Tiny but mighty, that’s quinoa. We’ve gathered our favorite quinoa recipes that make the most of this healthy grain-like staple. Most people know they can rely on quinoa for its filling and nutritious properties. But isn’t it curious? It’s quick, easy to cook, and so good for us, yet many people never explore new ways to use it. These recipes will help you make the most of the quinoa in your pantry. Start with our basic quinoa cooking instructions so you have fluffy, never-soggy quinoa. Then, with your health and palate in mind, try these satisfying breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes for this versatile, nutritious, and delicious seed.
Roasted Carrots and Red Quinoa
A satisfying salad like this can be eaten any time of day, either on its own or as part of a larger spread. Adding to its versatility, this roasted carrots and quinoa dish is just as good served at room temperature as it is hot.
Lemony Quinoa and Spinach Soup
When a soothing bowl of broth with delicate greens is what you need, turn to this recipe that’s packed with quinoa power. With a fresh hit of dill and lemon stirred in at the end, it’s a simple-to-make soup that has you covered.
Quinoa Cereal
Hot breakfast cereal doesn’t always mean oatmeal—quinoa makes for a high protein version. Feel free to substitute your favorite non-dairy milk for the skim milk this easy recipe calls for.
Roasted Vegetables With Quinoa
Sheet pan-roasted fall vegetables and fluffy quinoa with a tasty, green tahini dressing. No wonder this is a fan favorite.
Warm Quinoa and Chicken Salad
This one-pot wonder, with its bright spring-like colors, is a pretty and fresh main dish salad. It’s also filling and efficient to make.
Sauteed Spinach With Poached Eggs and Quinoa
Poached eggs instead of fried, and a pile of wilted spinach and cilantro leaves make for a light and flavorful breakfast (or dinner). Fluffy quinoa on the side adds an extra dose of protein.
Super-Grain Soup With Watercress and Mushrooms
This soup has that aromatic earthiness that only mushrooms can provide, along with a hit of peppery watercress. Quinoa is a great substitute for the grains in this comforting recipe.
Tilapia and Feta With Feta and Cucumber
Seasoned quinoa with fresh dill, crunchy cucumbers, and fresh lemon juice is a welcome foil for pan-fried fish fillets. Because some feta cheese is saltier than others, cook the quinoa with half the salt called for here, then season it to taste just before serving.
Quinoa With Caramelized Corn and Scallions
Charring corn on the cob adds depth of flavor to this otherwise very simple toss-and-serve side dish. Creamy goat cheese adds a rich counterpoint, but you could swap in feta, and add any fresh herbs you like.
Quinoa and Spinach Pilaf
A basic pilaf-style recipe for quinoa and greens is handy to have in your repertoire. It’s simple and can be tweaked with spices or extra lemon juice, as many of our readers have done.
Quinoa Muffins
These humble muffins are sweetened with brown sugar and dotted with raisins. They’re also healthy to eat—they’re packed with plant-based protein.
Quinoa and Green Bean Salad
Here is proof that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Cook quinoa and green beans separately—you can even do this in advance before uniting the two components. Dress them just before serving.
Breakfast Quinoa
Use this as a breakfast template and dress it up however you enjoy your oatmeal. Add cinnamon or cardamom; brown sugar or maple syrup; berries or toasted nuts; banana or coconut, the choice is yours.
