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.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Once the quinoa is done, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Gently stir in the chopped fresh parsley and toasted almonds (if using) for added flavor and texture.

Step 9

Serve the lemon quinoa warm or at room temperature as a side dish or a light meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(785.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1015.9

Total Fat 55.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2386.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 102.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 2.3g
Protein 30.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 162.1mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 482.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.2%

Protein: 11.9%

Carbs: 39.8%