Lemon and Herb Quinoa
About this Recipe
I love quinoa–it is a super versatile grain and has a delicious, nutty flavor. It makes a great addition to bowls, salads and even oatmeal! However, I don’t love quinoa that is not cooked just right–it cannot be overcooked or undercooked, it has to be just right! I am sharing my method here to make the absolute perfect quinoa every time, and also how to elevate the flavor with just a couple simple ingredients. We add some dried oregano and lemon juice to add a subtle flavor, and it pairs great with just about any savory protein or veggie. This dish takes just five minutes to prep and then it finishes on the stove, making it a perfect meal prep recipe, packed with fiber and protein.
Why Quinoa?
- High in Protein – It is a plant-based food with all nine essential amino acids.
- Versatile – It is great for salads, bowls, wraps and soups.
- Fiber Rich – Supports digestion and helps with satiety.
- Nutrient Dense – Cod is high in magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and B vitamins.
- Quick Cooking – Quinoa takes just 5 minutes to prep and less than 20 minutes on the stovetop.
Lemon and Herb Quinoa is an easy and tasty way to prep quinoa for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
What is Lemon and Herb Quinoa?
This recipe is essentially a fluffy and flavorful quinoa–made with the perfect method to cook quinoa. We elevate the flavors with some lemon juice and oregano, just bringing it to a different level. This quinoa is great to bowls, salads and side dish for most any protein. Simply rinse the quinoa, cook it over the stove then let it rest to fluff up. Once it is done sitting, add some lemon and herbs and toss–that’s it! This can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later in the week or even frozen for up to three months! Sounds good right? So let’s make it!
How to make Lemon and Herb Quinoa?
It’s a very easy recipe and requires only five minutes of hands-on time. So you can prep it, cook it and have it as part of dinner in 30 minutes, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. We rinse the quinoa, cook it with water, then let it sit and fluff up. Enjoy this quinoa immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later.
What you’ll need:
- Quinoa – we use white, but this method works for all colors.
- Lemon – adds a little acid to elevate the flavor.
- Salt – for seasoning.
- Dried Oregano – great savory herb to pair with the lemon.
What to serve with Lemon and Herb Quinoa
Personally, I love serving this dish with some roasted or grilled fish, added to a green salad, with beef or chicken or even roasted or raw veggies. The lemon and oregano is an iconic pairing and a super versatile flavor combo. I love using this quinoa for meal prep lunches, just adding some leftovers from the night before with some quinoa for texture and fiber. No matter what savory food you choose to serve it with, you cannot go wrong!
Tips:
- I do not recommend not skipping the rinsing step, as quinoa can have debris mixed in with the dry grain.
- Be sure to cover it, or else it will not steam properly.
- Do not forget to let the quinoa sit after it is done cooking, as it helps it get fluffy.
- To store, simply store the fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Lemon and Herb Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
Combine the quinoa and water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the water has been completely absorbed.
Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered for 10 more minutes.
Fluff with a fork.
Add the oregano, salt and lemon juice and mix to combine.
