Name: Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 cup quinoa (rinsed and drained); 1 cup frozen peas (defrosted); 1 cup sweet corn kernels; 15 oz (425g) black beans ( canned, drained and rinsed); 1 bell pepper (deseeded and chopped); 2 green onions ((spring onions), sliced); pinch lemon zest; 1/2 tsp chipotle paste (optional); 1/2 cup salsa; Toppings: extra salsa, chopped cilantro (fresh coriander), lime slices

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Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa tastes like you spent hours cooking, when it actually requires almost no effort at all! You will love how healthy, versatile and affordable it is to make flavourful Mexican Quinoa in the Instant Pot. Suitable for Vegan and Gluten Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

Post may contain affiliate links. For more information, check my disclosure

Want to know my two favourite words in the English language? Instant Pot. And can you guess what my next two favourites might be? Dump and Start. So when I come across a recipe that includes all four of these magical words, I know it’s going to be a winner.

I’ve been making my quinoa in the Instant Pot for quite some time now, as it turns out perfect every single time. And since quinoa is a such great source of protein and naturally gluten free, it is a true staple in my household.

This Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa is sooooo great because not only is it packed with Mexican-inspired flavour, it is loaded with good-for-you nutrients.

And because it requires virtually no effort to make, it is ideal for those super hectic days when you are short on time but need to get a healthy meal on the table. #instantpotforthewin

Instant Pot Mexican quinoa

KITCHEN TOOLS, UTENSILS & APPLIANCES NEEDED

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, check out my disclosure.

Here are some of the items you will need to make this recipe.

8 qt Instant Pot.
- I use and love the 8 qt, extra Instant Pot Insert & sealing ring.
3 qt Instant Pot or 6 qt Instant Pot depending on family size.
Handy spatula.
These awesome measuring jugs or cups.
Measuring teaspoons.
Sea Salt Flakes <= amazing salt that makes your food taste good.
Try my favorite spice kit for different flavours on your recipes.
Bowls with covers.
- For storing your leftover food.

So, are you ready to learn just how easy it is to make Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa? Then gather up your ingredients and I’ll show you…..

How To Make Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

Add water to the bottom of the Instant Pot Insert.
In a bowl, combine ingredients, from quinoa through the best ever salt, and then mix well.
Add the mixture to the Instant Pot insert.
Top the mixture with salsa.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock.
Turn the valve to the sealing position (not venting) and select pressure cook / manual.
Set the cook time for 1 min.
Once done, allow for a full natural pressure release.
Remove from the Instant Pot and serve with the suggested toppings.

How To Make Dump and Start Mexican Quinoa – Stovetop Method

No pressure cooker? No problem! Follow these steps to make Dump and Start Mexican Quinoa on the stovetop:

Place 2 cups of water in a pot on the stovetop.
Combine all ingredients, from quinoa through salsa, in a bowl and mix well.
Add mixture to the pot.
Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let cook for 15-18 mins.
Switch off the heat, open the lid and fluff the quinoa mixture.
Place lid back on the pot let it stand for approx. 10 mins.
Remove from the pot and serve with the suggested toppings.

Tips For Making Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

Do remember to soak and drain your quinoa at least 30 mins before cooking. If you think the quinoa is not drained well, you can reduce the amount of water in the recipe by 1-2 tbsp.
For those that prefer your quinoa grains to be less separated, then add a bit more water to the Instant Pot.

Plus…..

Making this for the kids? Then feel free to omit the chipotle pepper.
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. For example, use stock instead of water. Or add the chopped cilantro in before cooking.

Can I Make Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa with Frozen Veggies?

No, using frozen veggies will add too much extra water to the Instant Pot. You will need to defrost your peas before adding them to the mixture.

To quickly defrost, simply dump them in lukewarm water for a minute then drain well. Easy Peasy (pun intended)!

How to Avoid the Burn Message

To avoid the dreaded Instant Pot Burn Message, make sure that you “layer” the ingredients inside the insert.

The single most important thing to remember is to always start by adding water to the bottom of the pressure cooker insert first.

Then you can ‘dump’ in the quinoa mixture, and add the salsa to the top (tomato products are notorious for causing the burn notice to appear, so you want to always add them in last).

Pressure Cooker Mexican Quinoa for Meal Prep

This pressure cooker Mexican quinoa recipe is an ideal meal prep solution. Not only is it easy to make it’s quite economical, and perhaps the very best part: it is soooo versatile. Serve it as a main course, a side, or as an ingredient, you can transform into an entirely new dish.

This Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa recipe really is a make-ahead MVP.

I like to whip up a batch at the beginning of the week (usually on Sunday) and store in the fridge so I can cook with it throughout the week. Here are some of my very favourite ways to use it:

Roll it up in these handmade tortillas to make delicious Vegan Quinoa Burritos.
Add quinoa and salad green to glass containers and you have easy grab-and-go Mexican Quinoa Bowls.
Pile on top of chips along with this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken and top with cheese to make a hearty helping of Mexican Quinoa Nachos.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

For a hearty and satisfying vegan meal, serve Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa with these flavourful Air Fryer Chickpea Tacos. Sooooo good!
And if not vegan, pair it with my Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Or a cup of zesty Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli.

More Mexican Recipes

Mexican Zucchini via A Cedar Spoon.

Jalapeno Strawberry Margarita.

Weight Watchers Points in Dump and Start Pressure Cooker Mexican Quinoa

There are 3 Freestyle Points in a serving of this Pressure Cooker Mexican Quinoa.

Thank you for reading my Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue dreaming up recipes, traditional African recipes, African fusion recipes, Sierra Leone recipes, travel plans and much more for you. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, UK food blog.

Dump and Start Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa + Tutorial {Vegan, Gluten Free}