Romesco Quinoa: A Flavorful Spanish-Inspired Superfood Side
Discover how Romesco Quinoa transforms classic Spanish flavors into a nourishing, easy side dish packed with protein and Mediterranean flair.
Romesco Quinoa: Elevating Your Table With Spanish Flavors
Looking for a side dish that blends bold Spanish flair with wholesome nutrition? Romesco Quinoa is a delightful twist on the classic Romesco sauce—transforming its vibrant flavors into a protein-rich, super-simple quinoa dish that stands out at any meal. Drawing on the magic of sherry vinegar, smoked paprika, piquillo peppers, toasted almonds, and Manchego cheese, this recipe brings irresistible warmth, tang, and crunch to the modern table.
What Is Romesco Quinoa?
Romesco is a tomato, roasted red pepper, and almond-based sauce that originated in Spain, traditionally served with seafood and grilled vegetables. Romesco Quinoa takes these iconic flavors and infuses them into a nutritious side that’s quick, easy, and packed with Mediterranean ingredients. Each serving delivers ample protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, making it perfect for weeknight meals or festive gatherings alike.
Recipe Overview
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: cooked quinoa is tossed in a bold dressing inspired by Romesco sauce and finished with aromatic, crunchy, and creamy toppings.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | ~15 minutes |
| Cook Time | ~15 minutes |
| Main Flavors | Roasted Pepper, Almond, Manchego, Smoked Paprika |
| Servings | 4-6 |
| Dietary Info | Vegetarian, Gluten-Free |
Ingredients
- Quinoa: 1 1/3 cups (uncooked, rinsed)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Sherry vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Grated garlic: 1 teaspoon
- Kosher salt: to taste (about 1 teaspoon for dressing)
- Smoked paprika: 2 teaspoons
- Roasted piquillo peppers: 1 (12-ounce) jar, drained and chopped
- Almonds: 1 cup, well-toasted and chopped (plus extra for serving)
- Flat-leaf parsley: 3/4 cup, chopped
- Manchego cheese: 2 ounces, grated (plus extra for serving)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prepare the Quinoa:
- Combine quinoa with 2½ cups water in a medium saucepan.
- Simmer uncovered until quinoa is just tender (about 12 minutes).
- Remove from heat and keep covered for 3 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Mix the Romesco Dressing:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, sherry vinegar, grated garlic, kosher salt, and smoked paprika until blended.
- Combine and Toss:
- Fluff quinoa and add to dressing; toss until evenly coated.
- Add chopped piquillo peppers, toasted almonds, chopped parsley, and grated Manchego cheese.
- Toss well for even distribution.
- Top with additional almonds and Manchego if desired before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Statistic | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 566 |
| Protein | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugars | 5.5g (no added sugar) |
| Fat | 33g (6g saturated) |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 665mg |
Why You’ll Love Romesco Quinoa
- Bold & Balanced Flavors: The tang of sherry vinegar and smoky paprika, nutty almonds, plus mild heat from piquillo peppers create a dish with depth and character.
- Nutrient Dense: Quinoa provides complete protein and fiber, while almonds offer heart-healthy fats and extra protein. The addition of Manchego cheese delivers creamy richness and authentic Spanish taste.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful way to upgrade simple weeknight dinners.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with plant-based nutrition, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Beautifully Versatile: Serve warm or at room temperature as a side, lunch bowl, or main course with extra veggies or grilled protein.
Origins & Spanish Inspiration
Romesco sauce hails from the Catalonia region of Spain, originally crafted to accompany seafood. With roasted peppers, tomatoes, and almonds as its core, the sauce is celebrated for its smoky sweetness and versatility. Adapted here, the ingredients infuse quinoa—a South American ancient grain—with Mediterranean personality, making it an ideal vessel for those classic flavors.
What others are reading
What Makes Romesco Distinct?
- Smoked Paprika: Key to authentic Spanish Romesco, adding complexity and subtly spicy depth.
- Sherry Vinegar: Offers a bright, nuanced acidity that balances the richness of nuts and olive oil.
- Piquillo Peppers: Traditionally grown in northern Spain, these peppers are sweet rather than hot, imparting signature flavor.
- Toasted Almonds: Nutty undertone; crucial for body and texture.
- Manchego Cheese: A sheep’s milk cheese from Spain, delicately sharp and creamy.
Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions
- Quinoa: Substitute with millet or brown rice if desired.
- Piquillo Peppers: Substitute with roasted red peppers, available jarred in most grocery stores.
- Almonds: Walnuts or hazelnuts can be used for a twist.
- Manchego Cheese: Substitute with Parmesan or pecorino if you can’t find Manchego.
- Smoked Paprika: Essential for authentic flavor, but sweet paprika can be used if preferred.
- Vegan Option: Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish: Pairs well with grilled meats, fish, roast chicken, or Mediterranean vegetarian dishes.
- Main Course Bowl: Top with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or sliced avocado.
- Entertaining: Serve at room temperature as part of a tapas spread with other Spanish small plates.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; enjoy cold or gently reheated.
When to Make Romesco Quinoa
- Family dinners
- Holiday gatherings
- Picnics and potlucks
- Meal prep (makes a great lunch)
Tips For Success
- Toast Your Nuts: For maximum flavor, toast almonds in a dry pan until golden and fragrant before chopping.
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water to remove natural bitterness (saponin coating).
- Use Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness and a hint of herbal aroma.
- Add Cheese Last: Toss cheese at the end so it gently melts but doesn’t disappear into the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Romesco Quinoa gluten-free?
Yes. Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain and all other main ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare Romesco Quinoa ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Allow to come to room temperature before serving, or gently reheat without cheese to avoid clumping.
What can I use instead of Manchego cheese?
Try Parmesan, pecorino, or any firm, nutty cheese. For a vegan version, use your favorite plant-based cheese substitute.
Can I use regular roasted red peppers instead of piquillo?
Yes. Roasted red peppers offer similar sweetness and texture.
What’s the protein content?
Each serving contains about 19 grams of protein, due to quinoa and almonds, making this dish a substantial addition to any meal.
Related Recipes & Inspiration
- Mocha Overnight Oats: Creamy, nutrient-rich with caffeine boost.
- Collard Green ‘Noodles’ and Chicken: High-protein meal with a twist.
- Portobellos with Cannellini and Chimichurri: Hearty vegetarian main.
- Red Wine Risotto with Mushrooms and Radicchio: Luxurious Mediterranean comfort food.
- Roasted Mushrooms on Greens With Miso Dressing: Balanced, umami-rich salad bowl.
Expert Tips for Mediterranean Cooking
- Use extra-virgin olive oil for flavor and healthy fats.
- Balance acidity and depth with vinegar and smoked spices.
- Layer textures—nuts for crunch, cheese for creaminess.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley add aroma and color.
Final Thoughts
Bring a taste of Spain to your plate with this easy, vibrant, and deeply satisfying Romesco Quinoa recipe. With bold colors, crowd-pleasing flavors, and superfood nutrition, it’s an ideal side or main for the health-conscious home cook. For those seeking variety in their meal rotation, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is a perfect blend of tradition, convenience, and nutritional excellence.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a41003190/romesco-quinoa-recipe/
- https://www.simplyquinoa.com/romesco-sauce-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a46253455/quinoa-frittata-with-roasted-red-peppers-and-manchego-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNEqMTVDQcc
- https://www.melissas.com/blogs/flavor-first/quinoa-salad-romesco
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