Prism-Infused Rainbow Quinoa with Avocado-Cilantro Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful, nutrient-packed bowl of quinoa layered with vibrant vegetables and a zesty relish for a 'rainbow' effect. This mediterranean ready in about 40 minutes pairs quinoa, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, layer 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/3 cup yellow bell pepper, and 1/3 cup orange bell pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Fold into the quinoa.
  3. Step 3: Top with diced avocado and remaining bell pepper. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Prism-Infused Rainbow Quinoa with Avocado-Cilantro Relish take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Prism-Infused Rainbow Quinoa with Avocado-Cilantro Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Prism-Infused Rainbow Quinoa with Avocado-Cilantro Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Prism-Infused Rainbow Quinoa with Avocado-Cilantro Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Prism-Infused Rainbow Quinoa with Avocado-Cilantro Relish?

Mediterranean mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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