Lemon Herb Quinoa
This bright and refreshing side dish features fluffy quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
- •1 cup white quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
- •2 cups vegetable broth or water
- •1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- •3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- •1 teaspoon lemon zest
- •1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- •1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- •1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- •1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
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 the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
- 3
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam, then fluff the quinoa gently with a fork.
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- 5
Transfer the warm quinoa to a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over it while tossing gently to coat.
- 6
Fold in the chopped parsley, mint, and green onions just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and fresh texture.
💡 Chef tips
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve before cooking to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin.
- For a heartier dish, you can stir in toasted pine nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it an excellent option for make-ahead meal prep.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished quinoa should be light and fluffy with a vibrant, citrusy aroma and a refreshing, herbaceous flavor profile.