Quinoa Side Dish

Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and wholesome Quinoa Side Dish, a perfect balance of nutty quinoa, zesty lemon, and fragrant fresh herbs. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is as quick as it is nutritious, featuring protein-packed quinoa cooked to tender perfection and infused with the aromatic flavors of sautéed garlic and a splash of olive oil. A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and cilantro brings a refreshing herbal twist, while a hint of red pepper flakes adds optional heat. Serve it warm or at room temperature as a versatile, gluten-free side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or your favorite plant-based main. Healthy, easy, and irresistibly flavorful, this quinoa recipe is sure to become a new mealtime favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This will remove the natural coating, saponin, which can make the quinoa taste bitter.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.

Step 4

While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6

Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork.

Step 7

Stir in the sautéed garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, cilantro, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice or herbs as desired.

Step 9

Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish to complement your main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	727.5 grams (727.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	716

Total Fat 26.00g	33%
Saturated Fat 2.20g	11%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2387mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 95.20g	35%
Dietary Fiber 0.80g	3%
Total Sugars 0.90g
Protein 24.60g	49%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 80mg	6%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 264mg	6%

*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: 32.8%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 53.4%