Lemony Herb Quinoa With Roasted Vegetables Recipe
English cuisine · 396 calories

About this recipe
Lemony Herb Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables is a vibrant, healthy option perfect for a midday meal. This dish combines fluffy quinoa with lightly spiced roasted carrots, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lemon-garlic dressing. Packed with 26g of protein per serving, it’s a great choice for those looking to maintain energy and muscle recovery throughout a busy day. The air-fried carrots offer a delightful caramelized sweetness, while the fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal freshness. Quick to prepare in under 40 minutes, this lunch is as satisfying as it is nutritious. Perfect for enjoying at home or packing for a workday meal, it’s designed to cater to your taste buds and health goals alike.
Ingredients
- - Forest Whole Foods Organic White Quinoa
- 1 Lemon - 1 Each
- 140G Greenfields Mixed Herbs, 140G
- 400G Greenfield Himalayan Salt Fine 400G
- - Biona Capers In Olive Oil
- 75G Lebanese Seven Spice Mix, 75G
- 1 Piece Cucumber 1Pc
- 50G Black Garlic Cloves, 50G
- 100G Heera Black Pepper Powder 100g
Instructions
- 1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water and drain it.
- 2. Cook the quinoa in a pot with double the water and a pinch of salt until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
- 3. Peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces, then toss them with olive oil and Lebanese Seven Spice Mix.
- 4. Roast the spiced carrots in an air fryer at 180°C for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
- 5. Finely chop the cucumber and parsley, and set them aside for later use.
- 6. Mince the garlic cloves and sauté them in a pan with a touch of olive oil until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- 7. Zest the lemon and squeeze out its juice, then mix both with the sautéed garlic for a tangy dressing.
- 8. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- 9. Add the roasted carrots, chopped cucumber, parsley, and dressing to the quinoa, stirring gently to combine.
- 10. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley before serving.
How to make Lemony Herb Quinoa With Roasted Vegetables
- Cook the quinoa. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain, then cook it in a pot with double the water and a pinch of salt for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Roast the spiced carrots. Peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil and seven spice mix, then roast in the air fryer at 180°C for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Chop and sauté. Finely chop the cucumber and parsley and set them aside. Mince the garlic cloves and sauté them in a pan with a touch of olive oil for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the lemon dressing. Zest the lemon and squeeze out its juice, then mix the zest and juice with the sautéed garlic to make a tangy dressing for the quinoa.
- Combine and serve. Fluff the quinoa and transfer it to a large bowl, add the roasted carrots, cucumber, parsley and dressing and stir gently. Season with salt and black pepper and garnish with parsley.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Lemony Herb Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables take to make?
- About 35 minutes in total: 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, with the carrots roasting in the air fryer while the quinoa simmers.
- Is Lemony Herb Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables vegetarian?
- Yes, it is vegetarian: quinoa, spiced roasted carrots and cucumber tossed in a garlic and lemon dressing, finished with fresh parsley.
- How do I stop quinoa tasting bitter?
- Rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking to wash off its natural coating. Then cook it in double the water with a pinch of salt and fluff it with a fork once done.
- Can I eat this lemony quinoa cold the next day?
- Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to two days and tastes good cold. Keep the cucumber separate and add it just before eating so it stays crunchy.
- What other vegetables can I roast instead of carrots?
- Swap the carrots for courgette, red pepper or butternut squash, cut into similar bite-sized pieces. Toss them in the same seven spice mix and roast until tender and golden at the edges.