Name: Lemon Herb Quinoa with Toasted Almonds Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion or 2 small shallots, ¾ cups chopped, thinly sliced; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups raw quinoa, rinsed and drained; 3 cups water (or vegetable broth or chicken stock); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; Zest of 1 lemon; 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish; 2 tablespoons fresh or dried thyme, chopped; ¼ cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted; 2 small sliced radishes (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fresh dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and delightful textures, look no further than the Lemon Herb Quinoa with Toasted Almonds Recipe. This dish is a true celebration of simplicity meeting sophistication, combining nutty quinoa with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly versatile, making it a perfect side or a light meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white round plate with three small bowls on it, placed on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl is rough-textured and filled with chopped green leafy herbs. Next to it is a small white bowl holding some finely chopped green herbs. A small light brown-rimmed bowl contains shelled pine nuts. Around the plate, on the white marbled background, there are three garlic cloves near fresh thyme sprigs, two lemon halves with visible juicy pulp, a white bowl with a blue rim filled with bright red radishes, a small bowl with yellow lemon zest, and a clear greenish glass bottle of olive oil with a cork top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of simple ingredients, each adding its own unique charm, this recipe is all about layering bright flavors and lovely textures. From the aromatic shallots and cumin that provide a warm base to the fresh herbs and zesty lemon that lift the dish, every item plays an essential role.

Vegetable oil: For sautéing your aromatics and adding a subtle richness.
Small onion or shallots (¾ cups, thinly sliced): These mellow and sweeten the dish, giving it a wonderful depth.
Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings a punch of savory flavor with just a hint of heat.
Raw quinoa (1 ½ cups, rinsed and drained): The wholesome base that becomes fluffy and nutty when cooked.
Water or broth (3 cups): Necessary for cooking the quinoa perfectly—broth adds bonus flavor!
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Offers a gentle spice to balance the citrus and herbs.
Lemon zest: The concentrated lemon oils add a fragrant punch.
Lemon juice (3-4 tablespoons): Brings refreshing brightness and acidity that wakes up the quinoa.
Fresh Italian parsley (1 cup, chopped): Adds lush greenery and a vibrant earthiness.
Fresh or dried thyme (2 tablespoons, chopped): Offers a subtle floral note that complements the lemon perfectly.
Sliced almonds (¼ cup, toasted): Provide a delightful crunch and a toasted, nutty flavor.
Sliced radishes (optional, 2 small): For a crisp, peppery bite that’s pretty on the plate too.

How to Make Lemon Herb Quinoa with Toasted Almonds Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan. Add the thinly sliced shallots or onion along with ground cumin. Sauté, stirring constantly, until the shallots are translucent and tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is where the flavors start to build, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the quinoa.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds to release its aroma without letting it burn. A little garlic goes a long way to brighten the overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Toast Quinoa

Pour the rinsed quinoa into the pan and toast it for about a minute, stirring constantly. Toasting gives the quinoa a richer, nuttier flavor that enhances the finished dish.

Step 4: Cook Quinoa

Add the water, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then cover the pan with a lid. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the quinoa cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and you see little holes on the surface.

Step 5: Rest and Fluff

Turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the quinoa rest for 10 minutes—this allows it to fully steam and become fluffy. After resting, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon, Herbs, and Almonds

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, thyme, and toasted sliced almonds. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in thinly sliced radishes for added crunch and a pop of color. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all those fresh, zesty, and nutty flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Quinoa with Toasted Almonds Recipe

A bowl with a base layer of light brown quinoa fills the bottom. On top, separate sections of chopped dark purple olives, finely diced light purple onions, pale green cucumber chunks, halved orange and yellow cherry tomatoes, cream-colored chickpeas, and a heap of chopped fresh green herbs sit arranged evenly in a circular pattern. The bowl is white with a textured gray interior. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley and a few more toasted almonds on top for an irresistible, fresh finish. A light drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also elevate your serving with minimal effort.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Toasted Almonds Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or even hearty stews. It’s a versatile side dish that brings brightness and texture to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this quinoa in butter lettuce cups for a fresh handheld bite, or use it as a bed for roasted chickpeas and avocado slices to create a vibrant, healthy bowl. You can even mix in your favorite seasonal veggies to turn it into a colorful main dish salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Herb Quinoa with Toasted Almonds Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it a perfect option for easy meal prep.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too! Portion the quinoa into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the almonds may soften slightly after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the quinoa gently in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture and fluff it up with a fork before serving. You may want to add a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice or herbs after reheating to revive the brightness.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! While toasted almonds give a lovely crunch and flavor, you can substitute with toasted walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this Lemon Herb Quinoa with Toasted Almonds Recipe an excellent choice for anyone avoiding gluten.

Can I cook the quinoa in broth instead of water?

Definitely. Cooking quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth adds an extra layer of savory flavor that complements the lemon and herbs beautifully.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan as it uses vegetable oil and fresh herbs without any animal products. Just make sure to use vegetable broth if you decide to swap water for broth.

Is it necessary to rinse the quinoa before cooking?

Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural bitter coating called saponin, resulting in a cleaner, more pleasant taste. It’s a small step that makes a big difference, so I always recommend it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that is light, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients, give this Lemon Herb Quinoa with Toasted Almonds Recipe a go. It’s one of those recipes that feels both nourishing and indulgent, effortless enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to turn to again and again.