32 Quinoa Recipes That'll Help You Eat Healthier All Day Long
Muffins at breakfast, soups and salads for lunch, delicious pilafs for dinner — these are the best ways to enjoy a healthy quinoa-filled meal.
Quinoa has enjoyed a health halo for many years, and for good reason: This nutty-tasting ancient grain is a nutritional powerhouse. A cup's worth of quinoa is loaded with nearly 14g of fiber (which could help promote weight loss) and plenty of protein, minus any saturated fat and a high calorie count. It's a complete protein that also includes a higher amount of essential nutrients compared to other grains, mainly B-vitamins. And since quinoa is so versatile, there are many ways to incorporate it into your favorite recipes, especially as a better-for-you substitute in place of potatoes, rice, and other starchy sides. You can anchor a flavorful quinoa mix with lean protein for dinner, or toss it with a fresh salad at lunch; quinoa can even be added to meal-prep classics like soups or casseroles.
If you haven't tried adding quinoa into your meal lineup just yet, don't fret: cooking quinoa may be even easier than cooking rice. Simply follow the 2:1 rule: reserve one cup of dry quinoa for two cups of boiling water. While most supermarket-bought quinoa is generally safe, rinsing your quinoa before cooking may help remove any pesticides that have remained on the kernel's exterior.
The easiest way to up your quinoa game? Start swapping out rice for this whole grain instead. On average, quinoa has double the amount of protein as rice does in the same serving size, despite the two having nearly identical calorie counts. We're sharing 24 delicious ways to cook with a brilliant grain option for healthy meals morning, noon, and night.
Super-Simple Quinoa
Looking for a basic, paired-back quinoa to add to an existing dish? This 25-minute version is as straightforward as it gets; master it before moving on to others on this list.
Quinoa and Veggies
Ready for a step up? You can toss cooked quinoa with just a few veggies to make a more spectacular healthy side. You'll need onion, zucchini, broccoli, bell pepper, black beans, basil, and balsamic vinegar.
Pork Tenderloin With Quinoa Pilaf
Pork tenderloin served atop a bed of potatoes may feel too heavy (and bland!) — which is why quinoa is a delightful swap here. Pepper your pilaf with pomegranate seeds for an unexpected touch of texture.
Cucumber and Cantaloupe Salad
A perfect example of a cool summer dish that's made so much better with a few scoops of fresh quinoa. This deserves a good spot at your next holiday cookout.
Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Looking for lunches you can prep ahead of time? Say no more! This warm quinoa and arugula bowl is topped with herb-crusted chicken.
Very Berry Quinoa Muffins
Flip a classic blueberry muffin on its head by opting for fiber-rich quinoa, almond flour, and tart raspberries instead. Half a dozen are ready in just 30 minutes, a true baker's delight.
Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries and Feta
There's a lot being stuffed into these acorn squash rings: Swiss chard, cranberries, feta, and a hearty quinoa mix. Assemble them in just 10 minutes.
Get the recipe for Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries and Feta »
Tahini-Lemon Quinoa With Asparagus Ribbons
Who needs zoodles when you have shaved ribbons of fresh asparagus? Alongside a zesty tahini-lemon-lime dressing, quinoa blends into a medley of chickpeas and pistachios for a truly gorgeous vegan dinner.
Get the recipe for Tahini-Lemon Quinoa With Asparagus Ribbons »
Sausage and Broccoli Quinoa Bowl
A smart reinvention of a classic Italian-night dinner, sweet or spicy Italian sausage stars in this cruciferous bowl of broccoli and quinoa. A dollop of tangy yogurt ties it all together.
Spiced Plum and Quinoa Muffins
These 160-calorie breakfast muffins aren't just low on calories — they're stuffed with major protein (and plenty of plums, too!). A mix of whole-wheat flour and all-purpose flour help this quick breakfast feel more like a better-for-you treat.
Quinoa Risotto With Arugula-Mint Pesto
This protein-packed riff on risotto will have you saying "goodbye" to rice for good.
Mushroom-Quinoa Burgers
The search to find a satisfying veggie burger can be frustrating to say the least. This portobello-quinoa patty holds together, tastes delicious and will fill you up. Done and done.
Chorizo-Stuffed Acorn Squash
This acorn squash boat feels like much more of a splurge than it actually is. We will only be serving our dinners in edible bowls from now on!
Wild-Salmon Cakes With Quinoa Salad
Crab cakes are indeed delicious — but costly and time-consuming to make at home. This sophisticated update is a great way to stretch a week's worth of salmon without eating fillets every night.
Sesame Chicken Slaw Mason Jar Salad
Shake up your lunch routine! These portable salads make the most of last night's leftovers (hello, chicken and quinoa!).
Tomato-Quinoa Soup
Pepitas and quinoa give smooth tomato soup some crunch (and added nutrients!). Who needs crackers? Not us.
Chickpea and Red Pepper Soup With Quinoa
Feed the family without breaking the bank. A serving of this nutrient-rich, vegetarian soup only sets you back $3.
Get the recipe for Chickpea and Red Pepper Soup With Quinoa »
Choco-Cherry Supbercarb Bars
Quinoa can work beautifully at breakfast as well. Proof: These no-bake treats, which can be prepped in advance of your work week.
Baked Pepper Jack Quinoa Skillet
If you're a fan of mac and cheese, this cheesy broccoli quinoa bake will hit the spot.
Pork and Pears With Quinoa
The butternut squash boils directly with the quinoa in the same pot of water. This means the grain will get a sweeter depth in flavor and you dirty up one less dish.
How to Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs
65 Ground Beef Recipes You'll Love
15 Quiches That Will Upgrade Your Brunch Game
27 Best Healthy Cookies
