Quinoa Side Dish
Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and wholesome Quinoa Side Dish, a perfect balance of nutty quinoa, zesty lemon, and fragrant fresh herbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is as quick as it is nutritious, featuring protein-packed quinoa cooked to tender perfection and infused with the aromatic flavors of sautéed garlic and a splash of olive oil. A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and cilantro brings a refreshing herbal twist, while a hint of red pepper flakes adds optional heat. Serve it warm or at room temperature as a versatile, gluten-free side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or your favorite plant-based main. Healthy, easy, and irresistibly flavorful, this quinoa recipe is sure to become a new mealtime favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This will remove the natural coating, saponin, which can make the quinoa taste bitter.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork.
Stir in the sautéed garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, cilantro, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice or herbs as desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish to complement your main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
716 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.0 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2387 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.2 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 24.6 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 264 mg | 6% | |
*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.
