24 Easy Quinoa Recipes (2024)

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By: Rachel GurkPosted: 04/04/2023Updated: 04/06/2023

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Quinoa is protein packed and so versatile! Check out these 24 easy quinoa recipes to get some great ideas for how to use it!

Some may call quinoa a fad food like kale, but it’s a delicious and healthy staple in our pantry. (So is kale, for that matter.)

Quinoa is a good source of plant-based protein and is naturally gluten-free. Try it as a side dish, along with vegetables. It’s more protein-packed than rice (1 cup quinoa contains over 8 grams of protein, whereas brown rice only contains 5 grams)and can be flavored in many of the same ways.

We eat it often in soups, salads, and all the usual places you’d find quinoa. But our favorite are quinoa pancakes. They’re the best — and a protein packed breakfast. I try to always have cooked quinoa in the freezeron hand for some quick meals.

Quinoa Facts

One cup of cooked quinoa contains over 8 grams of protein and over 5 grams of fiber.
Quinoa also contains antioxidants, vitamin E, lysine, and a variety of amino acids. Read more about the health benefits of quinoa (Healthline).
There are many types of quinoa – you’ll see red, white, and black. You may also see a tricolor variety in stores.

Basic Quinoa Cooking Tips

Always rinse quinoa before cooking. Quinoa is coated in a naturally occurring chemical called saponin. Some brands will be labeled pre-washed, in which case you can likely skip this step.
While cooking, expect quinoa to expand 3 times in size. 1 cup of uncooked quinoa will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa.
When cooking, use the ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. So if you’re cooking a cup of quinoa, you’ll need two cups of water.

Enjoy this list! What is your favorite use for quinoa?

24 Easy Quinoa Recipes

Instant Pot Quinoa

Learn how to make easy Instant Pot quinoa. You will love this nearly hands-off method of cooking quinoa if you're a pressure cooker user. Try it today!

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How to Freeze Quinoa

Can you freeze cooked quinoa? Short answer: YES. Read on to find out more about how and why you should freeze cooked quinoa.

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Vegetarian Quinoa Chili With Black Beans

The quinoa in this vegetarian quinoa chili provides a meaty texture, without the meat. It’s easy to make, healthy and oh so satisfying.

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Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Blackberries & Candied Pepitas

You'll discover a myriad of exciting flavors and textures in this quinoa chickpea salad with candied pepitas, blackberries, apricots, and feta cheese.

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Roasted Carrot, Portobello, Quinoa, and Black Bean Vegetarian Tacos

Roasted carrot, portobello, quinoa, and black bean vegetarian tacos are hearty, flavorful, and have lots of protein (add cheese if you're not vegan).

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Quinoa Bowl Recipe with Roasted Tomatoes, Ricotta and Balsamic

This quinoa bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep days – you’ll love lunching on this all week! It's healthy, delicious, and versatile.

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