Quinoa Fine Herbs and Garlic

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Quinoa Fine Herbs and Garlic recipe—a flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This easy recipe features fluffy quinoa infused with the irresistible aroma of sautéed garlic and the bright, herbaceous flavors of fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. A touch of lemon zest adds a zippy citrus note, while olive oil ensures a luscious, well-coated finish. Not only is this dish a perfect gluten-free and vegan option, but it’s also versatile enough to pair seamlessly with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a zesty salad. Simple yet sophisticated, this quinoa recipe is an excellent choice for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing addition to your dinner table.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitterness.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and a pinch of salt, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.

Step 3

Simmer the quinoa for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the grains are tender. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 4

While the quinoa is cooking, finely mince the garlic cloves, parsley, chives, and thyme.

Step 5

Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 6

Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a serving bowl. Stir in the sautéed garlic and olive oil mixture, making sure it is evenly distributed.

Step 7

Add the chopped parsley, chives, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the quinoa. Toss until everything is well combined.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	303.5 grams (303.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	864

Total Fat 40.10g	51%
Saturated Fat 4.40g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2388mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 96.60g	35%
Dietary Fiber 3.20g	11%
Total Sugars 0.30g
Protein 26.80g	54%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 127mg	10%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 460mg	10%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.2%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 45.2%