Aside from being a delicious and easy-to make grain, quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse. Not only is it packed with protein and fiber, it has anti-inflammatory properties and can even help lower cholesterol. So, if you have a bag of quinoa in your pantry that you’re not sure what to do with, these recipes are for you. From snacks, to lunch and dinner recipes, these dishes all use quinoa as the main ingredient. Try our Crunchy High-Protein Quinoa Bites or our Baked Kale Salad with Crispy Quinoa and always have this versatile grain on your shopping list!
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Crunchy High-Protein Quinoa Bites
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
These crunchy quinoa bites are a delicious snack packed with puffed quinoa and almond butter, offering a satisfying crunch and a boost of plant-based protein. Similar to popcorn, puffed quinoa has been heated until it pops, creating a light, crispy texture that works perfectly in this healthy snack.
No-Cook Chickpea, Beet & Quinoa Salad
Ali Redmond
This easy no-cook chickpea salad comes together in minutes. Look for precooked beets in the produce section of the grocery store. Leftover quinoa is great in this salad, but you could also use microwaveable quinoa to save on time. With a bright lemony-garlic dressing, this salad is the perfect side to accompany grilled chicken or roasted salmon.
Spinach Salad with Quinoa, Chicken & Fresh Berries
If you’re packing this grain bowl for work, combine the dressing ingredients in a small container. When you’re ready to eat, shake the dressing well, add it to the salad and toss. If you don’t have time to make a homemade dressing, use 3 tablespoons of store-bought olive oil vinaigrette. Keep prep time short by using rotisserie chicken (or leftover chicken) and a pouch of microwavable quinoa.
Baked Kale Salad with Crispy Quinoa
Photographer: Brie Goldman Food Stylist: Annie Probst Prop Stylist: Gabe Greco
Crisping the quinoa in the oven adds delicious texture to this bright and filling kale salad. The lemon-honey-garlic dressing complements the sweetness from the roasted vegetables. Topping the salad with feta and pepitas gives it a savory note.
Chicken & Quinoa Casserole
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This aromatic and flavorful dish feels like veggie pizza in casserole form with fresh basil, herb-spiked diced tomatoes and ooey-gooey melted cheese on top. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella ciliegine, buy a larger ball and tear it into pieces. Preheating your baking sheets encourages caramelization of the roasted veggies, which adds layers of flavor to this savory dinner.
Braised Black Lentil & Quinoa Bowls
These healthy vegetarian bowls feature black lentils braised in spices like thyme and smoked paprika. Riced cauliflower and quinoa bulk up the dish to make it satisfying for any weeknight dinner. A creamy yogurt topping finishes the recipe.
Kale, Quinoa & Apple Salad
This kale, quinoa and apple salad is perfect for fall. Fresh apples bring crisp autumn flavor, and the kale breaks down when it’s massaged with the dressing. Nuts, fennel and quinoa add more layers of texture, while blue cheese lends a savory note.
Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa Skillet Casserole
Photographer: Rachel Marek
This Southwestern-inspired one-skillet casserole is stuffed with quinoa and plenty of fresh vegetables. Sharp Cheddar cheese flavors the filling and adds a layer of ooey-gooey melted cheese on top.
Chicken-Quinoa Bowl with Strawberries & Pecans
This simple chicken grain bowl makes a perfect family dinner. Let everyone customize their meal by portioning the greens and grains into bowls, then serving the remaining ingredients buffet-style so eaters can pick and choose what they want to top theirs with.
Vegan Quinoa Chili
This light but filling vegan quinoa chili is packed with fresh veggies, with quinoa and black beans adding protein and fiber. Complete this easy one-pot dinner with vegan cheese, dairy-free yogurt or your favorite chili toppings.
Cinnamon-Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
This hearty quinoa breakfast bowl is topped with sliced almonds, bananas and almond butter, but you can easily mix and match toppings. For a drizzled look, warm the almond butter slightly in the microwave before topping each bowl.
Kale & Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
This kale-quinoa salad pops with different flavors and textures. Massaging the kale helps break down its fibrous nature, while add-ins like toasted almonds, feta and cucumber add crunch and saltiness.
Quinoa Chili with Sweet Potatoes
This hearty vegetarian quinoa chili with sweet potatoes has mild spice from poblanos and green chiles. Chili powder, cumin and garlic provide classic chili flavor.
Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls
This pesto chicken quinoa bowl is packed with herbs from the basil pesto and the Italian spice mix, and gets a slight kick of heat from the red pepper. If you enjoy the flavor profile, this dish can also be made with orzo in place of quinoa.
Creamy Garden Tomato & Quinoa Soup
This hearty garden tomato soup is loaded with vegetables. To thicken the soup, we puree it before adding the quinoa. Half-and-half and milk add creaminess and cut the acidity of the tomatoes, adding balance and letting the garden-fresh flavors shine. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for dipping.
Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Bites
These savory muffin-like quinoa bites are low in carbs and a good source of protein—plus we love their cheesy flavor.
