I have been so excited to share this round-up with you all, that I decided to post it a day early! I have been pulling together quinoa recipes for weeks, and I am bursting at the seams with them. It was one of those times when I just couldn’t stop, and before you know it I had thirty photographs and recipe links!
Only a few of these came from my own recipe archives. The rest are from blogging friends. I was blown away by how many different ways everyone has been cooking with quinoa. You’ll find a basic tutorial on how to cook quinoa (#4) all the way to decadent pumpkin bread (#19).
Some of the top on my list to try are Sweet Potatoes and Quinoa Stew (#5), Spinach and Cheddar Quinoa Cakes (#7) and BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad (#3). Which one of these fifty will you try first?
Different Ways To Cook Quinoa
Quinoa can be cooked in many different ways, depending on what you’ll be using it for and how you’ll be eating it. You can use quinoa for salads, as side dishes, in baked goods, in bars, granola–the list goes on. Whether you’re cooking quinoa on the stove or using a different method, the general grain to water ratio tends to be 1:2, just like rice and many other grains. Here are three cooking methods you can try:
On the Stovetop
This is a very simple and standard cooking method, and probably the one you’re most familiar with. Combine water, quinoa, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce to a simmer. Cook until grains are tender and water is absorbed, 8–15 minutes.
With a Rice Cooker
If you decide to cook your quinoa using a rice cooker, do exactly what you would normally do if you were using rice. Add the water, quinoa, and a pinch of salt, then cover with the lid and turn the rice cooker on. Check in occasionally to make sure the quinoa doesn’t overcook.
Boil and Drain Method
This is a foolproof method that works great if you’re concerned about getting mushy, overcooked quinoa. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil (use significantly more water than quinoa), then add the quinoa and boil until tender, about 8–15 minutes, depending. Drain in a fine-mesh sieve and return to the saucepan or a different bowl.
Here is an easy, healthy and Gluten-free Stuffing Recipe made with quinoa, kale and walnuts for a wheat-free twist on Thanksgiving stuffing. The flavors are traditional, with celery, sage and dried cranberries, but there is no bread or gluten. Bonus it is also egg-free for those with egg allergies.
Please tell me you won’t wait until Thanksgiving to try this Vegetarian Thanksgiving Pilaf with Pumpkin and Quinoa! It is too good to wait, and now that fresh pie pumpkins are in season, I highly recommend that you make it for dinner or serve it as a side dish.
This Lemon Turmeric Chicken Quinoa Soup with Mustard Greens takes everyone’s favorite cold season health elixir to the next level! I’ve added in lemon and dill to make it super tasty and the quinoa stands in for noodles for added protein and fiber!
Turkey chili is made with the unexpected addition of picadillo seasonings, olives and raisins, and a hearty dose of quinoa stands in for beans. It is not your everyday chili, and it is totally delicious! It is ready in 40 minutes flat!
Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers is a 30 minute dinner perfect for meal prep! Try it with homemade salsa for a quick and healthy meal!
This black bean and quinoa salad with mango and avocado is a delicious side salad for potlucks, parties and summertime picnics, and the leftovers make a healthy vegan lunch.
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a healthy and tasty side dish for summer parties. It is popping with flavor and loaded with cucumbers, feta and olives with the addition of parsley and mint. It’s like a cross between Greek salad and quinoa tabbouleh all brought together with a garlic lemon dressing!
It only takes 30 minutes total to cook and assemble these rainbow hued Chicken Quinoa Bowls. They’re drizzled with home-made peanut dressing which jazzes up the flavors of the bowls a ton and is quite frankly so delicious you may just want to drink it!
Get a load of these easy 30 minute vegetarian Lentil Quinoa bowls. Here’s what I love about them: the lentils are the star of the bowl, and have coriander, dill and lemon flavor balanced with the sweet onion. The crunchy cucumbers and quinoa offset the flavorful lentils. Then the bowls are topped with feta, dill and lemon.
This quinoa recipe is made with meyer lemons (or regular lemons if you don’t have meyer lemons) plus coconut oil, shallot and thyme. And it has a little touch of honey. It’s a quick recipe to get on the stove (only 12 minutes of active time) and it goes so well with so many weeknight meals.
This Southwest Quinoa Salad is packed with healthy ingredients like avocado, black beans, cherry tomatoes and cilantro. A simple olive oil based dressing is served alongside or drizzled over top!
One of the many reasons I love this recipe is because it’s a great make-ahead meal. And who doesn’t love that? Sprinkle it with cheese before serving and get ready for a mouthful of deliciousness.
These Cheesy Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash take 30 minutes to make. They have 19 grams of protein and make a great vegetarian main course!
Although this isn’t a recipe, here are some of the best tips and tricks on how to cook the perfect quinoa. You’ll also learn how to store it, freeze it, and season it well.
This Sweet Potato Quinoa Stew screams comfort in my opinion. The quinoa thickens up the stew while also soaking up all those yummy flavors. You’ll want to make this on repeat!
We love a light and bright salad over here at Healthy Seasonal, and this is no exception. Quinoa adds bulk to the salad, and the pinot noir vinaigrette helps bring all the flavors of the salad together. Don’t stop there! Pour yourself a glass to drink alongside too.
Make these Spinach and Cheddar Quinoa Cakes for your next meatless Monday. They’re the perfect appetizer or salad-topper!
Taco Salads are a fan favorite among many, but have you tried it with quinoa before? Such a good grain alternative to white rice, and you’ll barely be able to tell the difference.
If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss breakfast recipe then you’ve come to the right place. A healthy breakfast bake layered with fresh fruit, quinoa, and oats. A wholesome and tasty way to start the day!
Everyone loves a good Chicken Soup, so I thought I’d share one of my favorites! There’s loads of fiber from the veggies and quinoa, and is also low in calories.
Portabello mushrooms stuffed with quinoa and kale, and baked with an egg on top for an easy and healthy gluten-free breakfast. A great go-to breakfast if you ask me!
Black quinoa takes a little longer to cook than white quinoa, but trust me you won’t be dissapointed. You’ll be licking the plate clean after trying the avocado sour cream dressing too!
This Thai Veggie Quinoa Bowl is both gluten-free and vegan, and is a great alternative to your usual Thai food takeout. Loads of flavor, loads of veggies!
This quinoa taco bowl recipe takes less than 30 minutes and is simple to make. Fresh, super tasty, and will satisfy everyone at the table.
This Sesame Chicken is like your usual Chinese food, except it lays on top of a bed of fluffy, tender quinoa instead of white rice. Finish it with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and sliced scallions!
Filled with edemame, red cabbage, carrots, peppers, and cashews, this salad is sure to fullfill all your Thai food needs. It’s even topped with a delicious peanut sauce!
These Shrimp and Spinach Quinoa Cakes are gluten-free, and are perfect for an on-the-go snack, appetizer, or even main course. Serve them with a fresh lemon wedge for squeezing over, if desired!
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ bowl of warm soup in the cold winter months. And this Black Bean Pumpkin Soup is no different. Both gluten-free and vegan!
Quinoa isn’t only for savory recipes. It can also be used in sweets like this one! Pumpkin and quinoa help make it extra moist, and who doesn’t love little bursts of chocolate.
Swap out your usual burger on burger night with these Ground Pork Burgers. Wrapping the burger in a lettuce wrap helps make it fully gluten and dairy-free too!
This casserole calls for rotisserie chicken, making it an extra simple and minimal-fuss recipe. Throw all the ingredients together and watch as it bakes until the cheese is melted and bubbly!
Pine nuts, green onions, and scallions make this a bright and fresh side dish. And don’t worry if you can’t find pine nuts! There’s a few suggested alternatives that would taste just as good.
This Spring Quinoa recipe is as easy as it looks. Just a few simple ingredients like corn, peas, onion, and garlic, come together to make the perfect side dish. You’ll love it!
This Chicken and Quinoa Skillet is topped with a blanked of melty cheese. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s a simple recipe made for any night of the week.
This Warm Quinoa and Arugula Salad is both vegetarian (vegan in fact) and it is made in one pot. Double win! It also happens to be naturally gluten-free.
This Chicken Sweet Potato Soup is so simple to put together. It’s loaded with lots of good-for-you ingredients like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and chicken. Top with a generous serving of sliced avocados and get ready to dig in!
These stuffed peppers are so loaded with quinoa and veggies you won’t even miss the meat. Spinach, tomatoes, quinoa, and a mix of warm spices make this a great vegan dinner.
This heart-healthy bowl of soup is the perfect healthy comfort food. Full of white beans, quinoa, and other veggies!
A light and healthy enchilada casserole that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Topped with cheesy goodness, black beans, and avocado–what could be better.
Thanks so much for reading. If you are new here, you may want to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter for healthy recipes delivered right to your inbox. Or follow me on Instagram. If you make these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It is very appreciated. Happy Cooking! ~Katie
