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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water, for a lighter option) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for garnishing The ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa are simple yet fresh. Quinoa is a super grain that cooks easily. It has a nutty taste and fluffy texture. The vegetable broth adds depth. If you want a lighter dish, you can use water. Fresh herbs and citrus bring bright flavors. The lemon zest gives a punchy contrast. The juice adds a refreshing twist. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Parsley and basil bring vibrant freshness. Garlic adds a nice aroma. Adding sea salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors. You can top your quinoa with crumbled feta cheese. This makes the dish even creamier and adds a salty kick. For different serving sizes, keep this in mind: - For 2 servings, use 1/2 cup quinoa and 1 cup broth. - For 6 servings, use 1 1/2 cups quinoa and 3 cups broth. If you need substitutes: - Use chicken broth if you want a meatier flavor. - Swap quinoa with rice for a different base. - For a vegan option, skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese. Try these tips to adjust the dish according to your taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to cooking Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa. To start, you need to rinse the quinoa correctly. Place it in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold water for about a minute. This step removes the bitter coating called saponin. Next, combine the rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan. I prefer using broth for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the liquid and become light and fluffy. Once your quinoa is cooked, it’s time to combine the ingredients. Transfer the warm quinoa to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle in one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toss the quinoa gently to coat it evenly. This helps keep the grains from sticking. Next, add the zest and juice of one lemon. Stir well to mix in those bright citrus flavors. Now, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and basil. These fresh ingredients bring color and taste to the dish. Season it with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the perfect touch. You can serve the Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa warm or at room temperature. Both options are tasty. For a beautiful plate, add a scoop of quinoa to a bowl. Top it with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy finish. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side. Enjoy this fresh and zesty meal with your friends and family. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To achieve fluffy quinoa, rinse it well before cooking. This removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use a fine-mesh sieve for best results. When cooking, use two cups of liquid for every cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. Cover it and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too soon. This keeps the steam in, making your quinoa light and fluffy. If you overcook quinoa, it gets mushy and sticky. It’s best to keep an eye on the time. When the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and let the quinoa rest for another 5 minutes. This step helps it fluff up nicely. To boost flavor, season the quinoa while it cooks. Using vegetable broth adds depth. After cooking, mix in olive oil, lemon zest, and juice for a bright taste. These ingredients wake up the dish and add freshness. Herbs are key to flavor. Fresh parsley and basil work well together. You can also try dill or cilantro for a different twist. Experiment with what you like best. Don't be afraid to mix in spices, too. A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can make a big difference. Garnishing makes your dish look appealing. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. You can also add halved cherry tomatoes for brightness. Crumbled feta cheese adds a nice touch and creaminess. Serve Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa on a colorful plate. Pair it with grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a full meal. This dish is great warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up your grains. Try using brown rice or farro instead of quinoa. Both add a nice chewiness. If you want something gluten-free, use millet or amaranth. These grains offer great textures too. Want to add more color? Toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini. They add crunch and taste. For protein, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken. Both options make this dish heartier. Feel free to spice things up! Adding cumin or smoked paprika gives a warm flavor. You can also mix in a splash of soy sauce for a savory kick. For a creamy touch, add a dollop of tahini or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, this recipe is flexible. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. You can also skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Using fresh, seasonal produce makes your dish pop! In spring, add peas and asparagus for a vibrant look. Summer is perfect for sweet corn or grilled veggies. In fall, opt for roasted butternut squash or kale. Adjust flavors to match the season too. In winter, add warming spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. This keeps the dish cozy and satisfying during colder months. To keep your Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps prevent air exposure and retains flavor. Make sure the quinoa has cooled before sealing it. The dish stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you notice any off smells or signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard it. You can freeze Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Divide the quinoa into portions for easy thawing later. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Reheat the quinoa in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This way, it will taste fresh and flavorful! Quinoa is a tiny seed that cooks like a grain. It is high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. One cup of cooked quinoa has about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. It is a complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is gluten-free, making it great for those with gluten allergies. Eating quinoa can help with weight management and heart health. It also supports digestion and helps keep your blood sugar stable. Yes, you can prep Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa in advance. This dish stores well in the fridge for about three to five days. To meal prep, cook the quinoa and mix in the flavors. Let it cool before storing in an airtight container. For best results, keep the toppings separate until serving. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it in the microwave or on the stove until warm. You can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños. For a different flavor, try adding nuts or seeds. You can also use different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. If you want protein, mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This dish is versatile, so feel free to make it your own! For the full recipe, check the section above. This blog post covered essential ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa. We looked at how to prep quinoa and combine flavors. I shared tips to ensure perfect cooking and great presentation. You can even customize this dish with different ingredients. Remember, quinoa is not just tasty; it's also packed with nutrients. Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to experiment! Try new flavors and share your results. It's all about making it your own and having fun in the kitchen.

Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa

Elevate your meals with this zesty lemon herb quinoa recipe! Packed with flavor from fresh herbs, lemon juice, and cherry tomatoes, this dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Perfect as a side or a light main dish, it’s a healthy choice you’ll love. Ready in just 25 minutes, check out the full recipe now and discover how easy it is to create a vibrant, nutritious meal that will impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly

2 cups vegetable broth (or water, for a lighter option)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for garnishing

Instructions
 

Prepare the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.

    Simmer the Quinoa: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the liquid and become light and fluffy.

      Combine with Olive Oil: In a large mixing bowl, transfer the cooked quinoa. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the top and toss gently until the quinoa is evenly coated.

        Add Citrus Flavors: Sprinkle in the lemon zest and pour the lemon juice over the quinoa, stirring well to incorporate those vibrant citrus aromas and flavors.

          Mix in Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and basil. Season the mixture with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

            Serve and Garnish: Serve the quinoa warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch of flavor, top with crumbled feta cheese before serving, giving the dish a delightful creamy finish.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4