Best 8 Creamy Lemon Basil Quinoa Primavera Recipes

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**Creamy Lemon Basil Quinoa Primavera: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors and Textures**

Indulge in a culinary journey with Creamy Lemon Basil Quinoa Primavera, a vibrant and flavorful dish that tantalizes the taste buds. This delectable recipe combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa, the zesty brightness of lemon, the aromatic freshness of basil, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all harmonized in a creamy, tangy sauce. Discover how simple ingredients can transform into an extraordinary meal that caters to both your health-conscious cravings and your desire for a satisfying culinary experience. Embrace the culinary magic of Creamy Lemon Basil Quinoa Primavera and embark on a flavor adventure that will leave you craving for more.

In addition to the main recipe, the article offers a collection of complementary dishes that elevate your culinary experience. Delight in the vibrant flavors of Lemon Basil Vinaigrette, a versatile dressing that adds a zesty touch to salads, grilled vegetables, and even seafood. Experiment with the aromatic Basil Pesto, perfect for spreading on sandwiches, stirring into pasta, or using as a marinade for chicken or fish. And for a sweet treat, indulge in the luscious Lemon Basil Granita, a refreshing dessert that combines the tang of lemon with the delicate perfume of basil.

These recipes showcase the versatility and flavor combinations that make Creamy Lemon Basil Quinoa Primavera so special. From the savory main course to the tangy dressing, aromatic pesto, and refreshing dessert, this article provides a culinary symphony that caters to diverse palates and occasions. So, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure where flavors dance in harmony and every bite promises a delightful experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PRIMAVERA PASTA



Primavera pasta image

Pasta primavera is a delicious pasta dish packed with lots of fresh spring vegetables and covered with a light and refreshing lemon cream sauce.

Provided by Aleksandra

Categories     dinner     Main Course

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 oz (160g) pasta (fusilli or penne)
1.5 tablespoons frying oil
1 yellow bell pepper
1 medium zucchini
3.5 oz (100g) green beans (a small handful)
1/2 cup peas
1 tablespoon butter
4 large cloves garlic
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream (30-36%, 240 ml)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (2 oz/50g)
salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • Prepare all the vegetables: cut the bell pepper into 1/4-inch (1/2 cm) strips, zucchini into 1/3-inch (3/4 cm) half-slices, green beans in half crosswise, cut off the woody ends of asparagus (white parts) and cut the asparagus into 2-3 parts, cut the garlic into very thin slices.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. 5 minutes before the end of the cooking, add the green beans (thin green beans need 4-5 minutes cooking time, thicker beans about 5-6 minutes). Strain the pasta and beans.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan, add the bell pepper and half of the zucchini. Cook over high heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly browned but still very crunchy (they cannot be very soft). Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
  • Add half a tablespoon of oil and the other half of zucchini and asparagus to the pan. Cook it the same way as described above. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
  • Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and when it's melted add the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Add the broth, scrape all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spatula and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the broth thickens a little.
  • Add the cream and lemon zest. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Season the sauce with lemon juice (it should be very lemony).
  • Add the peas and cook in the sauce for 30-60 seconds (fresh peas will need about 20 sec and the frozen peas about a minute).
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Take the pan off the heat.
  • Add the cooked vegetables and pasta. Stir everything together, season with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Serve with more grated Parmesan cheese and optionally fresh basil leaves.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 553 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving

HERBED QUINOA



Herbed Quinoa image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 23m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons lemon zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, add the chicken stock, lemon juice and quinoa. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  • For the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, basil, parsley, thyme, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Pour the dressing over the quinoa and toss until all the ingredients are coated. Transfer the quinoa to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

CREAMY LEMON BASIL QUINOA PRIMAVERA RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Creamy Lemon Basil Quinoa Primavera Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by cwaldron09

Number Of Ingredients 12

◾1 and 1/2 cups of uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
◾2 and 1/2 cups of water (to cook the quinoa)
◾1/2 cup of sliced blanched almonds
◾2 cups of fresh basil leaves
◾1/4 cup of olive oil
◾1 clove of garlic
◾juice of one medium lemon
◾3/4 cup of reduced fat feta cheese (or 1/2 cup of vegan cream cheese)
◾1 large bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
◾1 cup of frozen edamame or greens peas
◾2 cups of broccoli florets
Note: you can use any of your favourite green spring vegetables for this quinoa primavera

Steps:

  • 1. Bring 2 and 1/2 cups of water and the rinsed quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook quinoa for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 2. In a second medium saucepan, bring another 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the asparagus, broccoli florets and edamame (or peas). Reduce heat to low-medium and cook the vegetables for 5 minutes, or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside. 3. Meanwhile, in a food processor, blend the almonds, clove of garlic and olive oil. Add in the 2 cups of fresh basil leaves and lemon juice. Blend again to create a rough paste. Add the feta cheese and blend until creamy. 4. Once the cooked quinoa has cooled slightly, add the basil feta almond pesto and toss well to combine. Add in the cooked vegetables and mix. Serve warm. Garnish with some crumbled feta and some asparagus tips. Enjoy!

LEMON HERB QUINOA



Lemon Herb Quinoa image

A light yet flavorful quinoa dish that goes great with fish or chicken! I invented it on-the-fly one day when I couldn't find quite what I was looking for. For a stronger flavor, add extra lemon juice and herbs. For a more al dente quinoa, remove the lid half way through the cooking time and continue to cook uncovered until most of the water is absorbed.

Provided by MellyG

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon roasted red pepper and garlic seasoning blend

Steps:

  • Stir water, quinoa, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, basil, garlic, and seasoning blend together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 109.4 calories, Carbohydrate 20.5 g, Fat 1.8 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 4.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 81.6 mg

CREAMY PASTA PRIMAVERA



Creamy Pasta Primavera image

When I think of springtime, asparagus comes to mind. This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of tender, crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. -Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked gemelli or spiral pasta
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, shredded
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute asparagus and carrots in oil until crisp-tender. Add tomatoes and garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Stir in the cheese, cream and pepper. Drain pasta; toss with asparagus mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 275 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 141mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

LEMON-BASIL QUINOA SALAD



Lemon-Basil Quinoa Salad image

Found this and thought I would share since quinoa seems to be becoming so popular. This make-ahead salad (served warm or room temperature) is great for outdoor parties since it won't spoil in the sun.

Provided by manella

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup quinoa
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
½ cup roasted red peppers, drained and diced
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • Bring chicken broth and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Stir quinoa, lemon zest, and lemon juice together in a bowl. Add red peppers, cranberries, onion, and basil to quinoa; toss to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205.4 calories, Carbohydrate 38.8 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Fat 3 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 156.7 mg, Sugar 6.2 g

LEMONY QUINOA



Lemony Quinoa image

Quinoa is a high-protein, good-for-you grain. It can be substituted for couscous and makes a lovely side dish. This recipe is a crunchy, lemony, healthy dish that can be used as a side or as a light meal.

Provided by Mirelle B

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

¼ cup pine nuts
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
sea salt to taste
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 stalks celery, chopped
¼ red onion, chopped
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Toast the pine nuts briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat. This will take about 5 minutes, and stir constantly as they will burn easily. Set aside to cool.
  • In a saucepan, combine the quinoa, water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Cool slightly, then fluff with a fork.
  • Transfer the quinoa to a serving bowl and stir in the pine nuts, lemon juice, celery, onion, cayenne pepper, cumin and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.3 calories, Carbohydrate 21.4 g, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 74.2 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

CREAMY QUINOA PRIMAVERA



Creamy Quinoa Primavera image

Make and share this Creamy Quinoa Primavera recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Vino Girl

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups uncooked quinoa
3 cups chicken broth or 3 cups vegetable broth
2 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 teaspoons butter or 2 teaspoons margarine
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
5 cups assorted fresh vegetables, thinly sliced (such as asparagus, broccoli, carrot or zucchini)
2 tablespoons romano cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly; drain.
  • Heat quinoa and broth to boiling in 2-quart saucepan; reduce heat.
  • Cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until all broth is absorbed.
  • Stir in cream cheese and basil; cover and remove from heat.
  • Melt butter in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook garlic in butter about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until golden.
  • Stir in vegetables; cook about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  • Toss vegetables and quinoa mixture together.
  • Top with Romano cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 228, Fat 8.3, SaturatedFat 3.4, Cholesterol 15.6, Sodium 438.5, Carbohydrate 28.5, Fiber 3, Sugar 0.7, Protein 9.7

Tips:

  • Use fresh, flavorful ingredients. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your dish will taste. Choose ripe, in-season vegetables, fresh herbs, and a good-quality quinoa.
  • Don't overcook the quinoa. Quinoa is a delicate grain that can easily become mushy if it's overcooked. Cook it according to the package directions, or until it's tender but still has a slight bite to it.
  • Make sure the vegetables are cooked through. You want the vegetables in your primavera to be tender but still have a bit of crunch. Cook them over medium heat until they're bright and colorful.
  • Add the lemon-basil dressing at the end. This will help to preserve the bright flavors of the lemon and basil. You can also add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  • Serve the primavera warm or at room temperature. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be made ahead of time and reheated.

Conclusion:

Creamy Lemon Basil Quinoa Primavera is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. It's packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a flavorful lemon-basil dressing. Plus, it's easy to make and can be tailored to your own dietary needs and preferences. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try!

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