Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for 2 hours; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Collection

I absolutely love this Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa recipe! It combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it not only delicious but also a fulfilling meal. The creaminess from the cashews pairs beautifully with the fresh spinach and zesty lemon. It’s a quick and easy dish that I often prepare for a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. I find that every bite bursts with flavors, making it an instant favorite in my household!

Created by

Isabella Clark

Last updated on 2026-01-19T21:53:34.257Z

When I first made Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delightful. Using soaked cashews to achieve creaminess allows me to enjoy a guilt-free yet indulgent dish that feels decadent. The subtle tartness from fresh lemon juice really elevates the flavors and keeps the dish refreshing.

I've experimented with adding different herbs like dill or parsley, but the classic combination of lemon and spinach remains my favorite. I always make sure to cook the quinoa until it's perfectly fluffy, as this provides a wonderful texture to complement the creamy sauce. Trust me, this dish is a showstopper!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A delightful creamy texture that enhances the healthy quinoa and spinach
Bright lemon flavor that lifts the overall dish and adds freshness
Quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights

Unlocking the Creamy Flavor

The creamy sauce in this recipe derives its richness from soaked cashews, which provide a nutty flavor and velvety texture. Soaking the cashews for at least 2 hours softens them for easier blending, resulting in a smooth sauce. If you're short on time, you can soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes instead. It's essential to blend until completely smooth to avoid graininess, which can detract from the overall dish.

Lemon juice and zest play a crucial role in balancing the creaminess of the cashews. The acidity not only brightens the dish but enhances the flavors of both the quinoa and spinach. When selecting lemons, look for ones that are heavy for their size, as they typically yield more juice. A fresh squeeze directly into the blender will elevate the flavor profile, making this sauce truly standout.

Perfectly Cooked Quinoa

Cooking quinoa properly is key to achieving the right texture. For best results, rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. When boiling, ensure that the water is at a rolling boil before reducing to low heat. Once covered, avoid lifting the lid as this releases steam; you want that moisture and heat contained for fluffy quinoa.

If you want to boost the flavor of the quinoa, consider cooking it in vegetable broth as specified in the recipe. This adds an extra layer of taste that complements the spinach and creaminess of the sauce. After cooking, let it sit with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes; this step is crucial as it allows the steam to finish cooking the quinoa, making sure every grain is tender and fluffy.

Customizing Your Dish

One of the great aspects of this Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa is its versatility. While fresh spinach is delicious, feel free to substitute with kale or Swiss chard if that's what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that kale may require a slightly longer cooking time to wilt, around 4-5 minutes in the pan. Additionally, you can easily scale the recipe up for meal prep or down for a single serving by adjusting the proportions while maintaining the same cooking times.

To add even more flavor, consider incorporating additional herbs and spices. Fresh dill or basil can provide a fragrant touch, and adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the creaminess of the cashew sauce. Lastly, if you're looking for a protein boost, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be mixed in after combining the spinach and quinoa for additional substance.

Ingredients

For the Quinoa

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Creamy Lemon Sauce

1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for 2 hours
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spinach

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl or serve individually.

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, vegetable broth, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a blender, combine soaked cashews, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine Spinach and Quinoa

In a large pan over medium heat, add the cooked quinoa and chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Add the Creamy Sauce

Pour the creamy sauce over the quinoa and spinach mixture, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, adding red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve warm as a side dish or main meal.

Pro Tips

For added protein, feel free to toss in some chickpeas or grilled chicken. You can also substitute the cashews with tahini for a nut-free version.

Storage Tips

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa stores well in the refrigerator, making it great for leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to bring back the creamy texture, as it may thicken upon cooling.

If you're planning to meal prep, consider preparing the quinoa and the creamy sauce separately and keeping them stored for a longer shelf life. The quinoa can last up to a week in the fridge, while the sauce, if kept airtight, can be good for up to 5 days. This method allows you to mix fresh ingredients right before serving, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting Your Recipe

If you find your creamy sauce is too thick after blending, don't hesitate to add more water or a bit of plant-based milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too runny, consider blending in a few more soaked cashews or a spoonful of nutritional yeast to thicken it up without losing flavor. Adjusting the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice can also help fix the balance.

One common issue when cooking quinoa is clumping together. If this happens, ensure you are using enough water and stirring occasionally in the first few minutes of cooking to aerate the quinoa. Remember, once you cover the saucepan, avoid lifting the lid for at least 15 minutes to maintain proper steam.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can substitute quinoa with rice or bulgur for a different flavor and texture.

→ How long will this dish keep?

The Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

While it's best fresh, you can freeze it in a suitable container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, chicken, or as a light standalone meal.