Get ready to elevate your side dish game with these 20 delicious and nutritious quinoa recipes! Quinoa, a protein-rich ancient grain, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from savory salads to hearty bowls. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite main course, we’ve got you covered with these side dish delights.
From classic combinations like lemon garlic quinoa with fresh herbs to more adventurous pairings like spicy black bean and quinoa bowl, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and let the flavors of these quinoa recipes inspire your next meal!
Lemon Garlic Quinoa with Fresh Herbs
This bright and flavorful quinoa dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your next gathering. The combination of citrusy lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs adds depth and freshness to this simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
3. While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and chopped dill. Season with salt to taste.
5. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and stir in the garlic-lemon mixture.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad Recipe
This hearty salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring roasted vegetables on top of nutty quinoa and tossed with a zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is also great as a side dish or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cubed
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. Toss sweet potato, bell pepper, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, lemon juice, and parsley. Mix well to combine.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Bowl
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with the perfect combination of spicy black beans, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and creamy avocado. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
– 1 minced jalapeño pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the bell pepper and onion in a bowl with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a pan, heat the black beans with jalapeño, cumin, salt, and pepper over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
4. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
5. Assemble the bowl by placing cooked quinoa at the bottom, followed by roasted vegetables, black bean mixture, and top with avocado slices (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mediterranean Quinoa with Feta and Olives
This flavorful quinoa dish combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the tanginess of feta cheese, the brininess of olives, and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, olive oil, and dried oregano.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Lime Quinoa with Toasted Almonds
This refreshing quinoa dish combines the creaminess of coconut milk, the brightness of lime juice, and the crunch of toasted almonds for a flavorful and nutritious side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a medium skillet, toast coconut and almonds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut oil, lime juice, and ginger. Add cooked quinoa and stir until well combined.
4. Fold in toasted coconut and almonds. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa and Avocado Stuffed Tomatoes
Elevate your snack game with these bite-sized Quinoa and Avocado Stuffed Tomatoes, bursting with creamy goodness and nutritious quinoa. Perfect for a quick lunch or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and hollow out the insides.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each tomato with the quinoa mixture, mounding slightly at the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed tomatoes.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Quinoa with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the rich taste of pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in pesto sauce and cook for an additional minute.
4. Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in pesto mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa Tabbouleh with Cucumber and Mint
This quinoa tabbouleh salad is a twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish, adding protein-rich quinoa and crunchy cucumber for a light and revitalizing meal. Perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
– 1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mint, parsley, and cucumber.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
A delicious and nutritious casserole that combines the creaminess of cheese with the crunch of broccoli and the nuttiness of quinoa. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender.
4. In a separate bowl, mix cooked quinoa with milk and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked quinoa mixture, broccoli mixture, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quinoa and Sweet Potato Hash
This hearty quinoa and sweet potato hash is a delicious vegetarian option that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. With the nutty flavor of quinoa and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
3. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and mix with roasted sweet potato mixture.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Asian-Inspired Sesame Ginger Quinoa
This flavorful quinoa dish combines the nutty taste of sesame with the spicy kick of ginger, perfect for a quick and easy meal or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender and fluffy.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, and honey.
5. Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the sesame-ginger mixture.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A colorful and flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this recipe combines cooked quinoa with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (see note)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cilantro Lime Quinoa with Black Beans
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the brightness of cilantro and lime, perfectly complemented by the richness of black beans. Perfect as a side dish or used as a base for salads or bowls.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups water or broth.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add black beans to the skillet and stir to combine with onion mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to combine.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quinoa and Kale Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the earthy taste of kale, all wrapped up in sweet bell peppers. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, kale, onion, garlic, and feta cheese (if using).
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Greek Yogurt Quinoa with Honey and Berries
This recipe combines the creaminess of Greek yogurt, the nuttiness of quinoa, and the natural sweetness of honey and berries for a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and honey. Mix until well combined.
3. Fold in the mixed berries into the yogurt mixture.
4. Spoon the quinoa mixture over the top of the yogurt mixture.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Quinoa Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables
Transform leftover quinoa into a flavorful and nutritious dish with this simple recipe. Quinoa fried rice is a great way to use up mixed vegetables, making it an ideal meal for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.
4. Add the cooked quinoa, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15 minutes
Garlic Butter Mushroom Quinoa
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the nutty taste of quinoa, all wrapped up in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect as a side dish or as a base for your favorite protein.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown (5-6 minutes).
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
5. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork, then stir in mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
Quinoa and Chickpea Power Bowl
This nutritious bowl combines protein-rich quinoa with fiber-filled chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy tahini dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 2 tablespoons tahini dressing
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: avocado slices or chopped fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, mixed greens, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini dressing and lemon juice.
4. To assemble the power bowls, place cooked quinoa at the bottom, followed by the chickpea mixture, and top with a drizzle of tahini dressing.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with avocado slices or chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (quinoa cooking time excluded)
Southwest Quinoa with Corn and Avocado
Experience the bold flavors of the Southwest in this nutritious quinoa dish, bursting with the freshness of corn and avocado.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add red bell pepper and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add corn kernels and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in chopped jalapeño pepper and cook for 1 minute.
5. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and combine with the corn mixture.
6. Top with diced avocado and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion. Earthy portobello mushrooms are filled with a savory quinoa and spinach mixture, resulting in a delightful vegetarian dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix cooked quinoa with spinach leaves, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and fill each cap with the quinoa mixture, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 mouth-watering quinoa recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds! From flavorful side dishes like Lemon Garlic Quinoa with Fresh Herbs and Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad, to hearty bowls like Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Bowl and Mediterranean Quinoa with Feta and Olives, these quinoa creations offer a world of flavors and textures. Whether you’re in the mood for something bright and citrusy or rich and savory, there’s a quinoa recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, get creative, and cook up some delicious quinoa delights!
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