Are you looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite comfort foods? Do you want to know the best tasting quinoa recipes? Quinoa is an ancient grain that has been around for centuries, but it’s only recently gained popularity as a health food. It’s packed with protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, making it a great addition to any meal.
But how can you incorporate quinoa into your cooking routine without sacrificing taste? That’s where this article comes in! We’ll show you how to make delicious recipes using quinoa to satisfy your cravings and nutrition needs.
From savory dishes like curried vegetables with quinoa pilaf to sweet treats like chocolate chip cookie bars, there are plenty of options for those looking to add variety to their diet.
So let’s get started – what tasty creations can you come up with using this superfood ingredient?
What Does Quinoa Taste Like
If you’re unfamiliar with quinoa, it is technically a seed but is usually considered a whole grain. It’s been making waves lately as an alternative to pasta and other grains because of its high protein content and ability to take on different recipe flavors. So what does quinoa taste like?
The answer really depends on how you cook it. Uncooked or lightly cooked, quinoa has a mild flavor described as nutty with grassy undertones. When cooked fully in liquid, the flavor transforms into something more complex and unique. The secret lies in the way the seeds absorb whatever they’re cooking!
Quinoa is extremely versatile and makes a great addition to all sorts of dishes, from breakfast bowls to salads and soups. One of the most popular ways to prepare quinoa is by baking or pan-frying it until golden brown and fluffy, giving it a crunchy texture and enhancing its nutty flavor. This also makes it perfect for adding salads or veggie bowls as a topping for some added crunch!
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Strawberry Quinoa Salad
This easy-to-make recipe requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep time and is sure to be a hit! For best results, you’ll want to use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones as they will provide the most flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced or diced into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the sliced strawberries. Stir until combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and stir until everything is coated evenly with the dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This quick and easy strawberry quinoa salad makes an excellent addition to any meal — pair it with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein or serve it alongside some steamed vegetables for a light lunch or dinner option. The sweet and savory flavors of this salad will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
Healthy Quinoa Recipes: Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy meal that is super easy to make? Look no further than a chicken quinoa bowl! This dish is packed with protein and is great for satisfying your hunger and getting nutrients. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional vegetables or toppings (carrots, spinach, tomatoes, feta cheese, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Generously season each side with salt and pepper. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool before slicing into cubes or shredding.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add cooked quinoa and desired optional vegetables or toppings to the skillet. Sauté everything together until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Add more oil if needed while cooking.
- Divide the cooked quinoa among two bowls, then top with shredded/cubed chicken and any extra toppings you’d like (avocado slices, diced tomatoes, feta cheese). Enjoy!
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Waking up and cooking a delicious breakfast can be one of the best parts of your day. But sometimes, it feels like you’re stuck in a rut, having the same old thing for breakfast every day. If you want to spruce your morning routine up but don’t have much time, this quinoa breakfast bowl is just what you need! It’s easy to make, tastes great, and gives you plenty of energy to start your day off right.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color!), diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth or stock
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Instructions:
Let’s get started! First off, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened. Then add the quinoa and mix everything until all the ingredients are coated with the oil.
Pour in vegetable broth or stock (the liquid should cover all the ingredients). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked through. Stir occasionally while cooking. Once cooked through, stir in chili powder if desired and serve warm.
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Chicken Quinoa Soup
Making quinoa in the Instant Pot is an easy and quick way to get a nutritious and delicious meal on the table! Plus, you don’t need to worry about it being mushy or overcooked. Here’s how to make this simple and healthy dish in just minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (any variety will do)
- 1 ¾ cups water or broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley sprigs
Directions:
- Rinse your quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under running cold water for about one minute. Shake off any excess water and set aside.
- Add the quinoa, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour in the liquid of your choice – broth or water – over everything; stir once more if needed. Close the lid of your pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to sealing mode.
- Select the Manual/Pressure Cook setting and adjust the time (in minutes) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, 3 minutes for white/red quinoa or 4 minutes for black varieties.
- Then, press the start button. The pot will take a few minutes to build up pressure before cooking starts, so please be patient! Once finished cooking, allow natural steam release for 10 minutes before opening the lid (you can also do a quick release if you are in a hurry).
- Carefully fluff cooked quinoa with a fork before serving with desired toppings such as feta cheese or diced tomatoes sprinkled on top – enjoy!
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Fluffy Quinoa Cake
Quinoa is often seen as a superfood thanks to its many health benefits. But did you know you can also use it to make delicious cakes? This recipe is easy, healthy, and fluffy – the perfect way to enjoy a cake without compromising your health goals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup almond or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 eggs (or flaxseed ‘eggs’)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup vegan butter or oil of your choice
- Optional mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, coconut flakes, etc.
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the quinoa, almond or coconut milk, maple syrup or honey, eggs/flaxseed eggs, and vegan butter/oil until well combined.
- Add in all the dry ingredients (baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using) and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, dried fruits & coconut flakes before pouring the batter into your prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing – enjoy!
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Stuffed Acorn Squash With Quinoa
In the world of comfort food, it’s hard to beat an acorn squash stuffed with quinoa and warm spices! This easy-to-make vegan dish is both healthy and hearty – perfect for dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 large acorn squash
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add onion and garlic. Cook until lightly browned – about 5 minutes – stirring occasionally. Add cooked quinoa to the pan along with walnuts, paprika, vegetable broth (or water if you don’t have any), salt & pepper. Mix everything together and cook for 10 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed by the quinoa mixture.
- Once the squash is finished baking, fill each one with equal amounts of quinoa stuffing and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve warm!
If you’re looking for a delicious vegan meal that is both flavorful and healthy – look no further than this amazing acorn squash stuffed with fluffy quinoa goodness! Make it tonight for your family or friends; they’ll thank you later!
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Black Beans and Quinoa Recipe
Combining smoky, savory black beans with crunchy, nutty quinoa makes for an unforgettable meal.
To start, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. You will need the following:
- 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup of uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning
Directions
- Once all the ingredients are ready to go, heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant – about one minute – then add in the cumin and chili powder and stir everything together.
- Afterward, pour in the vegetable broth along with the quinoa. Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid and cook until all the liquid is absorbed – about 15 minutes.
- The last step is adding the black beans; when the quinoa has finished cooking, stir them in along with some salt & pepper to taste. Serve warm as-is, or top your bowl with diced avocado or fresh herbs!
In just 20 minutes total preparation time, you’ve got an amazing meal perfect for any day of the week! Black Beans and Quinoa ticks all of our boxes: healthy, delicious, simple & quick – so what are you waiting for? Get that pot on the stove now and enjoy!
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Chocolate Chips Quinoa Cookies
Are you looking for an irresistible treat that’s as delicious as it is nutritious? Look no further than chocolate chip quinoa cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, add the quinoa and blend until the grains break apart and become more powdery in texture (this should take about 3 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground quinoa, chocolate chips, sea salt, and baking soda. Mix together until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil and honey or maple syrup until blended, then add the beaten eggs and mix again until everything is fully combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients bowl and mix until just combined (do not overmix!).
- Using your hands or an ice cream scoop, generously scoop out individual balls onto the prepared baking sheet leaving enough space between each cookie to spread while cooking – you should get around 16 cookies, depending on the size chosen.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top, then allow cool before serving and enjoy!
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Garlic Butter Shrimp with Quinoa
For those who don’t have much time to spare in the kitchen but still want an unforgettable meal – this garlic butter shrimp with quinoa is your best bet!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled)
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) or garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ tablespoon chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and sauté until cooked through. It takes about 4 minutes on each side. Remove from heat when done cooking.
In the same pan, add garlic, red pepper flakes, and melted butter; stir until all combined. Return shrimp to pan and toss until fully coated with the mixture.
Serve shrimp over two cups of cooked quinoa and top with chopped parsley if desired.
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Sweet Potato Quinoa Burgers
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and potassium. They are also a good source of dietary fiber.
Quinoa is a great source of plant-based protein and provides numerous essential amino acids. When combined, sweet potatoes and quinoa make for a delicious and nutritious meal that will keep you full for hours afterward.
Here’s how to make sweet potato quinoa burgers in just five easy steps!
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Peel the sweet potato and cut it into small cubes (approximately 1/4 inch).
- Place the cubes on the baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together until evenly coated with oil.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside when finished baking.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for about 30 seconds, often stirring until fragrant, then add cooked quinoa to pan; stir together until warm throughout (about 3-4 minutes total).
- Set aside when finished cooking. In a large bowl, mash together roasted sweet potatoes by hand using a fork or potato masher (alternatively, you can use an electric mixer) until desired consistency is reached (it should still be chunky but mostly smooth).
- Add quinoa mixture from the skillet, then mix again using a fork or spatula until everything is well blended; use your hands if needed (it will help if the mixture sticks together better).
- Divide mixture into eight equal parts, then shape each patty into desired burger size; should make eight patties total when finished shaping them all up. Heat skillet over medium heat again, then cook burgers for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown on both sides; place cooked patties onto a plate lined with a paper towel so excess grease can soak off before serving them up hot!
The Best Tasting Quinoa Recipes: Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
First, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need the following:
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley
Now that we have everything we need, let’s get started!
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, peel and dice the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—roast for about 25 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
While the butternut squash is roasting, cook the quinoa. Rinse it under cold water and add it to a pot with vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it with a lid. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Mince two garlic cloves and whisk them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Mix Everything
Combine roasted butternut squash with cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Add dressing and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Garnish with Parsley
Chop up some fresh parsley leaves as garnish over your salad.
And there you have it! A nutritious dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy your delicious butternut squash quinoa salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the different varieties of quinoa?
Quinoa is constantly growing in popularity and can add a healthy spin to almost any meal. Most people probably realize that quinoa comes in several varieties, but they may need to learn exactly what those types are! To start off, there’s white quinoa, which has a light nutty flavor and fluffy texture. Red quinoa is similar but has a slightly chewier bite and darker color. Then there’s black quinoa with an earthy flavor and crunchier texture than the other varieties. On top of that, you can get rainbow quinoa, a mix of white, red, and black altogether! No matter what variety you pick, adding some quinoa to your dishes will definitely make them healthier!
Q: Can I use quinoa instead of brown rice?
Quinoa is a fantastic alternative that cooks in the same amount of time. In addition to giving many foods a delightful nutty flavor, it also contains an incredible range of nutrients like fiber, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Quinoa’s lower carbohydrate content than conventional brown rice makes it a healthier alternative, yet another fantastic quality of this grain.
Q: How can I make the meal prep process easier?
First, have a plan in place before you head to the store. Write down the meals you would like to cook for the week ahead; when doing so, remember to consider days when you may be short on time or not even home (order in or grab takeaway!). Second, purchase what is already pre-chopped and ready to cook whenever possible. Doing this will save you both time and energy in the kitchen. Finally, double up on recipe ingredients whenever possible to cook once but eat twice!
Q: Is dry quinoa better than cooked quinoa?
Cooked quinoa tends to be softer, more flavorful, and easier for the body to digest. On the other hand, dry quinoa is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than cooked quinoa. It’s also cheaper per serving and easy to store for extended periods. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference! If you’re looking for something quick and easy with lots of flavors, cooked quinoa may be the on-the-go choice that fits your diet and lifestyle perfectly. However, if you’re looking for nutrient-dense goodness without breaking the bank, then dry quinoa can deliver that too!
Q: How to season quinoa with fresh herbs?
Start by heating avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat, and lightly fry a clove of garlic. When it’s fragrant, add your cup-and-a-half of cooked quinoa. To add flavor and color, chop up fresh rosemary and basil, then toss them into the skillet with pinch-by-pinch amounts of each herb. Once the herbs have released their aroma, season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’ve got an easy side dish packed with flavor! And just like that, you’ve taken boring quinoa from zero to hero in no time at all.
Final Words
Wrapping up our round-up of the best tasting quinoa recipes, we can confidently say that quinoa is an incredibly versatile ingredient. Whether you’re looking for a vegan main dish or a side that packs some serious flavor, these recipes have you covered. Plus, it doesn’t get much easier than throwing a few ingredients into a pot and letting them cook away. However you decide to enjoy your quinoa, you can’t go wrong – Bon appetit!