5-Ingredient Lemon Turmeric Quinoa Recipe
This vibrant and nutritious 5-ingredient Lemon Turmeric Quinoa recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Featuring fluffy cooked quinoa infused with bright lemon juice and zest, earthy turmeric, and a hint of coconut oil, it offers a wholesome, gluten-free, and vegan option. Optional add-ins like green onions, Thai basil, and cashews add texture and depth, making this an easy yet elegant dish for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups cooked quinoa (serves 3-4)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked quinoa (from 1 cup uncooked quinoa)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Juice and zest of 1/2 a lemon (about 1 tablespoon juice, 1 teaspoon zest)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped green onions
- Thai basil
- Ground black pepper
- Cashews
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of uncooked quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Transfer to a pot with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook covered for about 10-15 minutes until quinoa is light and fluffy and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Cool Quinoa: Fluff the quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool until it is warm to the touch, which prevents the coconut oil and turmeric from cooking unevenly when mixed in.
- Mix in Flavors: Stir in the coconut oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly so the quinoa is evenly coated with the bright and earthy flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning and Add Optional Ingredients: Taste the quinoa and adjust salt if necessary. If desired, fold in chopped green onions, Thai basil, ground black pepper, or cashews to add extra flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the lemon turmeric quinoa warm or at room temperature as a side dish or base for bowls, salads, or vegetarian meals. It complements a variety of dishes beautifully.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps eliminate its natural bitterness.
- Allowing quinoa to cool slightly before mixing in ingredients prevents clumping and helps flavors meld.
- Adjust salt according to taste and dietary preferences.
- Optional add-ins provide versatility in flavor and texture.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
