Hearty and Healthy: 50 Quinoa Recipes for Every Meal (2024)

One of the world’s most popular superfoods, quinoa is a staple for health fanatics and has made its way into mainstream diets. It’s packed with nutritious vitamins and minerals, and is the perfect alternative for anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to eat gluten. It’s easy to cook and to cook with, allowing you to whip up extremely versatile plates! From nutritious breakfasts to hearty dinners and yummy snacks, you’re going to love this round up of delicious quinoa recipes!

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a gluten-free, high protein, mineral-rich grain. It’s known as a super grain, and has become one of the most popular health foods of modern day. It’s a healthier alternative to white rice and pasta, so is ideal for those who are allergic to gluten or gluten intolerant. It’s also an amazing food for vegans and vegetarians as it’s a plant based protein. Although quinoa acts as a whole grain in cooking, it’s a seed from a plant called goosefoot, which is related to beets and spinach. It’s high in vitamins and minerals, as well as important antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

1. Rich in Protein and Fibre
Quinoa is an amazing source of both protein and fibre. It’s one of the only plant-based proteins that contains all nine essential amino acids, so is referred to as a complete protein. It has more and better proteins than most grains and is ideal for those who need protein from plant-based sources.

Quinoa is also very high in fibre, having almost twice as much fibre as most other grains. Fibre is known to reduce constipation, as well as prevent heart disease by lowering high blood pressure and diabetes. Fibre can also help with weight loss by increasing fullness and making you less likely to snack mindlessly.

2. Contains Iron
Iron is an important component of healthy blood and brain function. It carries oxygen from one cell to another and supplies oxygen to our muscles. Iron also boosts brain function as the brain takes in about 20% of our blood oxygen. Iron also helps with the regulation of body temperature, enzyme activity and energy metabolism, so is an important mineral for our bodies.

3. Weight Loss
Quinoa can aid in weight loss by boosting your metabolism and decreasing appetite. You can thank its protein content for both of these things! Its high fibre content also helps with weight loss as it makes you feel full for longer, reducing your risk of snacking and making you eat fewer calories overall. Quinoa also has a low glycemic index, which has also been linked to reduced calorie intake.

4. It Has Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Quinoa can help reduce the risk of chronic inflammation in the body. It helps promote friendly bacteria in the gut, which prevents inflammation and disease. Quinoa is known to contain many anti-inflammatory nutrients including vitamin E, phenolic acids, and heart healthy omega-3 acids.

How to Cook With Quinoa

There are plenty of ways to cook with quinoa. It’s easy to make and extremely versatile, making it one of the best bases for plenty of dishes. You can use it as a substitute in your favourite rice and pasta dishes, or as the base of a healthy, filling salad or bowl. Use it in a casserole or to stuff bell peppers, in rice noodle spring rolls or as a side for your favourite salmon or chicken dish. You can also make quinoa burgers, quinoa tacos or add it to a soup. Have it for breakfast by making quinoa bites, a quinoa breakfast bowl or a quinoa scramble. As you can see, there are lots of ways to cook with quinoa. Check out our favourite recipes below!

10 Breakfast Quinoa Recipes

1. Quinoa Berry Bowl | The Food Network
2. Breakfast Quinoa with Blueberries and Bananas | 31 Daily
3. Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa | Simply Quinoa
4. Spiced Chai Breakfast Quinoa | According to Elle
5. Quinoa Banana Skillet Bake | Edible Perspective
6. Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa Smoothie Bowl | Food Faith Fitness
7. Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Quinoa | Once Upon a Cutting Board
8. Strawberry Coconut Overnight Quinoa | Simply Quinoa
9. Strawberry Quinoa Pancakes | Recipe Runner
10. Zucchini Bread Quinoa Breakfast Cookies | Simply Quinoa

10 Lunch Quinoa Recipes

1. Thai Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Vinaigrette | Once Upon a Chef
2. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl | Chatelaine
3. One Pan Mexican Quinoa | Damn Delicious
4. Quinoa Sushi | The Food Network
5. Chicken Quinoa Soup | Fit Foodie Finds
6. Lentil Quinoa Bowl | Running on Real Food
7. Sesame Ginger Beet Quinoa Bowl | Chatelaine
8. Chicken Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl | Spinach 4 Breakfast
9. Detox Quinoa Salad | Chelsea’s Messy Apron
10. Quinoa Minestrone Soup | Chatelaine

10 Dinner Quinoa Recipes

1. Black Bean and Corn Quinoa | Taste of Home
2. Quinoa with Lemon, Shallots and Herbs | Feasting at Home
3. One Pot Tandoori Quinoa | Yup It’s Vegan
4. Baked Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables | Chatelaine
5. Quinoa with Shiitakes and Snow Peas | The Food Network
6. Curry Spiced Quinoa | Dietician Debbie
7. Quinoa Fried Rice | Family Food on the Table
8. Sausage, Kale and Sweet Potato Quinoa | Evolving Table
9. Cashew Chicken Quinoa Bake | Fit Foodie Finds
10. Chicken Fried Quinoa | The Food Network

10 Snack Quinoa Recipes

1. Peanut Butter Seed Bars | Chatelaine
2. Crispy Quinoa Patties | Feel Good Foodie
3. Chocolate Quinoa Crunch Bites | Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen
4. Cheesy Quinoa Bites | So Very Blessed
5. Quinoa Peanut Butter Snack Balls | Yummly
6. Quinoa Oat Bites | Grain Crazy
7. Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Cups | Haute & Healthy Living
8. Vanilla Cashew Quinoa Bars | Veggiekins
9. Italian Quinoa Protein Patties | Apple of My Eye
10. Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Bites | Cupcakes and Kale Chips

10 Dessert Quinoa Recipes

1. Chocolate Quinoa Treats | Clean Food Crush
2. Quinoa Chocolate Brownie | Nest & Glow
3. Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter Bars | Greeny Sherry
4. Blueberry Quinoa Crisp | Eating Healthy Spending Less
5. Quinoa Pudding | Five Heart Home
6. Pumpkin Pie Quinoa Cookies | Simply Quinoa
7. Quinoa Chocolate Banana Bread | Nest & Glow
8. Quinoa Krispie Treats | A Beautiful Mess
9. Dark Chocolate Quinoa Cupcakes | Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
10. Chai Spiced Oat and Quinoa Flour Muffins | Simply Quinoa

If you haven’t started cooking with quinoa, now is the time to start! Use it in place of rice and pasta, plus so much more, to create delicious gluten-free meals!

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Hearty and Healthy: 50 Quinoa Recipes for Every Meal (2024)

FAQs

Is quinoa good for your gut? ›

Studies suggest quinoa may improve gut health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory symptoms of conditions like colitis. Acting as a prebiotic, quinoa supplies the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

How do you make quinoa taste good? ›

If you're serving it as a simple side, season it first. At the very least, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. To kick it up another notch, stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese, or use it in one of the quinoa recipes below!

How much quinoa per day? ›

Quinoa can be consumed anytime – at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it is best to eat healthy food like quinoa before going to bed. It induces sleep, because it relaxes the muscles, due to its high magnesium and protein content. “One can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day.

What to eat with quinoa? ›

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

What happens to your body when you eat quinoa everyday? ›

The fiber in quinoa can also help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease.

Is quinoa inflammatory or anti inflammatory? ›

Quinoa (kiːnwɑː)

With its mild nutty flavor, this edible seed packs a powerful nutrition punch, containing anywhere from 17-27 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein per cup cooked. Quinoa is also considered to be a whole grain, gluten free and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

What is the healthiest way to eat quinoa? ›

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.

What can I add to quinoa to make it better? ›

Quinoa is a neutral flavor, so it can go sweet or savory. Boil it with a combination of water and milk, and add honey or maple syrup, warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardomom, or your favorite blend. A pat of butter will make it richer.

What happens if you don't soak quinoa? ›

Do you need to soak quinoa before cooking it? In short, no, you don't need to soak quinoa. However, doing so is said to remove phytic acid, which may make it easier for people to digest quinoa. If you just want to remove the bitter flavor from quinoa, rinse it under cold water for about a minute.

Is it OK to eat quinoa every meal? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

It is very healthy due to its plant chemical contents that cause the secretion of appetite-suppressing hormones that curb your appetite. 25. Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

Why is quinoa so expensive? ›

While the cost of planting and sowing quinoa is not that expensive, the bulk of the cost for good quality quinoa goes into removing saponin, which is a toxic layer that protects the grain and gives it a very bitter taste.

What is the best time to eat quinoa? ›

Due to its high fibre-content, quinoa should be eaten during the day time, i.e., during breakfast or lunch. Our metabolism process tends to slow down as the day progresses. So, the body is unable to digest the high fibre food towards the end of the day.

What protein goes well with quinoa? ›

The Bowl gets you 12 grams of protein on its own; if you want an extra boost, top it with tofu, tempeh, shrimp or chicken. Nutritious enough for breakfast, satiating as a snack, and so dang delicious it could be dessert. A quinoa parfait is where it's at.

Can I eat quinoa for breakfast everyday? ›

Not only is it packed with protein and fiber, but it's also a complex carbohydrate meaning it digests more slowly in your body. So if you're like me and you hate feeling famished mid-morning, quinoa is a great thing to add to your daily breakfast routine.

Is quinoa good for gut inflammation? ›

Whole-wheat pasta, buckwheat, bulgur, quinoa, and farro contain complex carbohydrates that limit inflammation.

Is quinoa good for IBS? ›

YES, there are grains and starches that are Low FODMAP friendly. As you likely read in our IBS Foods to Avoid write-up, steer clear of corn and beans. Instead, rice, quinoa, oats, and sweet potatoes are great low FODMAP starches to fuel your body with needed carbohydrates.

Is quinoa good for stomach inflammation? ›

Best foods for gastritis relief

Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread may be other good sources of fiber to help regulate digestion and reduce the chance of gastritis. Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts may provide energy and reduce inflammation in your stomach.

Is quinoa a probiotic or prebiotic? ›

Quinoa nutrition

These precious tiny seeds are rich in protein, starches, fiber, prebiotic fibers (for your gut bacteria), and essential nutrients.

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