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Easy One-Pot Lemon Garlic Quinoa with Veggies Recipe

4.7 from 60 reviews

This easy one-pot lemon garlic quinoa with veggies is a flavorful, nutritious meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Combining nutty toasted quinoa, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish is both vibrant and satisfying. It’s cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze, and can be customized with your favorite herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra zest.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Quinoa Base

  • 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed well to remove bitterness)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth (use instead of water for deeper flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)

For the Veggies

  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (mixed colors, chopped)
  • 1 medium Zucchini (chopped)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 2 cups Spinach or Kale (stirred in at the end)

For Garnish and Flavor Boost

  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (chopped)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Toast the quinoa: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, add rinsed quinoa, and toast until it smells nutty, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice, increase heat to high until bubbling, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa absorbs liquid.
  4. Fluff quinoa: Remove lid, fluff the grains gently with a fork, and let sit uncovered for 2–3 minutes until tender.
  5. Add veggies: Stir bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes into the pot, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
  6. Fold in greens: Add a generous handful of spinach or kale, cover for 1–2 minutes until leaves soften.
  7. Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Optional: Sprinkle feta cheese on top for a tangy contrast.
  • Quinoa can be substituted with other grains but cooking times will vary.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for best citrus flavor.
  • Vegetable broth adds depth, but water can be used for a lighter version.

Keywords: one-pot quinoa, lemon garlic quinoa, vegetarian quinoa recipe, easy quinoa dinner, healthy quinoa with veggies