Lemon Quinoa
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly wholesome, this Lemon Quinoa recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavors. Combining fluffy quinoa with the vibrant tang of fresh lemon juice and zest, this dish is elevated by the subtle warmth of sautéed garlic and the nutty crunch of optional toasted almonds. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness, making this recipe both visually appealing and nutritious. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick side dish or a light, gluten-free meal. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, Lemon Quinoa is the ultimate combination of healthy and delicious, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Keywords: Lemon Quinoa recipe, gluten-free side dish, healthy quinoa recipes, quick quinoa dishes, vibrant lemon quinoa.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup toasted almonds (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Mince the garlic and sauté it in the olive oil until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
Once the quinoa is done, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork.
Add the sautéed garlic and olive oil mixture to the quinoa, along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Gently stir in the chopped fresh parsley and toasted almonds (if using) for added flavor and texture.
Serve the lemon quinoa warm or at room temperature as a side dish or a light meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1016 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.1 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2387 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 102.4 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 30.6 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 162 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 482 mg | 10% | |
*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.
