Quinoa with Spinach and Feta Cheese

(401)
  • Minutes to Prepare:
  • Minutes to Cook:
  • Number of Servings: 2
Ingredients
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil2 cloves garlic, sliced very thin1 cup Fresh Express Baby Spinach 1 ounce feta cheese
Directions
Rinse the quinoa in a strainer. (Use a sifter if you don't have a strainer that's small enough.) In a small saucepan, add the quinoa and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and reduce heat to simmer until water is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and garlic. Cook the garlic in the oil until the edges of the garlic turns very light brown, being careful not to burn the garlic (reduce heat to low if necessary). When the quinoa is done cooking, add it to the skillet along with the spinach. Stir it together until the spinach wilts. Add the crumbled feta cheese and stir to combine. Makes 2 servings.

*Edit* I discovered why the calorie count was so high. The nutrition info in the database for the quinoa was completely different than what's listed on the box (for the same brand I used). So I changed the info on the quinoa, and now the nutrition info should be correct. Sorry about that!*

Servings Per Recipe: 2
Nutritional Info Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 232.8
  • Total Fat: 8.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 12.6 mg
  • Sodium: 175.6 mg
  • Total Carbs: 32.1 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.4 g
  • Protein: 7.6 g

Member Reviews
  • RED-LICORICE
    Super good, added a diced tomato, diced small onion and half a veggie bouillion cube to cooking water. Will make again, MUCH better than I expected andI was expecting it to be good. - 3/27/09
  • STAPIER01
    This is really good! We made it in one pot to save on dishes. Sauteed garlic in oil, and then added water and quinoa right into the same pot. didn't have spinach so i added chopped broccoli, and added some cooked chicken for more protein. yummy! - 4/26/09
  • ONEAL_70
    I never tried quinoa before and was pleasantly surprized. I added sauteed shrimp to make it a meal and add spice. It was very good! - 2/24/09
  • WATERBABY*3
    First off, I love quinoa so thank you! I used light feta so I could double the amount, used frozen spinach, and eliminated the olive oil, using a spray instead. I got everything at Trader Joe's and it came to under 250 calories. I might add chicken next time. - 5/20/08
  • LADYL1963
    Very good! Added red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, dill and a splash of lemon juice. I'm going to try it as a filling for roma tomatoes instead of ricotta. - 7/27/08
  • AZHIKERCHICK
    This was amazing! I added sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil) as well and loved it. Couldn't wait for the leftovers! - 7/21/09
  • CARNEY8
    Quinoa is a complete protein. Given that fact, it's NOT a high-calorie meal, as one of the posters commented.
    Add more vegetables (red pepper, etc.) if you need more bulk and bang for your colorie buck! - 5/26/08
  • GODFREY09
    When making this I add a poached egg on top, chopped mushrooms and onion with the garlic and call it a mewal. My daughter loves this recipe....we also make it with goat/sheep feta. - 5/21/08
  • STEPHSER1969
    Quinoa is a staple in our home (it's one of the few things my picky 5-year-old will eat, and we all like it). This was a very nice preparation for it. - 6/2/08
  • GREYGRANNIE
    This is a good basic recipe that can be varried many ways. I added diced fresh tomatoes, green onions (sliced), and diced red peppers, a sprinkle of cider vinegar, fresh ground pepper and served it cold as a salad. - 8/4/09
  • SNAPIT
    I ADDED TURKEY BACON, RED ONION, AND MUSHROOMS. EXCELLENT - 8/14/09
  • QIWHIZ
    I would use chicken broth instead of water to increase the flavor. Otherwise, delicious! - 7/13/09
  • SBLANCHFIELD
    This recipe made my first experience with quinoa a great one...we will have this again.
    Thanks for the recipe! - 3/31/09
  • REDMAGIQ
    loved this recipe. used chopped broccoli. for extra flavor, quinoa can be cooked in fat-free chicken broth. a great, healthy dish that also tastes fantastic wrapped in a high-fiber tortilla. - 5/27/08
  • THEFRZA
    I used low-so chicken broth, 1 whole bunch of spinach, 1 cup chopped mushrooms and 1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes (dried, not in oil). Also used tomato-basil feta. I might also add cubed chicken next time. it's DELISH!!! - 9/9/08
  • KIMMY1030
    I used bulgar wheat because I had it on hand, left the feta out because it's a strong flavor for my kids, I added spinach, black beans, and cilantro. It was very good. - 5/21/08
  • STPHNE
    I'm trying to eat healthier and this was an EXCELLENT side. Quinoa is a little expensive at my regular grocery store. I recommend finding a health store and buying it in bulk. As for this dish, it was pretty easy. I shredded my spinach before adding it. My picky teenager ate it with chicken. - 11/21/09
  • BBLONDEBABE
    I've never had Quinoa before so I didn't know what to expect. The recipe was very good but I used goat cheese instead of feta which gave it a lot of flavor. I also added a little bit of salt. I will definately be making this again. - 10/21/09
  • FREDI59
    excellent flavor combination. I doubled the spinach, the garlic and the feta cheese - that puts it around 300 cal per serving - 8/10/09
  • GILLIAN135
    This in one of my new favourite recipes!
    I made it using organic red quinoa and a low-fat, low sodium chicken broth and added onions into the base. It was truly delicious and will be a staple in this house! - 7/1/08
  • MAINEROCKS
    WOW! Love it - have made twice already. I like the spinach cut into small pieces & w/extra. Also glad I started the garlic only a few minutes before the quinoa was done - cooks fast. First time cooking quinoa (had to buy a sifter for it) but so glad I tried it. 2nd time added cubed/cooked chicken. - 8/7/09
  • FMALIK79
    I made this last night and it was delicious! This was my first time making quinoa and this was the perfect way to try it. As someone else also did, I made this in one pot...I cooked the onions and roasted the quinoa a bit before adding chicken broth to cook it. Excellent and so easy! - 7/25/09
  • RACHEY008
    Very, very tasty! I added cracked chilis to kick up the spice and I used gouda cheese instead of feta. It upped the calories a just a tad, but man, was it good! - 3/25/09
  • SLM624
    I love quinoa, and this recipe is easy and delcious. Great as a side with some balsamic chicken, and add some of the balsamic dressing to the quinoa. - 3/12/08
  • MEDKATE
    Just made this for lunch. Nice color, texture and taste. Easy to make as well. For the non vegetarian portion, I added reduced-salt bacon bits (lardons nature avec 25% de sel en moins). Delicious. - 2/24/08