This Vegetable Lemon Quinoa recipe is vegan, super healthy and incredibly delicious. It's absolutely exploding with flavors that will keep you coming back for more. This has become a family favorite quinoa recipe we make all the time.
We are always on the hunt for fabulous restaurants with a lot of gluten-free options for my oldest son who has Celiac Disease. Our favorites are usually Mexican, Thai or Japanese — they’re typically full of inherently gluten-free items.
Inspiration for Vegetable Lemon Quinoa Recipe
A few weeks ago though, I took him to Kreation — I’d been there a couple of times and thought he might think it was cool. They offer tons of gluten-free options, as well as vegan, vegetarian, and a handful of things for meat lovers, too.
Kreation is primarily a juicerie, but there are a couple of locations near us in Los Angeles with extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. My son ordered the Braised Short Ribs — which is off topic, but I have to mention that they were superb.
Now to my point, the ribs came with a side of a fantastic lemon quinoa with vegetables mixed into it. I wasn't so sure how it would go, but he devoured it and wanted more.
I’ve been making my hearty Vegetable Lemon Quinoa rendition of Kreation’s version ever since. It's a huge hit!
For starters, it's really quite beautiful. Just look at those colors and textures! And the smoky and tangy flavors are out of this world!
What's in Vegetable Lemon Quinoa?
- quinoa (Of course! I used a mix of colors, but use any color you like.)
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- smoked paprika
- dried oregano and thyme
- carrots
- zucchini
- bell pepper
- lemon juice
- fresh basil
It's this combination of ingredients that makes this so incredibly appetizing.
While I’m sure it’s not exactly the same as the one at the restaurant, this Vegetable Lemon Quinoa is is devoured — by everyone in my house! Turns out my younger son is also a quinoa fan.
Here are a few more of our favorite quinoa recipes:
- Red Quinoa Crisps
- Crispy Red Quinoa Burgers
- Black Quinoa Salad with Plum and Avocado
- Tropical Quinoa Salad Bowl with Shrimp
- Quince Quinoa Side for Fall from Jolly Tomato
Smoky Lemon Vegetable Quinoa Recipe
A vegan, gluten-free side dish or main course that's absolutely exploding with flavors that will keep you coming back for more!
- 3 cups water
- 1½ cup quinoa ((I used a mix of colors - black, red, & white))
- olive oil for the pan
- 1 cup yellow onion, (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, (minced)
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 cup carrots, (peeled, cut into small dice)
- 2 cups zucchini, (washed, dried & cut into small dice)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, (washed, dried & cut into small dice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, (washed, dried and finely chopped)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Pour the water into a medium-sized pot, place it over high heat, and bring to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, coat the bottom of a very large sauté pan with olive oil and place it over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano and thyme and mix. Once it’s very aromatic, add the carrots and cook for a few minutes. Then add the zucchini and pepper and cook, stirring often until all of the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
- Either in a large mixing bowl, or directly in the sauté pan if it’s big enough — fold the cooked quinoa into the vegetables.
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Add the lemon juice and basil and then season generously to taste with salt and pepper. (Here's How to Season to Taste.)
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
This is not a sponsored post. My son simply discovered his love of quinoa at Kreation.
David
I remember introducing quinoa to our niece with Celiac disease. It was love at first bite! Your quinoa bowl (both the ingredients and the actual bowl) are beautiful!
valentina
Thank you so much, David. 🙂 xo
David Scott Allen
And now, 4 years later, I’m making this one evening this week. The only thing I lack is zucchini but that isn’t a problem — will just double the bell pepper. This is really perfect timing because, while organizing the pantry, I came across a vat — yes, a VAT — of quinoa, and I needed a fresh new recipe. Also good timing because we decided (neither a wish nor a resolution) to eat vegetarian for a week or two. So thanks for making it easier and tastier!
Mimi
This is so pretty! I don't LOVE quinoa, but there are so many other grains I could use. Glad your son has gotten less picky! Hopefully that will continue!
valentina
Thanks so much, Mimi. And so true, you could make this with so many grains. 🙂
Molly Kumar
This sounds like a perfect weeknight meal that's healthy easy and totally delicious. I love using quinoa with veggies is this is a great flavor combination.
valentina
Thanks so much, Molly! Hope you try it!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
This looks so colourful and healthy. I know someone who will adore this dish!
valentina
Yay! 🙂
Jane
Oh my, that looks gorgeous! Perfect for a packed lunch 🙂
Jane x
valentina
My husband takes this to work - it travels really well and is easy since it's delicious cold, too. 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I adore quinoa - glad your son enjoyed it and even more glad you recreated that quinoa recipe as this looks and sounds delightfully delicious!
valentina
Thank you, Sashi! 🙂
Platter Talk
This quinoa looks truly delicious! I love the addition of all the beautiful vegetables.
valentina
Thank you!
Christine
I know and understand very well the challenges of a gluten free diet. This dish looks delicious!
By the way, I love your profile photo in the vintage kitchen!
valentina
Thanks so much, Christine! 🙂
Dannii
That looks so delicious and fresh. I love anything with a strong lemon flavour.
valentina
Thank you Dannii! It's super lemony 🙂
Catherine
I just love the sound of this dish...what a hearty and comforting meal!
valentina
Thanks, Catherine!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C
I love it when my kids like healthy food! I bet the quinoa is really good with the lemon, garlic, onions and paprika. I'll have to try that!
valentina
Thanks! Hope your kiddos like it, too. 🙂
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health
I just recently discovered quinoa ... weird yeah I KNOW 🙂 and I fell immediately in love. Now I'm in search for new recipes to try. This vegetable quinoa sounds and looks delicious. Pinning this to try!
valentina
I hope you love it as much as my family does. Thanks, Natalie. 🙂
Jill
This dish was just great. Just finished a plate. THANK YOU!
valentina
You've made my day, Jill. Thank you! 🙂
Ashley
Hi!
Just was wondering, is this 1.5 cups of cooked or uncooked quinoa? Thank you!
valentina
Hi Ashley, Thanks for writing in. It's uncooked. In Step 1 of the instructions it tells you how to cook it. I hope you love it and have a great weekend. 🙂 ~Valentina