As an aspiring superhero, I’m pretty much obsessed with anything that has the word “super” in it. That’s probably why I’m constantly trying to incorporate superfoods into my diet. My latest passion is quinoa – a protein-rich, gluten-free grain. It has a mild taste with a rich texture which makes it the perfect grain to use in so many different kinds of dishes. How versatile is it? Check out these 10 different ways to prepare and serve quinoa from sun up to sun down.
For Breakfast
Because quinoa contains a good combination of both carbs and protein, it’s a wonderful food to fuel your mornings and keep you satisfied for hours. Replace oatmeal with a hot bowl of quinoa. Or, make up a big batch of quinoa pancakes and keep them in the freezer for an easy breakfast on busy mornings. Quinoa and egg breakfast muffins are another easy grab-and-go breakfast.
As an Appetizer
Just because you have company coming over doesn’t mean you have to abandon your healthy cooking habits. Most people don’t even realize they’re noshing on a superfood as they munch away on these tasty quinoa pizza bites.
If you aren’t trying to hide the nutritional impact of your appetizer, mini quinoa veggie bites are tasty AND full of healthy ingredients.
As a Salad
The very first time I had quinoa, it was as a salad very similar to this quinoa salad with black beans and lime vinaigrette. The slightly nutty flavor of quinoa works with so many other flavors though, you can enjoy several different varieties.
Some of my favorite quinoa salads are:
- Strawberry Quinoa Salad
- Caprese Quinoa Salad
- Mediterranean Chicken & Quinoa Salad
- Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Quinoa Salad with Jalapeno-Lime Dressing
- Quinoa Salad with Grilled Onions, Asparagus & Orange
- Pomegranate Quinoa Salad
- Roast Butternut Squash, Avocado & Quinoa Salad
- quinoa taco salad
In a Bowl
Quinoa is a wonderful mid-day meal. The easiest way to enjoy quinoa at lunch is in a bowl. Once again, quinoa shows off its versatility.
Check out some of the dozens of different ways you can enjoy a quinoa bowl:
- Quinoa Burrito Bowl
- Falafel Quinoa Bowl
- Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bowl
- Red Quinoa and Edamame Budha Bowl
- Quinoa Black Bean Taco Bowl
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowl
As a Soup
During colder months, a hearty quinoa soup is a satisfying lunch alternative.
If you’re cooking lunch for a crowd, slow cooker veggie quinoa chowder is an excellent choice. I’m also a big fan of quinoa bean chili.
As a Patty
As long as we’re on the subject of quinoa for lunch, we should mention all the great recipes for quinoa patties. If you like Italian food, you’ll love these pesto quinoa patties.
Cheesy quinoa cakes and crispy quinoa patties are a tasty vegetarian alternative to crab or tuna cakes. And black bean quinoa veggie burgers are a wonderful stand-in for traditional burgers on Meatless Mondays.
As Stuffing
One of my favorite ways for incorporating quinoa into family meals is to use it as stuffing in recipes.
You can also try one of these recipes for a healthy, hearty dinner:
As a Side Dish
Quinoa also makes a great side dish in place of rice, potatoes or bread. This nutty almond sesame quinoa makes a great side for Asian dishes.
For Taco Tuesday, I like to make Instant Pot Quinoa Black Bean Salad.
Quinoa with beans and kale adds a superfood boost to any meal. And Quinoa with beans and kale is a side dish so satisfying, it will steal the show no matter what you serve as an entree.
In a Casserole
Quinoa is a great sidekick, but it can also be the star of a meal. Tex Mex lovers should try this quinoa enchilada bake or this Mexican quinoa bake.
Lemon Kale Quinoa Chicken is one of my favorites, not only because it’s so healthy, but because it tastes amazing!
And this chicken broccoli quinoa casserole is one of my favorite dinner recipes.
If you prefer stovetop cooking to oven baking, try this Cajun chicken and quinoa skillet or this chicken, bacon, broccoli quinoa skillet.
For Dessert
If you visit here often, you know I have a demanding sweet tooth so of course I have to share some of my favorite quinoa desserts! The one I feel the least guilty about is apple date quinoa porridge because it contains virtually NO “bad” ingredients.
If you’re working a superfood into your dessert, you really shouldn’t feel guilty anyway! So, enjoy some avocado quinoa brownies or quinoa chocolate chip cookies.
Do you have a favorite quinoa dish? Share the link to the recipe in the comments.
So many great recipes, Corinne. I enjoy quinoa, but have never really cooked it much. I love all of the ideas you shared here and am especially interested in the cookies! I am a lover of sweets and I am sure I would enjoy these.