Quinoa is protein packed and so versatile! Check out these 24 easy quinoa recipes to get some great ideas for how to use it!
Some may call quinoa a fad food like kale, but it’s a delicious and healthy staple in our pantry. (So is kale, for that matter.)
Quinoa is a good source of plant-based protein and is naturally gluten-free. Try it as a side dish, along with vegetables. It’s more protein-packed than rice (1 cup quinoa contains over 8 grams of protein, whereas brown rice only contains 5 grams) and can be flavored in many of the same ways.
We eat it often in soups, salads, and all the usual places you’d find quinoa. But our favorite are quinoa pancakes. They’re the best — and a protein packed breakfast. I try to always have cooked quinoa in the freezer on hand for some quick meals.
Quinoa Facts
- One cup of cooked quinoa contains over 8 grams of protein and over 5 grams of fiber.
- Quinoa also contains antioxidants, vitamin E, lysine, and a variety of amino acids. Read more about the health benefits of quinoa (Healthline).
- There are many types of quinoa – you’ll see red, white, and black. You may also see a tricolor variety in stores.
Basic Quinoa Cooking Tips
- Always rinse quinoa before cooking. Quinoa is coated in a naturally occurring chemical called saponin. Some brands will be labeled pre-washed, in which case you can likely skip this step.
- While cooking, expect quinoa to expand 3 times in size. 1 cup of uncooked quinoa will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa.
- When cooking, use the ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. So if you’re cooking a cup of quinoa, you’ll need two cups of water.
Enjoy this list! What is your favorite use for quinoa?
24 Easy Quinoa Recipes
Learn how to make easy Instant Pot quinoa. You will love this nearly hands-off method of cooking quinoa if you’re a pressure cooker user. Try it today!
Can you freeze cooked quinoa? Short answer: YES. Read on to find out more about how and why you should freeze cooked quinoa.
The quinoa in this vegetarian quinoa chili provides a meaty texture, without the meat. It’s easy to make, healthy and oh so satisfying.
You’ll discover a myriad of exciting flavors and textures in this quinoa chickpea salad with candied pepitas, blackberries, apricots, and feta cheese.
Roasted carrot, portobello, quinoa, and black bean vegetarian tacos are hearty, flavorful, and have lots of protein (add cheese if you’re not vegan).
This quinoa bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep days – you’ll love lunching on this all week! It’s healthy, delicious, and versatile.
Full of the goodness of fall, stuffed butternut squash is a noteworthy meal and super nutritious!
Filling and flavorful, this kale sweet potato salad is filled with southwestern flavors and nutritious ingredients! It’s great for meal prepping and healthy eating all week long.
You’ll love the crisp Brussels sprouts shredded into this exciting vegan quinoa salad with dried apricots, sunflower seeds, and pepitas, The homemade vinaigrette is fabulous!
A complete meal that’s made in one pot and is ready in 30 minutes, healthy, and full of flavor — this Instant Pot chicken is a weeknight lifesaver!
This slow cooker minestrone soup is filled with fresh veggies and quinoa – healthy, delicious and it cooks practically on its own!
Start your day right with quinoa pancakes, an easy pancake recipe made with quinoa for extra protein and nutrition.
A healthy, filling vegan version of popular Bolognese sauce using lentils and quinoa for a meaty texture. Even my meat-loving husband loves this vegan Bolognese!
These southwestern stuffed peppers with chicken and quinoa are healthy, hearty, and so delicious!
You’ll love this heart-healthy Italian Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf! You might never go back to using breadcrumbs.
Made in one pan and largely hands-off, this chicken Caprese quinoa bake is a vibrant taste of summer with very little work!
Looking for a filling and nutritious breakfast but slightly bored with oatmeal? You’ll love this protein-packed breakfast quinoa! Have fun with toppings!
This flavorful quinoa and wheat berry salad is packed full of healthy grains, vegetables, and chewy dried cranberries to liven things up. You’ll love the dressing!
Easy to make in one pan, this green chile chicken quinoa casserole is a healthy, filling, and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Chicken and black beans make this Southwestern Quinoa Bowl an incredibly filling and healthy lunch or dinner. It’s ideal if you do meal prepping!
One pan quinoa with ground turkey, kale, mushroom and tomatoes – a great clean-out the fridge meal!
This slow cooker creamy chicken soup is healthy, hearty, and so very easy to make. You’ll love its fall flavors and nutritious ingredients.
This creamy turkey soup with quinoa is easy to make and is a healthy and hearty way to repurpose leftover turkey or chicken.
This quinoa salad will be your new go-to summer salad. Sweet grapes, crunchy celery, with fresh orange zest and juice to liven things up.
