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 recipes will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied!
20 Simple, Healthy Quinoa Recipes
One of our go-to healthy staples around here is Quinoa –a mighty 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, this Everyday 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 this Lemony Chickpea Quinoa Salad! It’s made with cucumber, tomato, dill, parsley and the most flavorful Preserved 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
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.
Peruvian Burritos with Quinoa & Aji Verde Sauce (Vegan!)
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 Corn, Zucchini, Feta & Fresh Tomato Relish
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
Kale & Quinoa Salad 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 Salad
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
A hearty, protein-packed, Chicken Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas, tomatoes, fresh herbs, arugula and lemon zest that can be made ahead!
Can’t wait to try ALL of these recipes! You have the most fabulous recipes out there! I look forward to my emails. We just planted our garden and our peppers are starting to grow! They are sooo cute 🤩 everything is flourishing 🌱
That is awesome Misty!
I love quinoa, but my family just rolls their eyes when I make it! I make it anyway, lol! Love all your recipes, can’t wait to try a few of these.
trying the holiday crunch salad and the breakfast grain bow next week! can’t wait!
So many excellent recipes for the summer produce season! I am excited for farmers markets, my CSA and my backyard salsa garden to start producing. I love quinoa and I’m excited to try the baked quinoa with corn, zucchini and feta, the quinoa and chickpea burgers, and the Peruvian burritos.
As a diabetic on restricted calories,I love that most of your recipes allow me to eat well and not miss out on flavour.
I’ll be making the Baked Quinoa,Corn,and Zucchin dish tomorrow.I can’t believe I have all the ingredients in the fridge!
Quinoa with preserved lemons! Unbelievable!
Can’t wait to make the Lemony Chicken Arugula Quinoa Salad for my Foreign Film night with lady friends. We love having different recipes!
All of these recipes and photographs look so delicious. Going to have the chickpea quinoa veggie burgers for tea.
Awesome 🙌
Sylvia, you have made me look like the worlds best home cook. Your recipes are always fantastic and perfectly detailed. Every time I announce that we’re trying a new recipe, my husband now says “Is it by our favorite chef?” (Meaning you). And when I tell him it is he says, “Oooh, I can’t wait to try it!”
Thanks so much for your unbelievable generosity in sharing your work with the world. It’s truly such a gift. 💗
Awww that is so sweet- thanks Laura, appreciate this! ❤️
I just have not been able to love quinoa but the broccoli quinoa cakes and the burgers might just do the trick.love your recipes!
Appreciate YOU, Sylvia! Today, we’re having a go with the Chickpea Quinoa Veggie Burger (looks delectable) and the Cucumber Salad ~ sure to be refreshing as we take in nature by picnic in the fiery 90° weather. 😉
Perfect Catherine!
We love our quinoa, great to have new recipes!
I have to say that this is best recipe food site I have found. It hits everything from flavour to consistency to uniqueness. Just amazing
Awww thanks so much ❤️
Everything looks so good! I’ve made the arugula citrus salad and subbed tofu for chicken. It was perfect!
Great to hear Megan!
The way food is meant to be. Fresh, brilliant, and health filled. Bon Appetit!
I can’t wait to try several of these recipes. Especially the dark molé sauce!
All of these look amazing! Thank you!
These recipes look so delicious and beautiful. I can’t wait to try them all! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for all the ideas. I love quinoa
Overwhelmed with the gorgeous quinoa powered choices, but the quinoa veggie burgers are perfect for the whole family – vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike!
Yes 🙌
Thank you so much for sharing these great quinoa recipes. I’ve been trying to incorporate more quinoa into my menu ideas. These recipes look so tasty! I’m going to make the broccoli quinoa cakes this week. I also want to try the breakfast bowl recipe because I’m always looking for healthy options for morning meals.
Perfect Karen!
I can’t wait to try the quinoa chickpea burgers. This looks light and refreshing for the heatwave we are having! Thanks for sharing, Sylvia!
These really are the best quinoa recipes. Thank you always and forever for your work. I’m usually a cast iron gal for almost everything but I would love to try something new. Cheers!
Quinoa is a lifesaver for Vegans and my favorite recipe of yours is the Crispy Vegan Quinoa Cakes with the Tomato Chickpea relish.
I smiled at your post about planting a garden for the wildlife. I do the same!
I love your “blog” and I look forward to getting your emails “What to Cook…”
Thank You!
Thanks Sharon!