still have a bit of crunch—this should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the white beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, quinoa, giardiniera, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pan. Give everything a good stir and bring it all up to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook until most of the liquid is gone and the quinoa is nice and fluffy, which usually takes around 20 minutes. Check occasionally and give it a stir to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. When it’s ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to, then serve and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best zesty flavor.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; keep them slightly crisp for added texture.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is full of vibrant flavors and textures. It’s a great source of protein and fiber from the quinoa and white beans. The fresh veggies add a nice crunch and boost the nutrition. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a healthy meal any day.

Serving ideas

Serve warm or at room temperature as a main dish or side. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also enjoy this dish cold, making it perfect for lunches on the go.