How to Make Quinoa + 21 Easy Quinoa Recipes

Learn How to Make Quinoa perfect every time with these simple directions.  Plus here’s 21 Easy Quinoa Recipes you’ll want to make time and time again!

Quinoa is quick and easy to make and it’s delicious hot or cold.  Learn how to cook quinoa on the stove top so it turns out perfectly fluffy every time.  

WHAT IS QUINOA

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a gluten-free seed that’s high in plant protein and rich with all nine essential amino acids.  Quinoa is also considered an “ancient grain”.  

WHAT ARE ANCIENT GRAINS

Ancient grains include a variety of wheat (spelt, Kamut, freekeh, bulgur, farro, and grains such as millet, barley, oats, teff  and soghum, as well as pseudocereals (which are seeds that are consumed like grains) such as quinoa, armaranth, buckwheat and chia.  These ancient grains have been around (and remain mostly unchanged) for thousands of years.  They tend to be more nutritious and provide more vitamins, minerals and fiber than the more common grains like corn, rice and wheat. (1)  

HEALTH BENEFITS OF QUINOA

Quinoa provides many health benefits.  It’s one of the most protein rich foods we can it, and it’s an excellent source of iron and fiber.  Quinoa’s rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are called flavonoids (quercetin and kaempfero),  have been found in studies to provide anti-cancer anti-viral and anti-depressant properties.  

QUINOA GLUTEN – IS QUINOA GLUTEN FREE

Yes!  Quinoa is a seed not a grain …so yes, it’s gluten-free.

QUINOA PROTEIN – IS QUINOA A COMPLETE PROTEIN

Quinoa is a complete source of protein, providing 8-9 grams of protein per cooked cup, making it an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans, weight loss diets or anyone wanting to add more plant protein to their diet.  Quinoa is also a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, iron, manganese and magnesium (2)    

QUINOA CARBS – HOW MANY CARBS IN QUINOA

Quinoa contains about 39.4 grams of carbs per cup of cooked quinoa.  Carbs make up 21% of cooked quinoa, and about 83% of these carbs are starches with the rest consisting mostly of fiber.  (3)

QUINOA CALORIES – HOW MANY CALORIES IN COOKED QUINOA

Quinoa is relatively low in calories with one cup of cooked quinoa containing only approximately 222 calories.(4)

QUINOA FOR WEIGHT LOSS – IS QUINOA GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS

It’s a smart choice to add quinoa to your wellness and weight loss program.  Quinoa is high in protein which can increase metabolism and reduce appetite. (5)  Also, the high fiber content found in quinoa may also increase feelings of fullness, so we may eat fewer calories (6)

HOW TO COOK QUINOA

If you’ve never made quinoa before, you may wonder – how do you cook quinoa?  Cooking quinoa is similar to cooking rice and you’ll use the same ratio of 1 cup uncooked quinoa to 2 cups water.  How do you cook red quinoa?   Cooking red quinoa is no different that cooking white quinoa.  1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water.  Simmer for 15-20 minutes. 

Here is a basic quinoa recipe to cook on the stove top:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water (or vegetable or chicken broth)

Directions:

1. Pour the quinoa in a fine mesh colander and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds.
2. Add the rinsed quinoa to saucepan.
3. Pour water or broth into over the quinoa in the saucepan and stir.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with lid and simmer 15-20 minutes.  Don’t remove the lid.
5. As soon as the water is absorbed, remove from heat and set aside for 8-10 minutes so all the water completely absorbs and the quinoa will be light fluffy.
6. Fluff quinoa with fork.

Notes:

• About 1 cup dry quinoa yields about 3 cups cooked quinoa.
• Rinsing quinoa will help remove the natural coating on quinoa called saponin which makes it taste bitter and can cause foam.
• Rinsing your quinoa will make for a milder tasting and softer textured cooked quinoa. 
• Check the labeling on your packaged quinoa.  Some packaged quinoa comes already pre-rinsed (such as Bob’s Red Mill).
• The top of the quinoa may still look a little moist after 15-17 minutes.  Go ahead and remove it from the heat and set aside to absorb the rest of the liquid.
• Resist the urge to remove the lid before the quinoa absorbs all of the liquid.

QUINOA RECIPES

Here are 21 of my favorite quinoa recipes.  

QUINOA SIDE DISH RECIPES

No meal is complete without a great side dish.  These easy quinoa side dish recipes pair perfectly with grilled vegetables, fish or chicken.

Spanish Quinoa

Spanish Quinoa (quinoa rice) has all the delicious flavors of  Spanish rice.  It’s a delicious mix of quinoa, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, seasoning all simmered in chicken broth.  It’s perfect to serve as a side with any Mexican themed meal you serve.  I make this Spanish style quinoa all the time.  I even love it served for breakfast with fried eggs!   

Lemony Quinoa with Turmeric

This Lemon Quinoa has a delicious light combination of flavors.  It’s lightly seasoned with curry, turmeric and cumin.

Cilantro Lime Quinoa

This fluffy Cilantro Lime Quinoa is simmered in chicken broth with caramelized onion and garlic.  After it has cooked, it’s then tossed with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.  It’s perfect to serve with grilled vegetables, chicken, fish or your favorite Mexican dish.  

Pineapple Coconut Quinoa

This tropical tasting Pineapple Coconut Quinoa is simmered in coconut milk and pineapple juice.  Serve it plain (it’s delicious on its own) or toss in chunks of juicy ripe mango, some cilantro and red onion to make it extra special.

QUINOA SALAD RECIPES

Learn how to make quinoa salad with these easy quinoa salad recipes.  These quinoa salads make delicious and filling salad mains.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad 

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a crowd-pleaser!  It’s loaded with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, red peppers, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives and plenty of fresh basil.  It makes a delicious salad main or side to serve at barbecues and potlucks.  

Southwest Quinoa Salad

This Southwest Quinoa Salad is crowded with shredded chicken, cooked quinoa, grilled corn, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, orange bell pepper, green onion, tortilla chips, toasted pecans and it’s all tossed in an incredible BBQ dressing.   This salad is super filling and makes a great salad main.  Keep it vegan and omit the chicken. 

Mexican Quinoa Salad

This Mexican Quinoa Salad is a delicious mix of quinoa, cucumber, arugula, red pepper, pico de gallo, toasted nuts and lots of fresh cilantro all tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette.

Kale Quinoa Salad

This Kale Quinoa Salad is my “house salad”.  I love everything about this salad.  It’s fresh and flavorful and can be served as a starter, but honestly, it’s substantial and filling enough that it makes a great salad main.  

Beet Quinoa Salad

This Beet Quinoa Salad has a really great combo of nutritious ingredients – red quinoa, beets, arugula, green onion, raisins and sliced almonds all tossed in a delicious light curry salad dressing.  

Asian Quinoa Salad

This Asian Quinoa Salad is a mix of quinoa, purple and green cabbage, carrot, cilantro, onion and almonds all tossed in a really delicious orange ginger vinaigrette.  It’s great as a side, vegan main or you can add shredded chicken and make a meal of it.

Spinach Quinoa Salad

This Spinach Quinoa Salad is another salad that I make all the time.  I love the mix of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and almonds all tossed in a light basil pesto dressing.

QUINOA SOUP RECIPE

Quinoa is a healthier alternative to add to soups instead of rice or pasta.  And if you’re vegetarian or vegan, it adds a good portion of protein to your vegetable soups.

Lemon Chicken Quinoa Soup

This soothing Lemon Chicken Soup is similar to chicken lemon rice soup (but we use quinoa over rice).  It’s loaded with tender bites of chicken, quinoa and vegetables all simmered in a soothing lemon thyme chicken broth.  

QUINOA DINNER RECIPES

Often quinoa dinner recipes are vegetarian or vegan using quinoa instead of meat for lighter and healthier meals.

Cheesy Quinoa Broccoli Patties

These Quinoa Broccoli Patties are lightly crispy on the outside and tender and and a little cheesy on the inside, and I just love the chunks and wee bit of flecks of broccoli.  I serve them with an amazing Roasted Garlic Dip which takes these patties over the top!  These Cheesy Quinoa Broccoli Patties make a nice light meal on their own served with a lovely green salad, but I think they’re best served as a fun appetizer for a crowd!  

Quinoa Black Bean Burgers

These incredible Quinoa Black Bean Burgers are made with quinoa, black beans, onion, garlic, red pepper and cilantro.  Served on a bun slathered with chipotle mayo.  This recipe makes the best veggie burger! 

QUINOA BOWL RECIPES

Meals in a bowl are super popular these days.  These quinoa bowl recipes make it easy to serve  bowl food any night of the week.

Greek Chicken Bowl

This Greek Chicken Bowl is a delicious mix of marinated chicken, quinoa tabbouleh, kale, garbanzo beans, pickled onions, kalamat olives and feta cheese, served with a spoonful of tzatziki.  

Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl

This Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl  is a mix of chicken, quinoa, black beans, onions and tomatoes.  It’s a warm and comforting combo of flavors!   

Taco Bowls with Spanish Quinoa

This Quinoa Taco Bowl is a delicious mix of grilled chicken, Spanish Quinoa, black beans, pico de gallo and cilantro.  It’s super quick and easy to make!

QUINOA BREAKFAST RECIPE

While quinoa is typically used as a side dish or in salads, it makes a healthy addition to the breakfast table as well!

Quinoa Oatmeal Cereal

This Quinoa Oatmeal Cereal is a cozy breakfast cereal to make.  After the quinoa oatmeal has finished cooking, you’ll stir in a little vanilla and cinnamon.  I like to add banana slices and a handful of blueberries, but you can add your favorite fruits/berries.  Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over this breakfast cereal to give it just a touch of sweetness and serve with your favorite nut milk.

QUINOA SNACK RECIPES

For vegetarians and vegans, it’s important to eat plenty of plant protein.  These Quinoa Snack Recipes are delicious protein rich snacks to help with the daily intake of protein.

Quinoa Power Bites

These Quinoa Power Bites are made with quinoa flakes.  These energy bites are perfect for athletes and that much-needed mid-afternoon energy boost.  

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

These amazing Healthy Peanut Butter Cups are made with organic peanut butter, coconut butter and quinoa flakes.  They’re super easy to make and they’ll fix your chocolate peanut butter cravings.

 

Disclaimer:  This website is intended to give you information about healthy eating based on information provided from various sources. I am not a doctor and information on this website should not be considered medical advice.