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!
I’m loving all of your recipes. Thank you for all of the inspiration.
Thank you for all of the wonderful recipes!! We have loved every one that we’ve tried!!
Thank you for all the nummy recipes I just love quinoa
4 star, trying to be more plant based. Delicious recipes.
I’m not a quinoa fan. What would be a good substitute?
Interesting, is it a digestion thing by chance? Or a taste issue?
Cannot wait to try these!
Yum! Can’t wait to try these recipes! They look fabulous! Thank you for sharing!
I love the nutty flavor of quinoa and can’t wait to try these recipes, especially the salads for the hot summer days ahead. I’ve loved all your many recipes I’ve tried. Your creations are an inspiration to get me in the kitchen! Thanks.
Love the variety of recipes. Love quinoa but years of cooking with other grains keeps me from using it as often as I should. The variety in these recipes is a big encouragement. Thanks!
These salads look so amazing – can’t wait to work through all the recipes this summer!
Cooking and recipe development are truly your gifts- thank you for sharing 🙌
Awesome Heather!
love the broccoli quinoa cakes…can’t wait to try the beet and bliss bowl…love your nutrition information
Great-looking recipes! I’ll join forward to trying some (maybe all!).
These look great!
Love your recipes. Can always count on them to be easy, nutritious, and healthy! I’m gluten and dairy free and have been able to modify all as needed easily. Yum.
Can’t wait to try those burgers! I’m ready for summer grilling. Thanks for all the great looking, mouth watering quinoa recipes.
Dear Sylvia, it is very hard to pick one favorite as we love everything you send us but we made the lemony chickpea quinoa salad. it was a big hit and easy to make. Both my husband and I love to be in the kitchen together making your recipes. YOU are the greatest! Sandy and Dan
You are sweet- thanks Sandy!
Love getting your recipes! I make somethg of yours every week! I cook & entertain a lot & proudy serve many of your recipes!
So many delicious recipes to try. I have my own mole I made and once my poblanos come on in my garden you know what I’ll be making!
Definitely more than a few I’d like to try. Quinoa is my go to breakfast w/ butter & brown sugar when I’m craving a hearty sweet treat.
Ooooooooh! love that idea~!
The blood orange salad is fantastic.
thanks Maureen!
Looking forward to trying some new ones from this recipe round up and revisiting some of my standby favorites.
Yay Jo- thanks!
Lemony quinoa and chickpea salad looks like a quick and delicious go to salad for the summer!
Baked Quinoa with Zucchini, Corn and feta, topped with a fresh Tomato Relish
That dish is revelation. Our family loved it and surly I will repeat many times as it is such a healthy, tasty dish and you can ring the changes by adding other veggies. Thank you Sylvia
Great to hear Nina!
Trying them all one by once- so far all so delicious
Thankyou
Awesome Louise!
Can’t WAIT to try these. I look forward to recipes in my inbox every Saturday so I can plan for the week ahead with them. Looks amazing!
thanks Lauren!