Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa

Get ready for Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa, baked to crispy, toasted perfection with a herby zesty touch. This nutty, herby delight is perfect as a salad topper, a bed for proteins, on soups, grain bowls, or as a tasty side dish. Completely Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan.

After learning how to cook quinoa, I found it’s a total game-changer in so many meals like salads, bowls, and soups—bringing a punch of protein + nutrients to the table. But did you know you can make it crispy? Enter Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa! The crispy quinoa has a nutty, toasty flavor and a delightful crunch that I just can’t get enough of!

I’m completely obsessed with this crispy quinoa—it’s got such an AMAZING texture and is super versatile! I use Italian seasoning + lemon, but you can totally mix it up with any of your favorite seasonings. It’s my go-to when I’m craving some crunch, and I love using it as a gluten-free stand-in for breadcrumbs. Plus, it’s a fun way to use up any leftovers!

What Is Quinoa?

Quinoa (Pronounced “keen-wah”) which originates from the Andes in South America is a superfood seed that's super versatile in the kitchen. It's got this nutty taste, a bit like rice but with a lighter texture. Plus, it's packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of good stuff. You can find it in different colors like white, red, and black, each with its own flavor. And the best part? It's gluten-free + cooks up quickly!

What Is Crispy Quinoa?

Crispy quinoa is basically quinoa that’s been cooked, baked and turned into little crispy bites. It’s got this nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for sprinkling on top of salads, soups, or even sweet dishes.

What Makes This Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa SO GOOD?

• Perfectly CRISPY and golden with such a satisfying crunch!
• Boosts your meals with extra protein.
• Simple prep with big flavor payoff.
• Bright + refreshing lemon adds a punch.
• It's so versatile --- Great as a topping, snack, or side dish.
• Adds a gourmet touch to everyday meals.

Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa Ingredients

The ingredients are super simple and versatile—you can easily tweak the flavors and seasonings or even make a sweet version if you like. Here’s everything you’ll need:

CRISPY QUINOA:

• Cooked quinoa. You can use red, white, or multi-colored. If you are unsure how to cook quinoa see my recipe HERE!
• Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
• Lemon juice. Freshly-squeezed. (Save additional lemon juice for garnish, if desired)
• Italian seasoning. You can use store-bought or homemade!
• Lemon. Sliced thin.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR QUINOA.

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this recipe. Everything from my fave pots, wooden spoons and more. SEE THEM HERE!

How to Cook Quinoa

Okay, so the first step to making crispy quinoa is to cook it beforehand! The most important part about cooking it is to rinse it before cooking! Then bring the veggie stock (or water) + salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

Once it's bubbling, add the quinoa and whisk away for 1-2 minutes. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, giving it a whisk every few minutes, until it is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, leaving you with fluffy quinoa. See my full recipe on how to cook quinoa for the full breakdown + tips.

Is Quinoa Gluten-free?

Yes! It is naturally gluten-free! It’s a fantastic choice if you’re avoiding gluten, whether you have celiac disease or just prefer to steer clear of it. Just keep an eye out for any cross-contamination if you're super sensitive, especially if it’s processed alongside gluten grains.

Do Different Types of Quinoa Have Different Flavors?

Absolutely! Different types do have their own flavors + textures:

• White --- This one’s the mildest and fluffiest. It’s perfect if you want a subtle, nutty taste.
• Red --- It has a richer, earthier flavor and a bit more crunch. Great for adding some extra texture.
• Black --- This variety offers a more intense nutty flavor and a chewier bite. It’s a fun twist if you’re looking for something a bit different.
• Tri-color --- A mix of white, red, and black, it gives you a blend of flavors + textures for a bit of everything.

How Should I Serve Lemon Herb Crispy Quinoa?

Lemon herb crispy quinoa is so versatile and seriously endless in its uses. It adds a fantastic crunch and a burst of flavor to all sorts of dishes.

Here are my top ways to enjoy it:

• As a side dish --- Serve it alongside your favorite main courses for an extra crunch.
• Salad topper --- Sprinkle it on salads for a zesty, crunchy boost.
• Soup garnish --- Add it to soups for a pop of texture + flavor.
• Snack --- Enjoy it straight from the bowl for a satisfying snack.
• Grain bowls --- Use it as a crunchy element in grain bowls for added texture.
• Stuffed veggies --- Sprinkle it on stuffed peppers or mushrooms for a crispy finish.
• Avocado toast --- Top your avocado toast with crispy quinoa for an extra layer of crunch.
• Taco filling --- Use it as a crunchy, flavorful layer in tacos or burritos.

More Seasoning Options

This herby lemon flavor is amazing, but if you’re making crispy quinoa often and want to switch things up, here are some of my other fave seasoning options. They’ll keep your crispy quinoa exciting + full of variety!

• Toss with garlic powder + grated Parmesan for a savory kick.
• Mix it with everything bagel seasoning for a flavorful crunch.
• For my zesty lovers try this Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Sweeten it! Sweeten things up with cinnamon and a touch of sugar for a sweet treat.
• Use BBQ seasoning for a smoky, tangy taste.

You can use any of your favorite seasonings, so feel free to get creative and mix it up!

Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa Q + A's

Love Quinoa? Try These Delicious Recipes Next

If you are a fan of this Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa recipe, you will also love these other quinoa recipes!

• Protein Overnight Quinoa
• Easy Quinoa milk
• Winter Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
• Slow Cooker Quinoa Veggie Soup
• Black Bean + Quinoa Skillet Nachos
• Easy Spicy Veggie Quinoa Skillet
• Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells with Quinoa

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

How to Make Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa

August 1, 2024 •

By Shanika

No ratings yet

Get ready for Crispy Lemon Herb Quinoa, baked to crispy, toasted perfection with a zesty lemony touch. This nutty, herby delight is perfect as a salad topper, a bed for proteins, on soups, grain bowls, or as a tasty side dish. Completely Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

CRISPY QUINOA:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (You can use red, white, or multi-colored quinoa, if desired)
• 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice (Save additional lemon juice for garnish, if desired)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 lemon, sliced thin

Instructions

TO COOK THE QUINOA:

• Learn How To Cook Quinoa perfectly every time with my foolproof method in my recipe.

TO MAKE THE CRISPY QUINOA:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prep a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, add the cooled cooked quinoa, olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together until combined.
• Scoop coated quinoa onto baking sheet and spread out evenly. Add sliced lemons to tops of quinoa.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. NOTE: Be sure to stir or toss every 10 minutes until complete.
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. When serving, lightly squeeze half a lemon atop quinoa, if desired.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through for best results. 

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

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