Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Bowls

$To make Lemon Herb Quinoa Bowls, gather these main ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup chickpeas, canned and rinsed - 1 avocado, sliced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a fresh and zesty bowl that is both tasty and healthy. You can add some fun toppings to your quinoa bowls. Consider these options: - Feta cheese, crumbled - Extra herbs, like dill or cilantro - Sliced radishes for crunch - Toasted nuts or seeds for texture These toppings can elevate your dish and add a burst of flavor. You will need some common pantry items for this recipe. Here’s what to keep on hand: - Olive oil - Salt - Pepper - Vegetable broth or water Having these staples ready makes the cooking process easy and smooth. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in two cups of vegetable broth or water. Turn up the heat and wait for it to boil. Once it boils, add one cup of rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You will know it is ready when the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is gone. Take it off the heat and fluff it with a fork. Let it cool a bit before using it in your bowl. While the quinoa cooks, it's time to prep the veggies. Take a large mixing bowl. Dice one cup of cucumber and add it to the bowl. Next, halve one cup of cherry tomatoes and toss them in. Dice one bell pepper and add it too. Finely chop half a red onion and mix it in as well. Finally, drain and rinse one cup of chickpeas, then add them to the mix. Stir everything together so that the flavors blend. For the dressing, use a small bowl. Whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until it is well combined. If you want a stronger flavor, feel free to adjust the seasoning. This zesty dressing will tie all the ingredients together. To cook quinoa perfectly, rinse it well. This removes a bitter coating. Use two cups of liquid for every cup of quinoa. Bring the broth to a boil first. Add the quinoa, then lower the heat. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once done, fluff it with a fork. This gives you light and fluffy quinoa. You can easily change this recipe. Swap the vegetables based on your favorites. Try adding roasted zucchini or corn. You can also change the herbs. Basil or cilantro can add a new twist. If you prefer more protein, toss in grilled chicken or tofu. Adjust the lemon juice for more zing or less if you want. For added flavor, consider toasting the quinoa before cooking. This gives it a nutty taste. You can also sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top. Toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds add crunch. For presentation, use colorful bowls. Arrange your avocado and feta nicely on top. Fresh herbs not only taste great but also look lovely. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Always rinse it under cold water for a few minutes to ensure a pleasant flavor. Chill for a Refreshing Taste: After cooking, let the quinoa cool completely in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavors and gives the bowl a refreshing touch, perfect for warm days. Mix It Up with Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach. This not only adds variety to the dish but also boosts its nutritional value. Add a Protein Boost: For an extra protein kick, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This makes the quinoa bowl a complete meal, satisfying and nourishing. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your Lemon Herb Quinoa Bowls for a heartier meal. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken breast, diced - Shrimp, sautéed in garlic - Tofu, cubed and pan-fried - Hard-boiled eggs, sliced - Lentils, cooked and seasoned These proteins add flavor and make the dish more filling. Choose what you like best! While the lemon dressing is zesty and fresh, you can mix it up! Here are some tasty alternatives: - Balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet touch - Tahini sauce for a nutty flavor - Yogurt dressing for creaminess - Spicy sriracha or chili oil for heat These dressings can change the flavor profile and bring new life to your bowls. Using seasonal ingredients can elevate your Lemon Herb Quinoa Bowls. Here are some swaps to consider: - In summer, add fresh corn or zucchini - In fall, try roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes - In winter, use kale or Brussels sprouts - In spring, include asparagus or snap peas These seasonal swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting throughout the year! To keep your Lemon Herb Quinoa Bowls fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, keep the toppings separate. This helps maintain their texture. Reheating quinoa bowls is easy. You can use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place your bowl in for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. If using a stovetop, add a splash of water in a pan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until warm. To freeze your quinoa bowls, portion them into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. You can use rice instead of quinoa. Brown rice adds a nice chew. You can also try farro or barley. Both give a hearty texture. If you want something lighter, use cauliflower rice. It cooks fast and is low in carbs. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Quinoa is a seed, not a grain. This makes it safe for people with gluten issues. Just be sure to check your broth for gluten. Some brands may add gluten ingredients. Yes, you can prepare these bowls ahead of time. Cook the quinoa and store it in the fridge. You can chop the veggies too. Keep them separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. Just add the dressing before serving. Lemon Herb Quinoa Bowls offer fresh flavors and smart choices. We explored key ingredients, steps, and tips to help you succeed. You learned how to cook quinoa and make the perfect dressing. Customizing your bowl lets you enjoy it your way. Storing leftovers properly keeps meals fresh. As you try this recipe, let your taste guide you. Enjoy the process and share your bowls with friends!$

Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa Bowls

A refreshing and nutritious quinoa bowl with vibrant vegetables and zesty lemon dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
1/2 whole red onion, finely chopped
1 cup chickpeas, canned and rinsed
1 whole avocado, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 whole lemon, juiced
to taste salt and pepper
optional feta cheese for topping

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork, then allow to cool slightly.
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and chickpeas.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, add it to the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently mix until well combined.
Fold in the chopped parsley and mint, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve in bowls, topped with avocado slices and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.

Notes

Serve the quinoa bowls in colorful bowls, arranging the avocado and feta on top for an inviting display. Garnish with additional herbs for a fresh look.

Keyword healthy, lemon, quinoa, salad, vegetarian