Lemon quinoa is a bright and flavorful variation of our fluffy quinoa base recipe. The fresh lemon juice and zest add a tangy kick that pairs well with roasted vegetables, seasoned salmon, or as a base for grain bowls and salads. This quick and easy recipe can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a versatile addition to your weekly meal plan!
Must-Know Cooking Skills to Level Up your Kitchen Game
Want to whip up this recipe like a pro? Brush up on the basics with these quick how-to videos:
Take it a step further with our Knife Skills 101 course, and you’ll be slicing and dicing like a seasoned chef in no time!
Culinary Tips for the Best Lemon Quinoa
For fluffy lemon quinoa, rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer before cooking. This removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.
Follow the quinoa ratio of 1 part quinoa to 1.5 parts water or broth. Many recipes suggest a 1:2 ratio, but we find that our ratio creates a better final texture. If you want to cook more than 1 cup of quinoa, use this ratio to determine how much liquid you will need.
Cook the quinoa until the water is just absorbed and a white ring pops out around the grain. If liquid remains after 15 minutes, just re-cover the pan and continue to cook for a few minutes.
Once done, keep the lid on and allow the quinoa to rest for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Zest your lemon before juicing – it’s much easier that way!
Allow the quinoa to cool slightly before adding the herbs to keep them bright green and not a dreary olive color.
Want to boost the lemon flavor? Add a little more zest or finish with a squeeze of lemon just before serving.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Quinoa: Any color of quinoa will work – white, red, black, or tri-color.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Substitute avocado oil or another neutral oil if desired.
- Garlic: Sub ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic, but add with the broth.
- Low-Sodium Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Water will work, but the quinoa won’t be as flavorful.
- Lemon Juice/Zest: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. In a pinch, bottled juice can be used, but the flavor won’t be as bright.
- Fresh Parsley and Basil: Substitute your favorite leafy green herbs! We tested dill in place of the basil, and it was also delicious! Avoid dried herbs here; their texture and flavor won’t match.
Recipe Variations: Make it YOUR Own!
This lemon quinoa recipe is your canvas to build upon! Try these tasty variations:
● Herb Lemon Quinoa: Stir in additional herbs, such as cilantro, dill, mint, or oregano after cooking.
● Greek Quinoa Salad: Add diced cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta for a quick Mediterranean salad.
Want more quinoa recipe inspiration?
Use our fluffy quinoa base recipe as a guide, check out our variations, and then have fun exploring different flavors, ingredients, and textures to YOUR taste!
Equipment Recommendations
You just need a few basic tools for this recipe. Here’s your shopping list:
- 2-3 Quart Saucepan with Lid – perfect for simmering to perfection.
- Liquid Measuring Cup – necessary for pourable ingredients!
- Dry Measuring Cups & Spoons – precision makes a difference.
- Citrus Juicer – for the fresh stuff; leave the bottle on the shelf!
- Microplane – great for zest, but also for garlic and so much more!
Want to upgrade your kitchen tools? Don’t miss our Essential Equipment Guide for all the must-haves!
Health Benefits of Lemon Quinoa
Quinoa
Quinoa is technically a seed, but because it is nutritionally comparable to whole grains, we group it alongside brown rice, farro, millet, etc. Quinoa is a unique plant protein source because it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids we need to get from food, making it a complete protein. (Most plant foods don’t have all 9.) Quinoa also has a higher protein-to-carbohydrate ratio compared to other grains.
Parsley and Basil
Green herbs, like parsley and basil, not only add a pop of freshness and great flavor to a dish, but they add nutrition too! Herbs are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that promote health and help fight diseases.
Lemon Juice and Zest
Lemons are high in vitamin C and antioxidants which support a healthy immune system. In addition, using an acidic ingredient in a recipe reduces the need for salt, which can help reduce hypertension risk.
Explore our Ingredient Guide for more tips on choosing the freshest, most flavorful picks for your recipes. Because great ingredients = great food! 🌟🍴
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Quinoa
Serve lemon quinoa with roasted vegetables, spiced salmon, or in a grain bowl with greens, chickpeas, and a creamy tahini dressing. It also makes a great make-ahead lunch – just store it in the fridge and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Learn how to build a healthy balanced meal with our Whole Life Plate, meal plan, and book!
Storage & Reheat Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store leftover lemon quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Craving more grain recipes?
Here are a few fan favorites to try!
Share the Love – Leave Us a Review!
Unlike many other recipe blogs, we encourage you to tweak our recipes to suit your taste. Try it out, leave us a review, and tell us what changes you made! We love hearing how you make it your own.
Lemon Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (~2 teaspoons)
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced (~2 teaspoons zest, 2 Tablespoons juice)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan (2-3 quart), heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan and toast for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Add broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Look for a ring to pop out!
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Allow to cool slightly.
This Post Has 2 Comments
This lemon quinoa looks absolutely amazing! I love how you break down the simple equipment needed and highlight all the nutritious benefits of each ingredient.
Thank you! Hope you love the taste too ☺️