Lemony Quinoa
Brighten up your mealtime with this quick and refreshing Lemony Quinoa recipe, a perfect balance of zesty citrus and wholesome goodness! This nutrient-packed dish features fluffy quinoa infused with the fresh flavors of lemon zest, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic sautéed in olive oil for extra richness. Enhanced with fresh parsley and a touch of salt and pepper, this versatile recipe can be served warm or at room temperature, making it an ideal side dish or light vegetarian main. Optional toppings like crunchy almonds or creamy feta cheese add a delightful twist to suit your taste. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy and healthy quinoa dish is gluten-free, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- optional toppings: chopped almonds or feta cheese
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bitterness from the natural coating.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
Meanwhile, mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and chop the parsley. Set them aside.
When the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour the garlic and olive oil mixture over the quinoa. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally, garnish with chopped almonds for crunch or crumbled feta cheese for creaminess.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as a side dish or a light vegetarian main!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1003 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.0 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2387 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 101.4 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 30.5 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 154 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 460 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.
