Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Garlic quinoa and spinach served in a white bowl and topped with lemon slices.
Print Recipe
4.82 from 70 votes

Lemon Garlic Butter Quinoa and Spinach

Fragrant garlicky quinoa with wilted spinach, lemon, and lemon zest. This makes the perfect side dish served with some grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables, or as a brunch when topped with a perfectly poached egg on top. Can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, perfected for meal prepping.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Anytime
Keyword: garlic quinoa, quinoa and spinach, spinach quinoa
Servings: 2 serves
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Whole Food Bellies

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker optional

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic finely chopped
  • 1 cup baby spinach or English spinach with stem remove and roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook quinoa according to the instructions on the packaging.
    ¾ cup uncooked quinoa
  • Heat the butter in a medium-sized saucepan with a lid over medium heat. When hot, add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Do not burn.
    2 tablespoons salted butter, 5 cloves fresh garlic
  • Add in the cooked quinoa and mix until the quinoa is covered in the garlic butter mixture. Cook until the mixture is just heated through.
  • Add in the baby spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and stir through until the spinach is just wilted. Remove from the heat.
    1 cup baby spinach, juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve (see serving suggestions below).
    Salt and pepper to taste

Notes

Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Leftover spinach quinoa can also be frozen, however, please note this may change the texture of the spinach when it is reheated.
Simply thaw, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a simple side dish with some grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Can also be used as the base of a salad, or topped with an egg for a simple and delicious breakfast bowl.
Substitutions
English spinach can be used in place of baby spinach, however, it will have to be removed from the stem and roughly chopped. You will also need to add it to the heated quinoa and pop on the lid for about 3-4 minutes to allow it time to soften and cook properly.
Chopped kale could also be used.
Any other grain of choice could be used in place of the quinoa. However please note this will change the nutritional values of the dish.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 1767IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 3mg