My Lemon Quinoa recipe is a great example of a perfectly seasoned quinoa. It is also easy to make, vegan and gluten free. You can serve it as a side dish with meat, fish, or vegetable dishes or just by itself for a light lunch.
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT15M
Total time: PT25M
Rating
5 stars (18 reviews)
Keywords
Lemon Quinoa Recipe, Seasoned Quinoa
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 small onion or 2 small shallots (¾ cups chopped, thinly sliced)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 clove of garlic (minced)
1 ½ cups raw quinoa (rinsed and drained)
3 cups of water (vegetable broth or chicken stock would also work)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Zest of a lemon
3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped - plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoons fresh or dried thyme (chopped)
¼ cup sliced almonds (lightly toasted)
2 small sliced radishes (optional)
Categories
Side Dish
Cuisine
American
Steps
Heat oil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add in the shallots (or onion) and ground cumin. Saute mixing constantly until shallots are translucent or softened 5-6 minutes.
Add in the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
Stir in the quinoa and toast (or sautee), stirring constantly, for a minute. Add in the water, salt, and black pepper. Give it a stir. Put the lid on. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and there are tiny holes on the surface of the quinoa.
Turn the heat off and let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid on.
Fluff the now-cooked quinoa with a fork.
Add in lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, sliced almonds, and sliced radishes if using.
Give it a gentle toss and serve while it is still warm.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 297 kcal
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Protein: 11 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Sodium: 251 mg
Sugar: 1 g
Reviews
Sharon on 2025-11-18 (5 stars): I have tried quinoa before and found it so bland. This recipe is delicious and so easy to make with just a few ingredients! Thank you for this!
Nelson on 2022-11-12 (5 stars): Great recipes, easy to make, and healthy and delicious. Thanks for sharing.
McBain on 2022-03-13 (5 stars): Needed a way to make quinoa so that both the wife and I could eat it. She doesn't like salt or any type of stock, so this recipe gives it enough flavor for me (minus the salt) and works for her.
Courtney on 2021-09-16 (5 stars): I love this, my husband was not a quinoa fan but now I've converted him over, thank you!!
Kristyn on 2021-09-16 (5 stars): I love your recipe!! A lot of quinoa is pretty tasteless, but not this!! I'll add some protein & it's a complete meal!
Sylvie on 2021-09-16 (5 stars): Very nice post. You inspire me to make the mexican style version. My Husband was never a big fan of quinoa and now he love it.
Natalie on 2021-09-16 (5 stars): Love this!! It's light & refreshing & really does have great flavor! Love the lemon!
