Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa

Name: Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1 lemon (zest and juice); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light Planning

I absolutely love this Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa recipe! It's the perfect union of creamy richness and fresh flavors that brighten up my day. Whenever I'm in need of a quick, nourishing meal, this dish comes to my rescue. The combination of creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and nutritious spinach makes it a delightful experience. Plus, it’s great for meal prep! I often prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, and it never fails to satisfy my cravings.

Created by

Blythe Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:25:34.442Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was looking for a flavorful, healthy option that could double as a side dish or a main course. The creamy lemon sauce is my favorite part—it’s made from cashews which add a wonderful richness without any dairy. I discovered that soaking the cashews beforehand allows them to blend into a smooth textures giving the dish a luxurious feel.

As I played around with the ingredients, I realized that the lemon zest acts as a great flavor enhancer. It elevates the entire dish and complements the earthiness of the quinoa and spinach perfectly. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and it always impresses!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that delights every bite
Zesty lemon flavor that wakes up your palate
Nutritious and filling, perfect for any meal

The Role of Quinoa

Quinoa is the star of this dish, serving as a nutrient-dense base filled with protein and fiber. It's important to rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. When cooked correctly, it should have a fluffy texture and a slight bite. For this recipe, using vegetable broth enhances its flavor, making it even more delicious and savory.

If you're looking to incorporate more variety, consider using different types of quinoa, such as red or black. Each variety brings a unique texture and flavor profile, adding visual interest to the dish. However, remember that cooking times may vary slightly, with red quinoa taking a bit longer to cook—so monitor and adjust your timing.

Making the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish. Soaking cashews before blending is crucial, as it softens them, allowing for a smoother texture. I typically soak them for at least 4 hours, but even a quick 30-minute soak in hot water can help. If you're in a pinch or want a nut-free option, try using silken tofu or sunflower seeds for a similar creaminess.

Nutritional yeast is another key ingredient that adds a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy. It's packed with vitamins, particularly B vitamins, enhancing the dish's nutritional value. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences; you can add more for a cheesier flavor or reduce it if you're aiming for something lighter.

Storing and Serving

This Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, consider adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to maintain its creamy texture, as it may thicken when chilled. Gently heat it in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

When serving, you can easily elevate this dish with additional toppings like toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or even a dollop of vegan yogurt for extra creaminess. Pair it with a simple side salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal that’s both filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dish:

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 lemon (zest and juice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure everything is fresh for the best taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Creamy Lemon Spinach Quinoa:

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding water as necessary to reach a creamy consistency.

Sauté the Spinach

In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, sautéed spinach, and creamy sauce. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Enjoy this meal as a standalone dish or accompany it with your favorite protein!

Pro Tips

To make this dish even more flavorful, consider adding diced cherry tomatoes or roasted garlic to enhance the taste!

Variations to Try

For an extra protein boost, consider adding cooked chickpeas or lentils. They not only enhance the nutritional profile but also add great texture. Mix them in with the quinoa and spinach combination or layer them on top for added visual appeal. If you're craving greens, kale or Swiss chard can serve as a fantastic alternative to spinach, bringing different flavor notes to the dish.

You can also experiment with different spices to enhance the flavor further. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or freshly minced garlic when sautéing the spinach can bring an aromatic flavor that complements the lemony cream sauce beautifully.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your creamy sauce doesn’t blend smoothly, it may be due to insufficient soaking of the cashews. Ensure they are adequately soaked; otherwise, consider blending in small batches with some water to get things moving. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more water until the desired consistency is reached without sacrificing flavor.

When cooking quinoa, if it turns out mushy or overcooked, reduce the simmering time in future batches. Achieving the right cooking time can be the difference between fluffy quinoa and a sticky mess. Remember to fluff with a fork right after cooking for the best texture.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe easily scales up or down based on your needs. To double the batch for meal prep, simply increase each ingredient proportionately. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, especially for the quinoa and the time needed for sautéing spinach, as larger quantities may take a little longer to cook evenly.

For individual servings, you can easily halve the recipe. Just make sure to adjust the ingredients carefully to ensure the balance of flavors remains intact, particularly the lemon and spices, which can make a significant difference in taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based as it uses cashews instead of dairy.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.

→ What can I substitute for quinoa?

You can use couscous, rice, or even farro as a substitute if you prefer.