Vegan Quinoa Pilaf with Fresh Herbs

Total time40 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time25 min

4.6

(3)

This herby, fragrant pilaf is the kind of dish that makes plant-based eating feel genuinely exciting rather than like a compromise. Toasting the quinoa in olive oil with sautéed onion, garlic, cumin, and coriander before adding the broth builds a deep, nutty base that carries every bite. Cooking it low and slow in vegetable broth — rather than plain water — means the grains soak up real savory flavor all the way through. Once the quinoa is fluffy and rested, a generous hit of fresh lemon juice and zest, plus roughly chopped parsley, mint, and chives, transforms the whole pan into something bright and almost salad-like. Optional toasted pine nuts add a satisfying crunch if you want a little extra texture on top. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of animal products, so there's no swapping or substituting required — just straightforward, wholesome cooking. It serves four and comes together in well under an hour, making it an easy weeknight win or a standout side for a bigger spread.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

4 servings

1 cup quinoa
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground coriander
1 ¾ cups vegetable broth
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, roughly chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

1
Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds, rubbing the grains gently, until the water runs clear. Shake off the excess water.
2
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!