15 quinoa recipes to suit every taste. Quinoa is a highly versatile, nutritious whole grain. Use quinoa in unexpected ways to enhance meals.
What do you know about quinoa? Let’s start with the basics– pronunciation. Pronounced “keen-wah,” this superfood is widely considered a grain, yet is technically a seed. It’s naturally gluten-free and high in protein. Rich in antioxidants, it’s anti-inflammatory and nutrient-dense. Using quinoa as a substitute for refined carbohydrates [white bread, flour, pasta, etc.] can also facilitate weight loss.
Read More »Most people consider quinoa to be a side dish, yet it is extremely versatile. It can be eaten hot or cold, and as a part of any meal or snack. The following recipes explore different ways to use quinoa in the kitchen.
1. Santa Fe Quinoa Salad
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Allow me a moment to travel down memory lane. A cultural immersion/community service trip I took to New Mexico in high school changed my life. I fell in love with the Southwest– especially the food. Seeing ‘Santa Fe’ stopped me dead in my tracks. All of the Southwestern staples are present for this sizzling quinoa dish.
2. Crispy Quinoa Sliders
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Who says quinoa can’t be a ‘burger?’ Make these patties and top with all the fixings of your choice. Oftentimes you hear about burgers and beer, but try quinoa sliders with a lively white wine.
3. Warm Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Grilled Chicken
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What stood out the most to me about this recipe is the unique combination of flavors. Choose between red or black quinoa, pair with carrots, chicken, cumin, garlic, and mint leaves. Mint leaves were an unexpected twist, but it works seamlessly.
4. Quinoa with Spice Roasted Shrimp and Pistou
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I felt like a little less of a foodie when I stumbled upon this recipe– what is pistou?! A Google search revealed to me that it was “sauce or paste made from crushed basil, garlic, and cheese.” This sounds familiar, though perhaps I didn’t know it’s proper name. Shrimp + pistou + quinoa = phenomenal.
5. Quinoa-Stuffed Poblanos with Grilled Romesco Sauce
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Poblanos stuffed with anything perks up my taste buds. I’m a Southern gal who was raised on spicy foods, so the heat of the poblanos combined with the health of quinoa spoke to my soul. As for the romaesco sauce, I could dip a piece of cardboard in it and still be satisfied. Truth be told, this is probably my favorite recipe from Food and Wine.
6. Golden Semolina Quinoa Spinach Cakes
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I love seeing quinoa used in unexpected ways. These hearty, bready, and cheesy cakes are decadent and do not disappoint. Spinach and quinoa working together feels like a superfood explosion.
7. Orange Pistachio Quinoa Salad
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Orange and pistachio intrigued me. What a way to top a salad! The recipe calls for romaine lettuce; however, I paired it with spinach. Use the greens of your choosing and and– if you aren’t an onion fan– consider leaving it out of the ingredient list.
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8. Quinoa-Pear Breakfast Bake
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Truth be told, I never even considered quinoa to be a breakfast food. How grateful I am that I get to try delectable recipes in the name of journalism. Don’t miss this one.
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9. Quinoa, Fresh Fig, and Honey-Balsamic Parfait
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Who would have thought to put quinoa in a parfait? Certainly not me– yet this totally works. Put a new spin on the traditional yogurt, berry, and granola parfait with this tasty trick.
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10. Skinny Quinoa Veggie Dip
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I continue to find new ways to incorporate quinoa into mealtime. Bonus points if the word ‘skinny’ is included in the title. Be sure to try this with celery or carrots instead of chips for maximum benefit..
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11. Apple-Cinnamon Quinoa Pancakes
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These pancakes passed the taste test for every member of our family. Apparently, we aren’t the only ones. Taste Of Home deemed this one of its Best-Loved Prize Winning Recipes– and with good reason.
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12. Chickpea Tortilla Soup
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Nothing beats this hearty soup. Between the quinoa, chickpeas, black beans, and veggies, this meal is satisfying and filling. Although it is perfect for a chilly day, it can easily work for any season.
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13. Pea Soup with Quinoa
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Finally– a way to use all those peas that often get forgotten in the deep freeze! Not only is it simple to make, it’s low in fat and high in fiber. When it comes to the finished product, my kids couldn’t stop raving about the rich green color.
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14. Turkey and Quinoa Meatballs
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This recipe provides an excellent alternative to meatballs made with red meat, as turkey is much better for you. If your kids aren’t jumping on the quinoa train, this is the perfect way to ‘sneak’ some grain into their food.
15. Mary’s Gone Crackers® Copycat
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Because we’re not huge fans of soy sauce in our house, we used Bragg’s Liquid Aminos instead. Three different types of seeds [chia, sesame, and flax] mix with quinoa and brown rice for one of the healthiest crackers ever. Snack without the guilt.
How do you prepare your quinoa? Have you added this mighty food to your regular rotation? Tell us down below!
