Quinoa with Lemon and Herbs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon herb quinoa is quick to make, naturally gluten-free, and incredibly versatile. The lemon brings brightness, while the herbs add a fragrant, fresh finish. It’s great served warm or chilled, making it an ideal option for picnics, potlucks, or as a base for grain bowls. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is flavorful.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Quinoa
• Water or low-sodium vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, basil, or mint)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa: Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to remove bitterness.
2. Cook the quinoa: In a saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluff and cool: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.
4. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine and toss: Pour the dressing over the quinoa and toss to combine. Stir in chopped fresh herbs.
6. Serve: Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

• Mediterranean style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy quinoa: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Cucumber and mint: Add diced cucumber and fresh mint for a cooling summer version.
• Avocado quinoa: Stir in diced avocado for creaminess and extra nutrients.
• Protein boost: Add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu to make it a full meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if needed. It can also be enjoyed cold, especially as a salad.

FAQs

What is quinoa?

Quinoa is a gluten-free seed often used as a grain. It’s high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a popular healthy food.

Do I need to rinse quinoa?

Yes, rinsing removes saponins, which can cause bitterness.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

What herbs go best with lemon quinoa?

Parsley, dill, basil, cilantro, and mint all pair beautifully with lemon and quinoa.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after the flavors meld.

Can I freeze lemon herb quinoa?

Yes, but the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, it’s 100% plant-based and dairy-free as written.

Can I use other grains?

Yes, you can substitute bulgur, couscous, or farro, but cooking times and textures will vary.

What can I serve with this?

It pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, falafel, or roasted vegetables.

How do I keep it from being dry?

Use a flavorful dressing and avoid overcooking the quinoa. A drizzle of extra olive oil before serving also helps.

Conclusion

Quinoa with lemon and herbs is a vibrant, wholesome dish that brings brightness and flavor to your table. Whether you serve it as a side, a salad, or a base for a hearty bowl, it’s a go-to recipe for healthy eating without sacrificing taste. Refreshing, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable—this is a staple worth keeping in your recipe rotation.

Quinoa with Lemon and Herbs

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Quinoa with lemon and herbs is a fresh, light, and protein-rich side dish that combines fluffy quinoa with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and perfect warm or chilled.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, basil, or mint)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water for 30 seconds using a fine-mesh strainer.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and toss to coat evenly.
6. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

• Use broth instead of water for extra flavor.
• Let the quinoa cool slightly before adding herbs to preserve their color and freshness.
• This dish tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld.
• Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy all week.
• Try different herb combinations to change up the flavor profile.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg