30+ Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes (2024)

September 7, 2023 by Erin

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

Here’s 30+ delicious vegetarian quinoa recipes to try out! Quinoa is a gluten-free whole grain that is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. It is a great alternative to rice or pasta, and it can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner.

PS – Be sure to check out these 35+ delicious quinoa recipes too!

The BEST Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes

This Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup is not only amazingly delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, fiber and essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Quinoa Soup

One bite of the viral Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad and you’ll be hooked! It was the actress’ top choice for lunch during her time on Friends for good reason – it’s easy to make, loaded with healthy grains and veggies, and perfect for meal prep.

Jennifer Aniston Salad

This Cauliflower Chickpea Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing combines roasted cauliflower & chickpeas with fluffy quinoa and creamy avocados. It’s a healthy, protein-packed salad that can be made ahead of time.

Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa

Quinoa Burrito Bowls with Guacamole make a quick and healthy vegetarian meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Quinoa Burrito Bowls

This Roasted Squash Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing combines roasted butternut squash & chickpeas with fluffy quinoa and a dreamy, creamy maple tahini dressing. It’s a delicious and fresh salad that can be made ahead of time.

Roasted Squash Salad with Quinoa

Greek Stuffed Zucchini Boats come together in just 30-minutes. Stuffed with quinoa, feta, chickpeas, peppers and olives and flavored with lemon, garlic and oregano.

Greek Stuffed Zucchini

Make this copycat Costco Quinoa Salad at home for a healthy, hearty, and delicious grain-based salad studded with fresh veggies and fresh lemon dressing.

Costco Quinoa Salad

With these easy tips, you’ll see it’s simple to cook perfect quinoa in the Instant Pot with minimal measuring. The result is fluffy and flavorful quinoa that’s super simple to prepare.

Instant Pot Quinoa

TheseQuinoa Breakfast Cookies with Dark Chocolate & Sea Saltare perfect for breakfasts on the go. Not only are they delicious, but they’re packed with protein, whole grains and fiber.

Quinoa Cookies

Black Bean Quinoa Tacos are a weeknight wonder! Easy vegan quinoa taco meat made entirely with pantry staples in 30 minutes or less.

Black Bean Quinoa Tacos – Plays Well with Butter

How to Make Ahead and Store

Leftover quinoa will keep well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Or, you can freeze it for up to three months. I like to make a big batch and portion the quinoa into freezer bags to have on hand for when I’m needing some cooked quinoa.

Quinoa FAQs

How much water do I use for 1 cup of quinoa?

While I generally use 1 cupquinoato 2 cups water for stove top quinoa, in the Instant Pot, that ratio drops down to only 1 ½ cups of water for every cup of quinoa.

How do you make quinoa?

Bring quinoa and water to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit 5 minutes before fluffing & serving. Or, try myInstant Pot Quinoafor an even simpler method!

What are the health benefits of quinoa?

Quinoa is a complete protein that’s loaded with essential amino acids. It also has a low glycemic index.

Do you need to rinse quinoa?

Yes. This gets rid of the quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. And although boxed quinoa is generally pre-rinsed, it doesn’t hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse. Just place it in afine mesh strainerand run it under water until the water is clear.

More Pantry Staple Recipes

Cannellini Bean Recipes
Chickpea Recipes
Lentil Recipes
Canned Chicken Recipes
Canned Salmon Recipes

Did you try this any of these vegetarian quinoa recipes?

If you loved these vegetarian quinoa recipes I would appreciate it so much if you would leave a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me onInstagram,TikTok,PinterestandFacebook.

30+ Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes

Here's 30+ delicious vegetarian quinoa recipes to try out! Quinoa is a gluten-free whole grain that is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. Try this Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup is not only amazingly delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, fiber and essential vitamins and antioxidants.

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil
½ medium onion (diced)
3 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
2 stalks celery (diced)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
4 cups bone broth (chicken broth or vegetable stock (use more for a more brothy soup))
1 15- ounce can chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
1 1/4 cup quinoa (uncooked, rinsed well in a fine mesh colander)
1 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 8- ounce can tomato sauce
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
Pinch red pepper flakes
2 cups fresh spinach (coarsely chopped)
1 ½ cups half and half (or heavy cream)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Heat oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Saute, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
Add stock, chickpeas, quinoa, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes.
When ready to serve, stir in spinach and cream. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Divide into bowls and top with grated Parmesan.

Notes

You can store this quinoa soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

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.

Read The Full Story ›

What pairs well with quinoa? ›

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).

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.

Get More Info Here ›

Why do I feel better after eating quinoa? ›

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.

Discover More Details ›

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.

Learn More Now ›

What protein goes well with quinoa? ›

Up the protein content even more by folding in some beans or lentils. A few mouthwatering combos to try: Mix a half cup each of cooked quinoa and chickpeas with a handful of halved grape tomatoes, some chopped cucumber, a few sliced olives, a sprinkle of feta cheese, a splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

Read On ›

What is the healthiest way to eat quinoa? ›

Toss it in salads.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.

See Details ›

Why do you soak quinoa in vinegar? ›

For people who still find quinoa difficult to digest, soaking your quinoa can help release the phytic acid (which binds to certain vitamins and minerals and keeps us from absorbing them) and activating phytase, the enzyme that helps us digest them. What you'll need: Quinoa. Lemon juice or white or apple cider vinegar.

See Details ›

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).

Know More ›

Is it better to soak quinoa before cooking? ›

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.

Find Out More ›

Should you stir quinoa while cooking? ›

Stay vigilant: Stir the grains constantly to avoid burning, watching for that perfect golden moment, around 6 to 8 minutes. Water is this grain's go-to companion, but other liquids–think low-sodium chicken, mushroom or vegetable broth–add flavor. Just keep the ratio 2 cups liquid to 1 cup quinoa.