20 Best Quinoa Recipes (2024)

We’ve rounded up 20 of our Best Quinoa Recipes! From quinoa salads and delicious quinoa bowls to simple quinoa sides and vegetarian quinoa dinners, these simple quinoa recipeswill leave you feeling nourished and satisfied!

20 Best Quinoa Recipes (1)

20 Simple, Healthy Quinoa Recipes

One of our go-to healthy staples around here is Quinoaamighty little superfood packed with protein and fiber. What we love about quinoa is how quickly it cooks ( just 20 minutes!) and how handy it is for midweek meals.

It’s gluten-free and technically a seed rather than a grain- a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Make a big batch, refrigerate or freeze and reheat for weeknight meals, toss into salads, add to soups, or use it as a base for healthy bowls.

How to cook Quinoa (in a nutshell)

Cooking quinoa couldn’t be any easier! A basic ratio for water (or stock) to quinoa is 2 to 1. Bring 2 parts liquid and 1 part rinsed quinoa to a boil over high heat. Season with salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Lower heat and cover, simmering gently until all the water is gone, around 15-20 minutes. Let it stand 5 minutes, then it is ready! (PRO TIP: Always rinse quinoa before cooking- this helps remove its bitterness.)

Everyday Quinoa

Simple, but incredibly delicious, thisEveryday Quinoa with Lemon, Shallot and Herbs is our “go-to” side dish that compliments so many things. Vegan, gluten-free and full of flavor, it’s one of my favorite quinoa recipes on the blog! Make a big batch for the workweek.

Lemony Chickpea Quinoa Salad

We can’t get enough of thisLemony Chickpea Quinoa Salad! It’s made withcucumber, tomato, dill, parsley and the most flavorfulPreserved Lemon Dressing-vegan, healthy, and full of so much flavor. The perfect quinoa recipe for summer!

Broccoli Quinoa Cakes!

These Broccoli Quinoa Cakes are delicious and hearty, with great flavor and texture. Make them ahead and reheat for midweek meals- a tasty healthy quinoa recipe your whole family will love!

Broccoli Quinoa Cakes! |30-sec video

Moroccan Lentil Quinoa Soup

One of our favorite vegan soups, This Moroccan Red Lentil Quinoa Soup is made with simple ingredients and is full of so delicious flavor! Very easy- make this in an Instant Pot or stovetop.

Southwest Quinoa Salad

20 Best Quinoa Recipes (6)

This Southwest Black Bean Quinoa Salad is quick and easy to put together and full of fresh Southwest flavors- perfect for casual summer gatherings, potlucks and bbqs. Vegan and Gluten-Free!

Carrot Quinoa Salad with Almonds

This crunchy, satisfying Carrot Quinoa Salad with Almonds and Apple Cider Vinaigrette is another good make-ahead salad, perfect for midweek lunches, to serve it as a tasty side at dinnertime.

These savory, hearty Peruvian Burritos are filled with quinoa, roasted sweet potato, fresh corn, peppers, and creamy black beans, then drizzled with spicy Peruvian Green Sauce. A flavor bomb! Vegan and Delicious!

Quinoa Stuffed Poblano with Mole Negro Sauce

This Quinoa Stuffed Poblano Chili is filled with black beans, quinoa, goat cheese,topped with a dark complex Mole Negro Sauce. A special, decadent meal that will WOW your taste buds. Save this one for a special occasion.

Crispy Vegan Quinoa Cakes with Tomato-Chickpea Relish

One of the “oldest” recipes on the blog, these Crispy Vegan Quinoa Cakes with Tomato Chickpea Relish- is still one of our go-to meals around here. So hearty and satisfying, and full of delicious flavors. Keep it vegan or add goat cheese crumbles.

Chickpea Quinoa Veggie Burgers

Packed with nutritious ingredients, this Chickpea Quinoa Veggie Burger is full of savory delicious flavor and satisfying texture. Great with a variety of toppings. Vegetarian and Gluten-free, Vegan-adaptable!

Baked Quinoa with Zucchini, Corn and feta, topped with a fresh Tomato Relish. A healthy, easy vegetarian dinner recipe, perfect for summer!

Beet Bliss Bowl with Quinoa

Brighten up your day with this Beet Bliss Bowl! A simple vegan bowl made with beets, quinoa, avocado and chickpeas-that can be made in under 30 minutes! Great for meal-prepping, bright and playful, and guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Lemony Chicken Arugula Quinoa SaladLemony Chicken Arugula Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Creamy Basil Dressing- an easy low-carb, high protein salad that is full of amazing flavor! For a veggie option, sub Crispy Tofu!

Kale and Quinoa Salad with Apples

with Apples, Chickpeas and Currants! A hearty vegan salad that can be made ahead- perfect for potlucks, gatherings or midweek lunches!

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa, Eggplant and Chickpeas with Zhoug Yogurt. A flavorful vegetarian dinner!

Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

These delicious, healthy make-ahead Breakfast Bowls are full of whole grains like quinoa or millet and topped with fresh healthy ingredients. Vegan and gluten-free-adaptable.

Quinoa Tabouli Salad with strawberries!

Strawberry Quinoa “Tabouli” Salad – a twist on traditional tabouli, this spring-inspired version is made with quinoa, parsley, mint, and cucumber. Add avocado, toasted, slivered almonds, or feta if you like!

Quinoa Asparagus Salad (aka Spring Tabouli)

This Quinoa Asparagus Salad (aka “Spring Tabouli”) is made with asparagus, fresh peas, parsley, fresh dill, lemon, sliced almonds, avocado and optional goat or feta cheese. A healthy, vegan-adaptable salad that can be made ahead- perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings.

Moroccan Quinoa Salad with Oranges, Olives, Almonds and Mint

Moroccan Quinoa and Blood Orange Salad with Almonds, olives, and mint. An oldie but goodie on the blog.

Holiday Crunch Salad20 Best Quinoa Recipes (21)

Save this recipe until pomegranates are in season! This Holiday Crunch Salad is made with Quinoa, almonds, avocado, loads of herbs and fresh pomegranate- this one is full of so many healthy nutrients, and most of all flavor. One of the most popular quinoa recipes on the blog!

Quinoa Chicken Salad

20 Best Quinoa Recipes (22)

A hearty, protein-packed, Chicken Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, tomatoes, fresh herbs, arugula and lemon zest that can be made ahead!

20 Best Quinoa Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to quinoa to make it taste good? ›

I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper. I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.

What does quinoa pair well with? ›

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

What's the best way to eat quinoa? ›

Once you've made a batch of quinoa, you have endless options for using it. Make it the base of your next grain bowl, toss it into a salad, or stuff it into squash or sweet potatoes. It's also at home in soups & wraps, and it pairs nicely with sweet flavors as well as savory.

Is quinoa healthier than rice? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

What happens if you don't soak quinoa? ›

Do you need to soak quinoa before cooking it? In short, no, you don't need to soak quinoa. However, doing so is said to remove phytic acid, which may make it easier for people to digest quinoa. If you just want to remove the bitter flavor from quinoa, rinse it under cold water for about a minute.

Why should you soak quinoa before cooking? ›

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time. To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

How to get rid of quinoa smell? ›

That smell is from the saponin, the coating I mentioned earlier, but if you do as Polisi and other quinoa experts suggest and soak the quinoa rather than merely rinse it, you've solved that problem.

Why is quinoa so expensive? ›

Quinoa is more expensive than rice and other grains due to several factors, including: Production costs: Quinoa is typically produced on a smaller scale compared to other grains, and it requires specialized equipment and labor-intensive harvesting and processing techniques, which can drive up production costs.

Is quinoa good for bowels? ›

Quinoa is a great source of fiber. Fiber can prevent or treat constipation and may lower your risk of intestinal cancers. It also helps you feel full longer, so it may help with weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for heart health.

What to pair with quinoa to make a complete protein? ›

Vegetarian-Friendly Complete Protein Food Combinations
  1. Quinoa (+ lentils) While quinoa's reputation as a good source of protein is well deserved, it's technically not complete (contrary to popular belief). ...
  2. Buckwheat (+ edamame) Both Shapiro and Dr. ...
  3. Eggs. ...
  4. Hemp seeds (+ chia + oats + milk) ...
  5. Greek yogurt. ...
  6. Soy. ...
  7. Peas (+ rice)

What is the best time to eat quinoa? ›

Quinoa can be consumed anytime – at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it is best to eat healthy food like quinoa before going to bed. It induces sleep, because it relaxes the muscles, due to its high magnesium and protein content. “One can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day.

Does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

Is quinoa better for you than Oatmeal? ›

It is high in proteins and fiber and enriched with antioxidants that help in making the immune system stronger. You are advised to consume quinoa more in comparison to oats as quinoa will provide more health benefits in low calories.

Is it OK to eat quinoa every meal? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

What can I add to quinoa to make it less bitter? ›

Happily, the solution to preventing bitter quinoa is very simple. All you need to do is rinse your uncooked quinoa in cold running water for a minute or so until the water runs clear.

What liquid to cook quinoa in? ›

The basic ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid. You can use water (season it with a bit of kosher salt), or you can use any kind of broth (we like to use low-sodium broths and add any extra salt to the finished dish as needed). You can also add a bit of dry white wine to the liquid for another layer of flavor.

Should I toast or rinse quinoa? ›

To wash quinoa, place it in a fine-meshed strainer and rinse it under cool water for 30 - 45 seconds. Allow the excess water to drain out. Toast the quinoa: Place the quinoa in a large pan and turn on the heat to medium. I like to use a non-stick pan.

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