14 Quinoa Recipes So Good You Will Forget They Are Healthy

Quinoa used to sound like a word you only heard in health food stores. Now it shows up in lunch boxes, breakfast bowls and even burgers. It cooks in about 15 minutes, it is naturally gluten free, and it brings plant protein and fiber to the table. The problem? Plain quinoa can taste like nothing at all. That is where these quinoa recipes come in. From crispy cakes to cozy soup, every one of them is packed with real flavor. Love colorful, filling meals? You may also like these Mediterranean diet lunches. Which recipe will you try first..

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, the Easiest of All Quinoa Recipes

Fluffy quinoa, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, creamy chickpeas and salty feta, all tossed in a bright lemon dressing. This is the bowl that finally makes people understand why everyone loves quinoa. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, so you can make one big batch on Sunday and eat well all week. Of all the quinoa recipes out there, this is the best place to start. Do you like your quinoa salad cold or warm?

You will need: 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups water, 1 can chickpeas (drained), 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1/4 red onion, 1/2 cup feta, 1/4 cup kalamata olives, fresh parsley, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Rinse the quinoa well. 2. Simmer it in the water, covered, for 15 minutes, then rest 5 minutes and fluff. 3. Spread it on a tray to cool. 4. Chop the vegetables and herbs. 5. Whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 6. Toss everything together and top with feta.

Lemony Kale Quinoa Salad That Stays Fresh for Days

Most salads go limp by day two. Not this one. Sturdy kale gets massaged with lemon and olive oil until it turns tender and bright, then it is tossed with quinoa, toasted almonds and a little parmesan. The longer it sits, the better it tastes, which makes it one of the best make ahead quinoa recipes for work lunches. Tell us honestly: are you team kale, or do you still pick it out?

You will need: 1 bunch curly kale, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1 lemon (zest and juice), 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 small garlic clove, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Strip the kale leaves and chop them finely. 2. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice and massage for 2 minutes. 3. Whisk the rest of the lemon with oil and grated garlic. 4. Toss kale, quinoa and dressing. 5. Top with almonds and parmesan.

Crispy Quinoa Cakes, One of the Best Brunch Quinoa Recipes

Leftover quinoa turns into something special here. Mix it with egg, cheese and herbs, press it into little cakes and pan fry them until the edges are golden and crunchy. Put a soft poached egg on top and let the yolk run over everything. It works for breakfast, brunch or a light dinner with a handful of greens. Would you eat this for breakfast or for dinner?

You will need: 2 cups cooked quinoa, 2 eggs plus 4 more for poaching, 1/2 cup grated cheddar, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 2 green onions, 1 garlic clove, salt, pepper, olive oil, salad greens.

How to make it: 1. Mix quinoa, 2 eggs, cheese, breadcrumbs, onions and garlic. 2. Shape into 8 small cakes and chill for 10 minutes. 3. Fry in oil 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. 4. Poach the remaining eggs in gently simmering water for 3 minutes. 5. Serve the cakes on greens with an egg on top.

Hearty Quinoa Black Bean Burgers

These veggie burgers do not fall apart in the pan, and that is the big win. Mashed black beans hold everything together, quinoa adds a nice bite, and smoked paprika and cumin give them a deep, almost meaty flavor. Serve them on buns or on a big salad with a cool yogurt dip. Even the meat lovers at your table might ask for seconds. Have you ever been fooled by a really good veggie burger?

You will need: 1 can black beans (drained and patted dry), 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/2 small onion, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, oil for the pan.

How to make it: 1. Mash the beans roughly with a fork. 2. Stir in quinoa, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic and spices. 3. Shape into 5 patties and chill for 15 minutes. 4. Cook in a little oil over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes per side. 5. Serve with yogurt dip and salad.

Cheesy Quinoa Bites, Snack Time Quinoa Recipes Kids Love

Think of these as a healthier take on tater tots. Quinoa, cheese, egg and finely chopped broccoli are baked in a mini muffin tin until golden and firm. They are great for lunch boxes and after school snacks, and they reheat in minutes. Make a double batch and freeze half for busy weeks. Quick poll: what is your go to dip? A) Ketchup B) Ranch C) Marinara D) No dip needed.

You will need: 2 cups cooked quinoa, 2 eggs, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup finely chopped broccoli, 1/4 cup parmesan, 2 green onions, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper, cooking spray.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F and grease a mini muffin tin. 2. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. 3. Press a heaping tablespoon into each cup. 4. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden. 5. Cool for 5 minutes before popping them out.

Salmon Quinoa Bowl With Quick Pickled Onions

This is the kind of bowl you pay 16 dollars for at a lunch spot. At home it costs a lot less and takes about 25 minutes. Flaky roasted salmon sits on warm quinoa with crisp greens, sliced radish and bright pink quick pickled onions. A drizzle of lemon yogurt sauce ties it all together. Salmon also brings omega-3 fats, which is a nice bonus. How often do you cook fish at home?

You will need: 2 salmon fillets, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 2 cups mixed greens, 1/2 red onion, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 4 radishes, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Slice the onion thinly and cover with vinegar, sugar and a pinch of salt for 20 minutes. 2. Season the salmon with oil, salt and pepper and roast at 400F for 12 minutes. 3. Mix yogurt with lemon juice. 4. Fill bowls with quinoa and greens. 5. Top with salmon, radish, onions and sauce.

Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa Porridge

Bored of oatmeal? Try a warm bowl of quinoa simmered in milk with a little cinnamon and vanilla. It turns creamy and slightly nutty, and it keeps you full all morning. Top it with blueberries, a few raspberries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You can even cook it the night before and warm it up with a splash of milk. Which one wins in your house: oatmeal or this cozy bowl?

You will need: 1/2 cup quinoa, 1 cup milk (any kind), 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 cup mixed berries, 1 tbsp chopped nuts.

How to make it: 1. Rinse the quinoa. 2. Simmer it with milk, water, cinnamon and salt for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring often. 3. Stir in the vanilla and honey. 4. Add more milk if it gets too thick. 5. Spoon into bowls and top with berries and nuts.

Cinnamon Orange Breakfast Quinoa Bowl

Fresh orange slices make this breakfast bowl taste like sunshine on a gray October morning. Cooked quinoa is warmed with orange zest, a pinch of cinnamon and a spoon of yogurt, then topped with juicy citrus, pomegranate seeds and crunchy pistachios. It looks a little fancy, but it comes together in 10 minutes if you cook the quinoa ahead. Would you try quinoa for breakfast, or does that sound strange to you?

You will need: 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/3 cup milk, 1 orange (zest and segments), 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds, 1 tbsp chopped pistachios.

How to make it: 1. Warm the quinoa with milk, orange zest and cinnamon for 3 minutes. 2. Stir in the honey. 3. Spoon into a bowl. 4. Add a dollop of yogurt. 5. Top with orange segments, pomegranate seeds and pistachios.

Veggie Fried Quinoa, the Takeout Hit of Quinoa Recipes

This one tastes just like fried rice from your favorite takeout spot, only made with quinoa. The trick is using cold, cooked quinoa so it gets slightly crispy in the hot pan. Toss it with garlic, ginger, carrots, peas, scrambled egg and a splash of soy sauce. Dinner is ready in about 15 minutes, and it is a smart way to use up odds and ends from the fridge. Be honest: do you order fried rice every single time?

You will need: 3 cups cold cooked quinoa, 2 eggs, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 3 green onions, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp neutral oil.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. 2. Cook garlic, ginger and vegetables for 3 minutes. 3. Push them aside and scramble the eggs. 4. Add the quinoa and spread it out to crisp for 2 minutes. 5. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil and green onions.

Cozy Tomato Vegetable Quinoa Soup

When the weather turns cold, this pot of soup is pure comfort. Quinoa cooks right in the broth with tomatoes, carrots, celery and zucchini, so there is only one pot to wash. It thickens the soup a little and makes it filling enough for dinner. Serve it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of parmesan. Like most quinoa recipes, it also freezes well for busy nights. What is your favorite soup when it gets chilly outside?

You will need: 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 zucchini, 3 garlic cloves, 1 can diced tomatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth, 3/4 cup quinoa, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 2 cups spinach, olive oil, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Saute the onion, carrots and celery in oil for 6 minutes. 2. Add garlic and zucchini and cook 2 minutes. 3. Pour in tomatoes, broth, rinsed quinoa and seasoning. 4. Simmer for 20 minutes. 5. Stir in the spinach, season and serve.

Garlic Quinoa With Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula

Sometimes the simplest side dish steals the show. Quinoa is cooked in broth instead of water, then tossed with garlic softened in olive oil, blistered cherry tomatoes and a handful of peppery arugula. It goes with almost anything: grilled chicken, fish, steak or a fried egg on top. Quick poll: what do you usually serve on the side? A) Rice B) Potatoes C) Pasta D) Quinoa.

You will need: 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (sliced), 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, 2 cups arugula, 1/2 lemon, salt, pepper, parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Cook the quinoa in broth for 15 minutes and fluff. 2. Warm the oil and garlic over low heat until golden. 3. Add the tomatoes and cook until they burst. 4. Fold in the quinoa, arugula and lemon juice. 5. Season and finish with parmesan.

Quinoa Pilaf With Garlicky Greens

Pilaf does not have to mean rice. Toasting the quinoa in a little butter before adding broth gives it a rich, nutty flavor you will notice right away. Fold in sauteed chard or spinach, some golden onion and a squeeze of lemon, and you have a side dish that fits right in on a Thanksgiving table. It also makes a simple meatless lunch. Do you think quinoa belongs on the holiday table?

You will need: 1 cup quinoa, 1 tbsp butter, 1 onion, 2 cups broth, 1 bunch Swiss chard or 4 cups spinach, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 lemon, salt and pepper, toasted pine nuts (optional).

How to make it: 1. Cook the onion in butter until soft and golden. 2. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast for 2 minutes. 3. Pour in the broth, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. 4. Saute the greens with garlic in oil. 5. Fold everything together with lemon and pine nuts.

Rainbow Chopped Quinoa Salad

Eat the rainbow is easy advice when a salad looks this good. Red pepper, yellow corn, purple cabbage, green edamame and orange carrots are chopped small, so you get a bit of everything in each bite. A sesame ginger dressing makes it taste a little like an Asian slaw. It is sturdy enough to pack for work and pretty enough for a potluck table. How many colors are on your plate today?

You will need: 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup shredded purple cabbage, 1 carrot, 1 cup shelled edamame, 1/2 cup corn, 2 green onions, cilantro, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp grated ginger.

How to make it: 1. Chop all the vegetables into small, even pieces. 2. Thaw the edamame and corn under warm water. 3. Whisk the oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey and ginger. 4. Toss with the quinoa and vegetables. 5. Chill for 20 minutes and top with cilantro.

Avocado Quinoa Salad, the Freshest of These Quinoa Recipes

Creamy avocado, sweet tomatoes and crisp greens make this salad feel light and filling at the same time. A lime and cilantro dressing gives it a fresh Mexican style flavor, and a handful of black beans adds even more plant protein. Add the avocado right before serving so it stays green. So, which of these quinoa recipes will you make first? A) A salad B) The burgers C) A breakfast bowl D) The soup.

You will need: 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 ripe avocado, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 2 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/4 red onion, cilantro, 1 lime, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cool the quinoa completely. 2. Whisk lime juice, oil, salt and chopped cilantro. 3. Toss the quinoa, beans, tomatoes, onion and greens with the dressing. 4. Dice the avocado and fold it in gently. 5. Serve right away.