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!
They all look and sound delicious! Think I’ll try the Lemony Chickpea Salad first as I just got a big box of lemons from my brother. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes you share.
Love your recipes. My seasons are about front as I’m in Australia but still this is my go to site for inspiration in the kitchen.
I love Sylvia’s recipes. They are colorful, nourishing, healthy and bursting in flavors! The quinoa edition really speaks to my heart as I love eating quinoa and love to integrate it in everything.
Love these recipes! Making quinoa exciting again 🙂
So many delicious quinoa ideas to try, but definitely will be making the Moroccan lentil soup first. Looks so hearty and simple to make. Also, I recently discovered my love for red quinoa, and think it would be so good in the carrot almond salad.
Yes, I think that is what i use!
I love your recipes, quinoa is a firm favourite and you have supplied a lovely medley to try. Loving it! From Australia
Thank you so much for these healthy quinoa receipts
Not too complex and using panty ingredients
We are at the commencement of Winter here in Australia and in lockdown at present so I have the opportunity and time to cook and try your beautiful receipts. Once again many thanks for your inspiring recipes each week
When we were in Myanmar we saw quinoa growing in fields. It’s a beautiful plant! I finally got my husband to enjoy it and I’m always looking for more wood quinoa recipes. Thanks so much.
Wow, I bet that was a beautiful sight!
Really enjoyed the baked Quinoa and stuffed peppers.
So many new ideas for the quintessential quinoa bowl and beyond! I am excited to try the takes on tabbouleh and the Peruvian Burrito. Thank you, Sylvia!
thanks so much Michelle ❤️
Thank you for sharing inspirational, fresh, and delicious recipes! I don’t know which one to make first- the Broccoli Quinoa Cakes or the baked quinoa with corn, zucchini, feta & fresh tomato relish!
Can’t wait to try some of these! Even more pleased that I have made some of these already!
I’m usually not much of a quinoa fan but that stuffed poblano and burger look amazing. Going to have to try those! 🙂
Give them a try!
Thanks for this, Sylvia!! I love Quinoa. And my favorite is topped with spicy italian meatballs and parsley. YUM!
that sounds so tasty!
I very much enjoy receiving your newsletters – they’re very well created and the photography is beautiful.
I’m very much looking forward to cooking your Tandori Chicken recipe with the baked quinoa this week!
Warmest,
Gail x
thanks Gail ❤️
Looking forward to trying a few of these this summer! Your site has become such a reliable source for new cooking inspiration. Thanks for sharing so many wonderful recipes!
The Broccoli Quinoa cakes are stellar! Love the crispy outer texture, and the sauce pairs perfectly! I made extra to freeze but they never made it to the freezer, BAHHHH! Keep doing what you do please!
thanks so much ❤️
Wow, can’t wait to try the different recipes with quinoa, especially the mole sauce.
How does one choose? Here in Vancouver, to neighbour in Spokane, I thank you for this selection of great recipes!!! Love quinoa!
So many wonderful recipes – making Lemony Chicken Arugula Quinoa tonight!
Can’t wait to try some of these with the red quinoa I just received from Rancho Gordo
Ohhh love Rancho Gordo- will have to get some!
I love so many quinoa recipes, can’t pick just one!
Love these recipes especially the baked quinoa
All the way in Australia we do not cook from any other website now! Can’t wait to try some of these quinoa recipes they look as yummy as everything else we have tried from your site
Thanks Laura~!
These all look so great!