Quinoa with Cranberries and Pine Nuts - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Quinoa with Cranberries and Pine Nuts
Prep: 22 min
Cook: 30 min
Servings: 6
Lunch

Nutrition per Serving

245 Calories
6g Protein
31g Carbs
12g Fat
Quinoa is a whole-grain that can be used in place of rice in many recipes. It is higher in protein than other grains and is also a good source of fiber.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 3 Tbsp pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 tsp parsley, dried
  • Dressing
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.

Instructions

  1. Heat the chicken broth in a pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Stir in the quinoa; cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Add the cranberries; cover and cook for 5 more minutes.
  2. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. While the quinoa is cooking; whisk together the dressing ingredients.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cooked quinoa. Add the toasted pine nuts and mix well. Pour the quinoa into a serving bowl and sprinkle with dried parsley. Serve warm or cold.
  5. MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free, including chicken broth, and this recipe can be made gluten-free.
  6. Choices/Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Fruit, 2 Fat

How This Recipe Supports PCOS Management

Understanding the nutritional profile of what you eat is a powerful step in managing PCOS. Here is how the key ingredients in this Quinoa with Cranberries and Pine Nuts contribute to your health goals:

  • Chicken: Protein-rich meals help manage insulin resistance common in PCOS
  • Quinoa: Has a lower glycemic index than most grains, making it ideal for PCOS
  • Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for PCOS
  • Garlic: May help reduce cholesterol levels often elevated in PCOS
  • Berr: Their low glycemic index makes them ideal for PCOS-friendly desserts

PCOS Diet Principles in This Recipe

The PCOS diet focuses on three core principles: reducing inflammation, managing insulin resistance, and supporting hormonal balance. Every recipe in our collection is evaluated against these principles. This recipe excels in providing protein-rich ingredients that help regulate appetite hormones (ghrelin and leptin), and anti-inflammatory spices that target the chronic inflammation underlying PCOS. As part of a balanced PCOS meal plan, we recommend pairing recipes like this with a variety of nutrient-dense foods throughout the week to ensure you are meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Meal Prep Tip: This Quinoa with Cranberries and Pine Nuts can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for sticking to a PCOS-friendly diet, as it removes the temptation to reach for processed convenience foods when time is short.

PCOS-Friendly Foods in This Recipe

This recipe contains the following foods that may benefit PCOS management: Cranberries, Nuts.

Researchers believe that cranberries contain substances that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. However, store-bought cranberry juice is typically all sugar - so make sure to stick with straight cranberries. Cranberries: The Unsung Hero in PCOS Management Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) stands as one of the predominant hormonal disorders affecting many women across the globe. Finding effective and holistic methods to manage its array of symptoms is ofte...

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