Lemon Cilantro Quinoa
Brighten up your table with this refreshing Lemon Cilantro Quinoa, a zesty and herbaceous side dish that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. Perfectly fluffy quinoa forms the base of this recipe, cooked in water or vegetable broth for an extra savory kick. The grains are then elevated with a vibrant mix of fresh lemon juice, aromatic lemon zest, and fragrant sautéed garlic, creating a tangy and satisfying bite in every forkful. A generous handful of chopped cilantro adds a burst of green, herbaceous goodness, while a drizzle of olive oil ties it all together. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free dish is an ideal accompaniment to grilled proteins or a hearty plant-based meal. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a versatile dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and perfect for any occasion!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
- 2 cups water (or vegetable broth for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper (freshly cracked)
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove any bitterness from the natural coating (saponin).
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Once cooked, remove the quinoa from heat, leave the lid on, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork.
While the quinoa is resting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed garlic (along with the olive oil from the skillet), lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped cilantro. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or base for proteins. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
954 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.1 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1241 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 125.4 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.3 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 29.8 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 197 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 1529 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
