Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite light and zesty side dish! This Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe is everything you love about fresh, herb-forward salads with the nourishing power of quinoa. It’s quick-cooking, delightfully bright thanks to fresh lemon, and absolutely bursting with parsley, thyme, and crunchy almonds in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own pizzazz to the party. From the nutty earthiness of quinoa to the sparkling notes of fresh lemon and the crunch of toasted almonds, every element has a purpose—and together, they create a bowl you’ll crave.

• Vegetable oil: Just a splash to sauté the onions or shallots and build a flavorful base.
• Shallots or onion: Thinly sliced, they add lovely sweetness and fragrance—use whichever you have on hand!
• Ground cumin: This gentle spice adds warm undertones without overpowering the freshness of the dish.
• Garlic: Minced and quickly sautéed, it brings that irresistible savory punch.
• Quinoa: Rinsed well to remove bitterness—this is the star grain, turning fluffy and light as it cooks.
• Water: The liquid for cooking quinoa (feel free to use a mild veggie broth for extra flavor, if you like).
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing those bright lemony notes.
• Lemon zest and juice: Zest first and juice after for maximum citrusy pop! The zest is especially key for flavor depth.
• Fresh Italian parsley: A whole cup! Parsley brings color and herby freshness, making the salad lively and green.
• Fresh or dried thyme: Thyme adds subtle earthiness—use fresh if possible, but dried works in a pinch.
• Sliced almonds: Toasted until golden—these add crunch and nutty flavor to every bite.
• Radishes (optional): Thinly sliced for a peppery crunch and pop of color; totally optional but such a fun touch!

Variations

There’s plenty of room to make this Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe your own! Don’t be shy about hunting in your fridge or garden for other herbs or veggies, or adjusting the recipe to fit your needs and taste buds.

• Make It Mediterranean: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and a handful of kalamata olives for a briny, tangy upgrade.
• Add More Veggies: Diced cucumber, bell pepper, or even baby spinach wilted in at the end—fresh veggies are always welcome!
• Swap the Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or pistachios are delightful alternatives to almonds.
• Try Other Herbs: Basil, mint, or chives can step in for (or join!) parsley and thyme for a whole new herbal medley.

How to Make Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add in those thinly sliced shallots (or onions!) and ground cumin. Sauté, stirring regularly, for 5–6 minutes until the shallots turn beautifully translucent and smell almost sweet. This foundational step gives savory depth that balances the bright lemon finish later.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Toast the Quinoa

Add your minced garlic next, letting it sizzle just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then stir in the rinsed quinoa, and keep it moving for a minute. Toasting the quinoa briefly like this enhances its flavor, coaxing out a gentle nuttiness before we even add water.

Step 3: Cook the Quinoa

Pour in the water, followed by kosher salt and black pepper. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and let the mixture come to a boil. As soon as it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes—no peeking! When the time is up, you’ll see tiny holes form on the surface and all the liquid will be absorbed. Perfect.

Step 4: Let It Rest and Fluff

Turn off the heat and let the covered pot sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. This little nap lets the steam finish cooking the quinoa. Once time’s up, remove the lid and fluff the grains gently with a fork—no mushy quinoa here, just perfect, light little pearls!

Step 5: Add Herbs, Lemon and Crunch

Now it’s time for the magic! Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, toasted almonds, and radish slices if you love an extra peppery bite. Toss everything gently so the herbs stay fluffy. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking (add a pinch more salt or lemon, if needed), then grab a spoon because you’ll want a bite right away.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Serve the Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe while it’s still slightly warm, or let it cool to room temperature—it’s equally delicious either way. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or almonds on top is always welcome. That’s it—vibrant, nourishing, and so easy!

How to Serve Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe with extra fresh parsley, an extra lemon wedge, or a final handful of toasted almonds for crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, paper-thin radish slices sprinkled over the top add fun color and the prettiest peppery bite.

Side Dishes

This quinoa pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted chicken, salmon, or tofu. It’s also fantastic with roasted veggies, crisp green salads, or served alongside Mediterranean mezze platters for a vibrant, family-style spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe into beautiful bowls, or serve it in lettuce cups for a fresh twist on lunch. For dinner parties, pile it onto a platter and ring with grilled lemon slices, then sprinkle with extra herbs for a stunning, garden-inspired centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container once cooled—you’ll thank yourself for such a ready-made lunch or side!

Freezing

While you can freeze plain cooked quinoa, it’s best to freeze this recipe before adding the fresh herbs and garnishes. Store the cooled quinoa base in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the herbs, lemon, and almonds right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the quinoa in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm in a small saucepan with a splash of water. Add the fresh herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and almonds after reheating to keep those flavors bold and bright.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that’s wholesome, vibrant, and tailor-made for easy weeknight meals or special gatherings, look no further than this Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how quick, flexible, and flavorful it really is. Bon appétit!

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