Lemon quinoa with olive oil

Discover a refreshing recipe for Lemon Quinoa with Olive Oil. This dish features fluffy quinoa infused with zesty lemon zest and tangy lemon juice, perfectly complemented by rich olive oil. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal side dish or light meal bursting with fresh flavors.

  • 22 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 35 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 4 Ingredients

Lemon quinoa with olive oil

Lemon quinoa with olive oil is a delightful dish that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the fresh, zesty notes of lemon. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect as a side dish or as a base for a more elaborate meal. With only a few ingredients, it's both easy to prepare and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

1 tsp lemon zest
2g
1.50 tbsp olive oil
20g
1 cup quinoa
170g
2 tsp lemon juice
10g

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Quinoa:
- Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes. This helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.
2. Toast the Quinoa (Optional):
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the rinsed quinoa. Toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to dry out and has a slightly nutty aroma. This step enhances the flavor but is optional.
3. Cook the Quinoa:
- Add 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth) to the saucepan with the quinoa.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid.
4. Fluff and Season:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on.
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
5. Add Lemon and Olive Oil:
- Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to the quinoa.
- Mix everything together until well combined. Add salt to taste if desired.
6. Serve:
- Serve the lemon quinoa warm or at room temperature, as a side dish or main course. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken.

Tips:

- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.

- Use a fine grater to zest the lemon for the best results.

- Try using fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor.

- Consider adding a pinch of salt or a few herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra layer of taste.

- Fluff the quinoa with a fork after it's cooked to keep it light and airy.

Enjoy your beautifully fragrant lemon quinoa with olive oil! This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that can accompany a variety of main courses or be enjoyed on its own. Its light and refreshing taste make it a versatile and healthy addition to your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size50 grams
Energy
Calories 50kcal3%
Protein
Protein 1.88g1%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1.20g3%
Sugar 0.43g0%
Fat
Fat 6g7%
Saturated 0.81g3%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 0.00ug0%
Choline 10mg2%
Vitamin B1 0.05mg4%
Vitamin B2 0.05mg4%
Vitamin B3 0.18mg1%
Vitamin B6 0.05mg3%
Vitamin B9 18ug5%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 0.98mg1%
Vitamin E 0.27mg2%
Vitamin K 0.00ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 7mg1%
Copper, Cu 0.08mg9%
Iron, Fe 0.64mg6%
Magnesium, Mg 27mg7%
Phosphorus, P 66mg5%
Potassium, K 72mg2%
Selenium, Se 1.19ug2%
Sodium, Na 3.00mg0%
Zinc, Zn 0.46mg4%
Water
Water 33g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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