Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas
I still remember the first time I made this Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas — it was one of those weeknight rescues that turned into an instant repeat. Bright lemon, fragrant parsley and cilantro, tender chickpeas and fluffy quinoa come together in a dish that’s at once light, filling, and endlessly adaptable. Make it for meal prep, a picnic, or a simple weeknight main; it holds up well chilled and tastes even better the next day.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe wins on practicality and flavor. It’s:
- Quick: about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Budget-friendly: pantry staples (quinoa and canned chickpeas) form the base.
- Protein-rich and plant-forward: a satisfying vegan main or side.
- Versatile: serve warm as a dinner grain bowl or chilled as a bright salad.
It’s also ideal for lunchboxes and potlucks because it doesn’t rely on delicate dressings that break. If you like dishes that travel well, this is a keeper — similar to how a lemon herb turkey and chickpea mash combines convenience with big flavor.
"A little lemon turns humble quinoa into something lively — perfect for quick meals and picky eaters alike."
Step-by-step overview
Before you start, here’s the process in plain steps so you know what to expect:
- Rinse and cook the quinoa in broth or water until fluffy.
- Let the quinoa rest, then fluff with a fork.
- Mix cooked quinoa with drained chickpeas, chopped herbs, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and seasonings.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm or chilled.
This short roadmap helps when you’re multitasking in the kitchen — for example, while the quinoa cooks you can chop herbs and zest the lemon to move smoothly through the recipe.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (see notes on rinsing below)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water (broth adds more flavor)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (swap with basil or dill if preferred)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small fresh garlic clove, minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitution notes: Use brown rice or farro if you want a heartier grain (adjust cooking time and liquid). If cilantro isn’t your thing, double the parsley or add mint. For a creamier texture, stir in 2–3 tablespoons plain yogurt (or vegan yogurt).
Step-by-step instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and 2 cups vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pan from heat. Keep it covered and let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. Transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped parsley and cilantro, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
- Serve warm as a main or let cool and chill for a refreshing salad-style side.
Short, clear actions help when you’re juggling multiple steps — don’t skip the 5-minute rest; it makes the quinoa fluffier.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve warm with a pan-seared salmon or grilled tofu for protein.
- Chill and pack as a lunch; drizzle a little extra olive oil before serving.
- Use as a filling for stuffed peppers or pita pockets with tzatziki.
- Top with crumbled feta, sliced avocado, or toasted almonds for textural contrast.
Pair it with roasted root vegetables or something simple like these roasted sides for a complete meal: garlic-roasted potatoes with herbs, carrots and zucchini.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. The lemon flavor intensifies after a day.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or microwave covered for 60–90 seconds, stirring halfway.
- Safety: Cool to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating and always reheat to steaming hot if serving warm.
Tip: If the quinoa seems dry after refrigeration, loosen it with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon when reheating.
Pro chef tips
- Toast the quinoa briefly in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes before adding liquid to deepen the nutty flavor.
- Use warm broth for cooking to shorten the time it takes to come to a boil.
- Add herbs at the end to keep their bright color and flavor. If you plan to serve it warm, reserve a small amount of herbs to sprinkle on top just before serving.
- If you like more texture, roast the chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes tossed with a pinch of salt and oil before adding.
- For extra brightness, stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest after tossing — zest holds more aroma than juice.
Creative twists
- Mediterranean: Add chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta.
- Southwest: Swap cilantro for scallions, add corn, black beans, cumin, and a dash of smoked paprika.
- Middle Eastern: Stir in toasted pine nuts, chopped mint, and a sprinkle of sumac or za’atar.
- Creamy: Mix in mashed avocado or a spoonful of tahini for a richer texture.
- Protein boost: Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken or flaked canned tuna if you’re not keeping it vegan.
Common questions
Q: Can I use brown quinoa or other grains?
A: Yes. Brown quinoa will work but needs longer cooking (about 20–25 minutes). If substituting with rice or farro, follow that grain’s liquid ratio and timing.
Q: Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?
A: As written, it’s vegan and naturally gluten-free (quinoa is a gluten-free seed). Always check canned chickpeas for cross-contamination if you have a strict gluten allergy.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. Make it a day ahead and refrigerate. Flavors meld and the dish tastes even brighter the next day. Add fresh herbs right before serving for the best presentation.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a teaspoon of harissa for heat.
Q: Do I need to rinse canned chickpeas?
A: Yes — rinsing removes canning liquid and reduces sodium and any metallic taste. It also improves texture.
Conclusion
This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is an easy, flexible recipe to keep in your rotation for quick dinners, make-ahead lunches, or potluck salads. If you want variations and inspiration from other cooks, check out this bright version from Lemony Quinoa + Chickpea Salad – The Simple Veganista and another take with herbs and lemon at Lemony Quinoa Chickpea Salad – Tara Teaspoon.
Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed Rinse to remove bitterness.
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water Broth adds more flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed Rinse to reduce sodium and metallic taste.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Can be swapped with basil or dill.
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra-virgin for best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Or 1 small fresh garlic clove, minced.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Substitution Notes
- Use brown rice or farro if you want a heartier grain. Adjust cooking time and liquid.
- For a creamier texture, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of plain yogurt or vegan yogurt.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pan from heat. Keep it covered and let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. Transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
Mixing
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped parsley and cilantro, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
Serving
- Serve warm as a main or let cool and chill for a refreshing salad-style side.
