Quinoa is one of the best new ingredients I’ve just started cooking with. If you love quinoa or are looking for some healthy recipes ideas with it, try these awesome ideas for lunch, dinner, side dish or a quick snack.
1. 5 Ingredient Quinoa Superfood Breakfast Bowl
tworaspberries
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (1) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Do you want a super fast, super food breakfast or snack for the rest of the week? Well, cook quinoa, add your favorite fruits, add some peanut butter and top it off with almond milk. You are all set! This 5-ingredient quinoa super food breakfast is vegan and gluten-free, you will definitely stock up for the whole week.
2. Chicken Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl
spinach4breakfast
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (2) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (2)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
I super love chicken and I am certain I could eat them every day! So, I came across Spinach For Breakfast and they have this most amazing recipe on Chicken Teriyaki Quinoa. What I really liked a was the skinny version of the traditional teriyaki sauce. I tell you, the taste is just so divine!
3. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
foodiecrush
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (3) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (3)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Even though I love my proteins, sometimes I like to indulge on vegetarian salad once in a while. What makes it more healthy is the addition of quinoa. Whether its lunch or dinner, you can make this salad a staple in your fridge.
4. One Pan Mexican Quinoa
healthy-liv
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (4) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (4)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Quinoa is such a versatile ingredient and when I found out there’s actually a recipe for Mexican Quinoa that does not involve chopping or sautéing, no cutting boards or mixing bowls to wash, I was super excited to try it for myself. This One Pan Mexican Quinoa lets you dump everything in a pan, leave it to cool and then enjoy! Head on over to Healthy Liv to learn more.
5. Chicken Broccoli Quinoa Skillet
aspicyperspective
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (5) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (5)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Here’s a one-pot dinner that you and your family will surely love. If you have leftover chicken, all you have to do is add in veggies and of course, my new favorite superfood – quinoa and you will end up with a meal that’sgluten-free, low fat, high protein, and perfect for clean-eating.
6. Detox Quinoa Salad
chelseasmessyapron
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (6) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (6)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Another healthy recipe for detox week. We all know quinoa is exceptionally healthy and really good for you. Now, combine it with a veggie salad and other healthy ingredients. The result? A delicious and healthy quinoa recipe that’s super easy to make, it will make you want to join the quinoa bandwagon.
7. Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa
juliasalbum
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (7) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (7)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
I love this recipe of quinoa and mushrooms simply because I love side dishes! And I have found the perfect one. The dish is actually Mediterranean and can also be a meatless entree. It’s an easy side dish recipe made with spinach, mushrooms, quinoa and garlic. Just four ingredients but it’s packed with flavor, you’ll definitely ask for seconds.
8. Moroccan Quinoa Power Salad
letsdishrecipes
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (8) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (8)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
There’s a lot of quinoa salad variations and this one from Let’s Dish Recipes is actually one of my favorite in the list. It is a hearty grain salad packed with proteins, vegetables and sweet dried fruits. Indeed, a power salad that’s a great side or light lunch any time of the week!
9. Curried Quinoa Vegetable Stew
theendlessmeal
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (9) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (9)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Craving for a vegan-stew recipe? I bet this curried vegetable stew with quinoa would taste divine. It is hearty and perfect for a cold winter day. Loaded with veggies, quinoa and black beans, this simple dish has tons of flavor. You would definitely add it to your regular dinner rotation.
10. Quinoa Veggie Burgers
jessicainthekitchen
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (10) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (10)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Want a burger minus the guilt? Well, if you answered yes, you better try this veggie burger from Jessica in the Kitchen called Sun-dried Tomato and Mozzarella Quinoa Veggie Burgers. She also did another technique with cooking quinoa. Instead of boiling it with water, she used broth and it made all the difference. Can’t wait for the weekend to try these babies out!
11. Easy Quinoa Fried Rice
cookinglsl
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (11) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (11)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
12. Risotto Quinoa
beautybites
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (12) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (12)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
13. Cheesy Quinoa Sausage Broccoli Casserole
thechunkychef
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (13) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (13)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
14. Quinoa Taco Salad
fannetasticfood
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (14) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (14)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
15. Quinoa Avocado Spinach Power Salad
thegardengrazer
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (15) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (15)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
16. Cilantro Lime Quinoa
bitesofflavor
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (16) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (16)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
17. Vegetarian Lentil Quinoa Meatballs
alisonsallspice
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (17) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (17)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
18. Black Bean and Quinoa Chili Bowl
bankhealthy
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (18) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (18)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
19. Cajun Shrimp Quinoa Casserole
thisgalcooks
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (19) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (19)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
20. Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables
thefoodiephysician
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (20) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (20)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
21. Tofu Mushroom Quinoa Scramble
kiipfit
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (21) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (21)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
22. Coconut Turmeric Quinoa with Cashews
mysequinedlife
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (22) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (22)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
23. Healthy Quinoa Brownies
choosingchia
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (23) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (23)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
24. 5-ingredient Broccoli + Quinoa Mac and Cheese
simplyquinoa
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (24) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (24)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
25. Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
onesweetmess
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (25) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (25)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
26. Salmon Quinoa Patties
bobbiskozykitchen
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (26) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (26)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
27. Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Poblano Peppers
alisonsallspice
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (27) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (27)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
28. Sweet Potato Quinoa Muffins
ilonaspassion
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (28) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (28)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
29. Herbed Quinoa & Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
cookieandkate
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (29) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (29)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
30. Thin and Crispy Quinoa Crust Pizza
queenofmykitchen
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (30) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (30)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
31. Mexican Black Bean Quinoa Soup
wholesomelicious
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (31) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (31)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
32. Taco Zucchini Quinoa Casserole
ilonaspassion
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (32) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (32)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
33. Loaded Greek Quinoa Salad
halfbakedharvest
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (33) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (33)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
34. Sweet Pineapple Chicken Quinoa Salad
layersofhappiness
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (34) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (34)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
35. Chicken & Quinoa Burrito Bowls with Spicy Green Sauce
onceuponachef
![35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (35) 35 Quinoa Recipes To Make Healthy Meals Exciting (35)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
FAQs
Serving suggestions: I love to stir a drizzle of olive oil and clove of garlic into warm quinoa for extra flavor. Other options include chopped fresh spinach or arugula, or massaged kale. Fresh herbs and/or dried spices are nice, as well as grated or crumbled cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pitted and sliced olives, etc.
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.
Can I eat quinoa everyday? ›
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.
How many cups of quinoa should you eat a day? ›
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.
How do you spruce up cooked quinoa? ›
If you're serving it as a simple side, season it first. At the very least, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. To kick it up another notch, stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese, or use it in one of the quinoa recipes below!
How do you season quinoa so it tastes good? ›
Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a nice savory note to quinoa. You can also use a bit of minced fresh garlic. Dried oregano: Oregano adds a nuance of flavor and a Mediterranean flair. Kosher salt : One of the biggest mistakes people make with quinoa: they don't add enough salt!
Does quinoa burn 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.
Is quinoa a carb or protein? ›
Quinoa is considered a carbohydrate because it contains many carbs per serving. Although it contains some protein, the macronutrient distribution is closer to what you find in other grains and starches.
Is quinoa actually healthier than rice? ›
Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice. Unlike rice, quinoa fibers help to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Unlike rice, quinoa reduces your blood fat levels after a meal called triglycerides. Quinoa has a higher amount of all essential amino acids.
Is quinoa an anti inflammatory food? ›
Quinoa (kiːnwɑː)
With its mild nutty flavor, this edible seed packs a powerful nutrition punch, containing anywhere from 17-27 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein per cup cooked. Quinoa is also considered to be a whole grain, gluten free and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
A study by the Harvard Public School of Health stated that eating a bowl of quinoa daily may reduce the chances of early death risk from cancer, heart disease, respiratory ailments, diabetes, and other chronic diseases by 17%.
Is quinoa better for breakfast or dinner? ›
Quinoa is easy to make, and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Quinoa can be found everywhere now, and takes about half the time to cook that does rice. Its grains are slightly nutty in taste and become fluffy with a small tail when cooked.
Why is quinoa so expensive? ›
While the cost of planting and sowing quinoa is not that expensive, the bulk of the cost for good quality quinoa goes into removing saponin, which is a toxic layer that protects the grain and gives it a very bitter taste.
What to eat 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 good for your hair? ›
Just like in the case of skin, quinoa helps in promoting hair health too. The protein in quinoa nourishes and protects hair follicles from its root. In fact, the hydrolyzed protein extracted from this whole grain is a major ingredient in various hair products.
How do you make quinoa not taste bad? ›
The outer cover of quinoa tastes bitter and hence first make sure to rinse it in water well for three four times. And the ratio of quinoa to water is 1:2 while cooking. Once you are done rinsing, measure quinoa and add twice the amount of water to it and let it cook for exactly 20 minutes.
How do you make quinoa not gross? ›
Unless you prefer the more pronounced, earthier taste of the seed, I recommend giving it a quick rinse under cool running water, which gets rid of its natural coating that can cause a bitter taste. Even if the box says it is pre-washed, I find it doesn't hurt to give the quinoa another rinse.
How do you soak quinoa to get the bitterness out of it? ›
Soak or rinse the quinoa first.
Soaking quinoa in water may help to lower its phytic acid content, and at the same time, it may also help to remove the saponin found in its natural coating. (This can give quinoa a bitter taste.)
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.