Lemon Herb Quinoa
This bright and refreshing side dish combines fluffy quinoa with zesty lemon and fresh herbs for a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
- •1 cup white quinoa (rinsed well)
- •2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- •1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- •2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- •1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 2
Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
- 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to steam.
- 4
Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- 5
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then pour over the warm quinoa.
- 6
Fold in the fresh parsley and chives until evenly combined.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then top with toasted almonds before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove the natural saponin coating, which can taste bitter.
- You can easily swap the parsley and chives for other fresh herbs like dill, mint, or basil depending on your main course.
- This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should be light and fluffy with a vibrant, citrusy aroma and a clean, herbaceous flavor profile.