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 makes quinoa taste better? ›

Strong flavors like onions or spices work too. In a soup, you can add spices and other flavors like celery, carrot, etc. We make an amazing fried quinoa recipe that includes lots of green and white onions, which covers up the flavor of the quinoa. It tastes much better than if we'd cooked it in plain water.

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.

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).

Is 2 cups of quinoa too much? ›

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.

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.

Why do I feel good after eating quinoa? ›

Quinoa is a good source of a number of important nutrients, including folate, magnesium, zinc, and iron. It's also rich in fiber and protein, nutrients that play an important role in helping you feel full ( 5 ).

What happens if you don't rinse quinoa first? ›

Some people are particularly sensitive to saponins, which is why unrinsed cooked quinoa has a reputation for tasting bitter. However, most quinoa that is sold in packages has been "pre-rinsed," which means the saponins have been removed and rinsing isn't necessary.

Do you rinse quinoa in cold or hot water? ›

In a fine-mesh strainer: Pour the quinoa into a strainer with holes small enough that the tiny grains won't slip through. Place it under the faucet and rinse it under cold water for about 1 minute, shaking the strainer occasionally or stirring the quinoa with your fingers.

Is quinoa good for the gut? ›

Studies suggest quinoa may improve gut health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory symptoms of conditions like colitis. Acting as a prebiotic, quinoa supplies the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

Does quinoa help lose belly fat? ›

It is very healthy due to its plant chemical contents that cause the secretion of appetite-suppressing hormones that curb your appetite. 25. 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.

Does quinoa make you gassy? ›

High fiber

One possible reason behind this digestive distress? Quinoa has nearly double the fiber of most grains. If your body isn't used to consuming a ton of fiber, and suddenly you double down on a quinoa salad, it could definitely throw you for a loop … and lead to diarrhea, gas, bloating, and discomfort.

Does quinoa spike blood sugar? ›

Quinoa has a glycemic index of around 53, meaning it won't cause as dramatic a spike in blood sugar. This is because it contains fiber and protein, both of which slow the digestion process. Most grains don't have all the amino acids needed to make a protein.

What can I add to quinoa to make it tastier? ›

13 Ways To Add More Flavor To Quinoa
  1. Cook it in broth instead of water. ...
  2. Dress it with a vinaigrette. ...
  3. Mix cooked quinoa with caramelized onions. ...
  4. Infuse it with dried fruit and fruit scraps. ...
  5. Add oil and salt to cooked quinoa. ...
  6. Toast uncooked quinoa. ...
  7. Don't skimp on the garlic. ...
  8. Season your water with spices.
Jul 21, 2023

How do you make quinoa easier to digest? ›

If quinoa gives you digestive distress …

Cover and let sit. You can do this in the morning before you go about your day, and it will be ready for you to cook in the evening. Then drain it, wash it and cook it. Just reduce the boiling water to 1½ cups, since the quinoa will already have soaked in some liquid.

What are the pros and cons of quinoa? ›

While quinoa is an excellent source of fiber, most of the fiber found in this seed is actually insoluble. Consuming too much fiber can lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, or dehydration among other symptoms.

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