Tweet ThisQuinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a delicious and nutritious gluten-free grain that is a dietary staple in many parts of the world and growing in popularity in the United States because of its versatility. Sometimes referred to as an “ancient grain”, quinoa was first cultivated over 5,000 years ago in South America, and while many varieties exist, the most commonly found versions available in grocery stores are red, white, and black quinoa.
Quinoa is lower in carbohydrates than many other grains while providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it is also considered a complete protein, which makes it an ideal ingredient for many vegetarian or vegan dishes.
Enjoy some fabulous quinoa recipes!
Here’s a fun food fact you might not have known: NASA proposed quinoa as an ideal food for long duration space flights! So, whether you’re heading to the moon or playground down the street, fuel up on some of these fabulous quinoa recipes to keep you energized and feeling your best!
Here are some of our favorite quinoa recipes, many of which will allow you to easily substitute a bag of Tommy’s Fiesta Quinoa.
Quinoa Rice Krispie Treats
Get the recipe on How Sweet It Is
Here’s a grown-up version of this favorite treat: Toasted marshmallows, browned butter, cashew butter, brown rice, toasted quinoa, cranberries and pepitas. Sharing with the kids is optional!
Baked Breakfast Quinoa with Plums and Pistachios
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You’ll love the crunch of baked quinoa, and this recipe fold it into the soft sweetness of baked fruit with a nice amount of cinnamon spice. Perfect for a cold winter morning.
Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
Get the recipe on Skinny Taste
This breakfast bowl has plenty of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients and fiber. These are super easy to make and a great way to your daily servings of fruit. This is a good one to make ahead of time when you need a grab-n-go breakfast or snack.
Cucumber Mint Quinoa Salad
Get the recipe on Simply Recipes
Cooked red quinoa tossed with chopped fresh cucumbers and mint, and dressed with seasoned rice vinegar is refreshing any time of the year. You can make the recipe more substantial by adding chopped avocado to it.
Strawberry Arugula Quinoa Salad
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So many layers of flavor in this summer salad! Nutty quinoa, zesty orange vinaigrette, peppery arugula, and crunchy almonds with chunks of ripe strawberries make this a mealtime favorite.
Egg and Quinoa Salad Jars
Get the recipe on Skinny Taste
This protein-packed salad in made with quinoa, lentils, grape tomatoes, arugula, avocado and hard boiled eggs. It’s perfect for work or anytime you need a portable lunch on-the-go!
Sundried Tomato, Spinach and Quinoa Salad
Get the recipe on Cookie + Kate
This vegan and gluten-free salad is full of delicious Mediterranean flavors: lemon, sun-dried tomatoes and toasted almonds! Swap the spinach for mixed greens if you prefer.
Zucchini Quinoa Dill Bisque
Get the recipe on Serious Eats
Containing nothing more than zucchini, quinoa, onions, dill and chicken stock (for which you can substitute a vegetarian stock), this soup is both light and filling.
Summer BBQ Quinoa Salad
Get the recipe on How Sweet It Is
This recipe performs double, and even triple duty in the leftovers department. In addition to serving it hot, you can also serve it cold or at room temperature, and you could use it as a filling for tacos or wraps.
Shaved Asparagus & Quinoa Salad
Get the recipe on Cookie + Kate
When asparagus is sliced super thin, it doesn’t need to be steamed. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and parmesan and pine nuts savory notes that can easily turn this from a side dish to a main meal.
Superfood Quinoa Soup
Get the recipe on Damn Delicious
This soup is packed with all sorts of delicious vegetables, and you can easily swap ingredients so it’s also a great way to clean out the fridge and cut down on food waste!
Tomato, Kale and Quinoa Soup
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Cooking soup in a crockpot is perfect for when you want a healthy, delicious meal, but aren’t going to have much preparation time. Put everything in the pot earlier in the day, and by dinner-time your meal is ready!
Quinoa Succotash
Get the recipe on Simply Recipes
Succotash is boiled corn and shell beans, so with this recipe, you cook all the ingredients together to enhance the flavors. Replace the bacon fat or butter with your favorite alternative for a vegan option.
Vegan Curried Quinoa
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This perfect weeknight dinner features curried quinoa with caramelized broccoli and cauliflower. It’s high-protein and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Make extra for lunch the next day!
Quinoa Pilaf
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Feel free to improvise a bit with the add-ins in the last step! You can easily go with parsley, green onions, chopped fresh red bell pepper.
Southwestern Black Bean, Quinoa and Mango Medley
Get the recipe on Skinny Taste
This delicious combination is perfect for an easy lunch or for a Meatless Mondays dish! The flavors in this one are even better the next day, so make plenty so you can have leftovers.
Quinoa con Queso
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It’s super easy to add more vegetables to this dish, sauteed chopped zucchini and /or diced and cooked potatoes would be delicious.
Broccoli, Cheddar & Quinoa Gratin
Get the recipe on Cookie + Kate
This healthy casserole features roasted broccoli, cheddar cheese, creamy quinoa and garlicky whole grain bread crumbs. It’ll warm you up with damaging your waistline!
Quinoa Brussels Sprouts Gratin
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Roasted brussels sprouts and quinoa make for a healthier option to the standard gratin recipe. If you want to go gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread to make the bread crumbs.
Garlic Mushroom Quinoa
Get the recipe on Damn Delicious
If you love mushrooms, this dish is for you! Simply add mushrooms, garlic and thyme to quinoa and you have an amazing side dish. Get creative with the mushroom varieties you use for different flavors and textures.
Pretzel Bread Quinoa Stuffing
Get the recipe on How Sweet It Is
This savory stuffing is designed as a side-dish to accompany a full meal (think roasted chicken or turkey) but it also makes a delicious base for breakfast with a fried egg on top – so you’ll find easy use for any leftovers.
Quinoa Enchilada Bake
Get the recipe on Skinny Taste
Here’s another great Meatless Monday recipe everyone will love. Quinoa, black beans, corn, cilantro and green chiles covered in cheesy goodness with avocado, cilantro and scallions. You can make this one as spicy or as mild as you prefer!
Healthy Salmon Quinoa Burgers
Get the recipe on Skinny Taste
These burgers are super healthy and loaded with omegas and protein. They’re also outrageously delicious and simple to make. Skip the burger bun and serve them on a mixed greens salad for an extra boost of veggies.
Scallops with Harissa Quinoa Kale and Pistachios
Get the recipe on Serious Eats
Scallops can be served with a variety of accompaniments, and nutty quinoa makes for a filling and savory base. Harissa adds flavor and spice to the dish, and pistachios a satisfying crunch.
Quinoa with Shrimp and Chickpeas
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Harissa is a North African spice blend that features cumin, coriander, hot chilies, and shallots. It’s the perfect seasoning for quinoa and shrimp, and you can adjust the amount depending on how much spice you like.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Get the recipe on Serious Eats
This meatless version of stuffed peppers can be made vegan by using a butter alternative. The stuffing is steamed quinoa mixed with sweet caramelized onions, yellow raisins, and kale. Filly, yet light and nutritious.
Asian Quinoa Meatballs
Get the recipe on Damn Delicious
Quinoa is a great substitute for all or a portion of the meat in meatball. In addition to providing an excellent source of protein, it also has less calories and fat.
Quinoa Chicken Parmesan
Get the recipe on Damn Delicious
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or alternative version for traditional bread crumbs, give this crisp quinoa crust at try – it gives your chicken or eggplant parmesan an innovative twist.
Chicken Quinoa Chili
Get the recipe on How Sweet It Is
Need a hearty chili for a potluck or game night? This one features chicken, beans and quinoa but you can easily substitute your favorite vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Don’t forget to serve with some of your favorite tortilla chips!
Curried Coconut Quinoa and Cauliflower
Get the recipe on Cookie + Kate
This delicious gluten-free and vegan meal features quinoa cooked in coconut milk with spicy Indian flavors, mixed with greens and topped with roasted cauliflower.
Are you hungry, yet?
If you’re looking for a healthy, versatile grain,quinoa can’t be beat! Once you try some of these quinoa recipes, let us know what you think. And don’t forget to share with us your favorite quinoa recipes by posting in the comments or on social media. Happy cooking!
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