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Quinoa is often described as a superfood. It is a fantastic alternative to other carbs such as rice or potatoes. However, many people simply have no ideas how to prepare it. I will share my six absolute favorite healthy quinoa recipes in this article. But first, let me share a bit more about quinoa itself.
What is quinoa
Quinoa is technically a seed but has been classified as a whole grain. It contains high amounts of complete proteins (contains all nine amino acids) and fibers. One cup of quinoa adds 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber to your daily intake.
Quinoa is a relatively low glycemic index carb, which usually helps control a rapid spike of blood sugar.
Additionally, quinoa is a source of:
- Manganese (a trace mineral essential to metabolism and growth)
- Phosphorus (essential to bone health)
- Magnesium
- Folate (critical to cell function)
- Thiamine
With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder quinoa is often referred to as a superfood.
Healthy quinoa recipes
Sweet potatoes and blueberry quinoa salad
One of my favorite way to eat quinoa is cooked but chilled. I love the light crunch and texture it adds to my food. Therefore, the first two recipes consist of healthy quinoa salad.
This salad is rich in antioxidants, proteins, and fibers. The quantities below will make about 4 servings.
Salad ingredients:
- 2 cups of uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups of cooked and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 cup of chopped spinach
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1/2 cup or diced red onions
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 4 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days. I’d recommend waiting to mix in the dressing until you are ready to eat.
I highly recommend Caraway products if you need new storage containers. These new beautiful glass and ceramic-coated containers are dishwashers, microwave, oven, freezer, and refrigerator-safe. They are the best!
Smoked salmon quinoa salad
This salad contains two of my favorite foods: quinoa and salmon. I probably make a version of this salad once a week. It is delicious!
This salad is rich in proteins, omega-3 fats, and fibers. The quantities below will make about 4 servings.
Salad ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa
- 2 cups of chopped spinach or arugula
- 1 cup of diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup of diced red onions
- 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1 diced avocado
- 8 oz of smoked salmon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of mayo
Once again, you can prepare this salad in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. You can also modify this recipe by adding or subtracting ingredients to make it your own. Somedays, I use cooked rice rather than quinoa to change things up.
Olive oil and herbs quinoa
This is a very easy side dish that the entire family likes. I like that I can increase the protein or fiber content of our meal by adding this side dish to our rotation.
Ingredients (for about 4 servings):
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
I like to use small glass ramequins for this. I put the olive oil at the bottom, and add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Then I top it with hot cooked quinoa. To serve, I reverse the ramequin into the serving plate. Not only it is delicious but the presentation is quite adorable.
Pro tips: To give more flavor to your quinoa, cook it in chicken broth rather than water.
Cheesy quinoa and broccoli
Here is another side dish to make even the picky eaters give quinoa a try. After all, who doesn’t like cheese?
Ingredients (for about 4 servings):
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa
- 1 to 1 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons of Panko bread crumbs
I recommend heating the quinoa and vegetables first. Then, mix the quinoa and broccoli and put them in an oven-safe dish such as these individual-size ramekins. Sprinkle the cheese and Panko bread crumbs on top. Put in the oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Make sure to keep an eye on it. Every oven is different and you don’t want to burn your dish.
Pro tip: You can replace the broccoli with other veggies of your choice such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini, or spinach.
Warm healthy quinoa bowl with tahini dressing
This is a meal I like to throw together when I don’t have much time and have quite a bit of leftovers in the fridge. You can almost put anything you want in this recipe. Here is how I made it most recently.
Bowl ingredients (for about 4 servings):
- 4 cups of cooked quinoa
- 4 cooked diced chicken thighs
- 2 cups of cooked root vegetables (parsnip, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots)
- 2 cups of chopped spinach
Dressing ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of tahini
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coconut milk
To assemble this healthy quinoa recipe, I split the ingredients between four bowls. On top of a layer of spinach, I add about 1 cup of cooked and hot quinoa. I then arrange the chicken and vegetables on top. I finish by drizzling the tahini dressing on top.
Pro tip: The tahini dressing will thicken as it sits there. I like to make it right before serving. You want to add enough coconut milk to ensure a smooth consistency that is easy to drizzle.
Breakfast vanilla raspberry quinoa bowl
Lastly, I want to leave you with a quinoa breakfast option.
Like most of the other recipes above, this one too is highly customizable. But regardless of what you add to it, you are sure to be satiated for hours to come.
Ingredients (single serving):
- 1/2 cup of uncooked but rinsed quinoa
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
- 1/2 cup of raspberries
- 2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds butter (or other nut butter)
- 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds
Add your rinsed quinoa, water, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and lower to a simmer. Let it cook until about half the liquid has been absorbed. Pour your quinoa into a bowl and top with the raspberries, seed butter, and pumpkin seeds.
This breakfast is super filling and so versatile. Have fun with it and find your favorite combos.
In conclusion
I hope this article gave you inspiration and motivation to add quinoa to your diet. This superfood can help boost your nutrition. I cannot wait to hear which of the six healthy quinoa recipes you plan to try.
Bon Appetit!
Cat xx
Other articles you might enjoy:
7 healthy dinner ideas the whole family will love
Picky eater list of tips and ideas to support parents
How to create quick weeknight meals – no recipe needed
