Go Back

Herbed Quinoa and Grilled Zucchini

This dish features fluffy quinoa paired with perfectly grilled zucchini, all infused with aromatic herbs. It's a delightful, nutritious option that’s naturally kidney-friendly, making it suitable for those looking to manage their kidney health while enjoying a flavorful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Quinoa Base
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed to remove saponins
  • 2 cups water for cooking quinoa
Grilled Zucchini
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for grilling
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
To Finish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
  2. While the quinoa cooks, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. In a bowl, toss the sliced zucchini with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and basil until evenly coated.
  3. Grill the zucchini slices for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until tender and grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and set aside.
  4. Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and stir in the grilled zucchini. Add lemon juice and mix well. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Renal Diet Tips: Rinsing quinoa helps remove saponins, which can affect flavor. Using fresh herbs and lemon juice enhances taste without adding sodium, keeping the dish kidney-friendly.
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Consider adding other grilled vegetables to diversify flavors while keeping it kidney-friendly.