Quinoa seemed like it would be just a fad health food trend, but the reality is – quinoa is a superfood, and it’s here to stay!! Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) is actually a seed, that almost mimics a grain in the way it cooks, tastes and is adapted in recipes. It’s a fantastic source of protein and vitamins and really beneficial in your daily dietary needs. But, it’s also just rather bland on its own, and to enjoy it regularly, you need to stay inspired and find ways to use quinoa that you won’t get sick of! These recipes will have you creating new and delicious ways to incorporate more quinoa into your menu!

1. Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa

Yes, breakfast! Surprising, isn’t it? But quinoa, since it’s so bland, can adapt to any flavor profile you choose, including sweet, cinnamon and fruity.

This recipe only has 4 ingredients, and since it’s a breakfast – you’re starting your day off with a good kick of protein! What a great option for this grain-like seed!

https://www.simplyquinoa.com/cinnamon-apple-breakfast-quinoa/?utm_medium=viraltag-content-network&utm_source=viraltag-post&utm_campaign=Viraltag PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Simply Quinoa

2. Salty Peanut Butter Quinoa Chia Bars

Talk a plant protein heaven in a bar! With the combination of peanut butter, chia seeds, and quinoa, each bar will pack a good amount of protein and energy!

Using all simple ingredients you probably already have kicking around in the pantry, you can whip up these bars to enjoy on the go when you need it!

https://greenysherry.com/en/salty-peanut-butter-quinoa-chia-bars-with-chocolate-vegan-gluten-free/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Greeny Sherry

3. Quinoa & Lentil Stuffed Vegan Cabbage Rolls

Before you turn your nose up at a vegan version of a childhood favorite – give these a chance! A recipe that stands up to its original meat & rice filled variety but packed with healthy plant proteins and quinoa, it might just become a staple!

The prep for these only takes about 30 minutes since most of the work is done in the cooking process, so plan ahead because your home is about to fill with aromas for a couple hours until you get to enjoy these amazing rolls.

https://www.connoisseurusveg.com/quinoa-lentil-stuffed-vegan-cabbage-rolls/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Connoisseurus Veg

4. Quinoa Bagels

I can’t believe these are a thing, and that they only require 4 ingredients, but here we are…and they are definitely a thing, and a recipe worth trying!

Blending quinoa into a batter that is thick like brownie batter, you can shape your dough into a bagel shape before baking, and ultimately creating a bagel that is nutritionally more sound than the traditional white flour variety! Not to mention, it’s also gluten-free!

https://monkeyandmekitchenadventures.com/quinoa-flatbread-bagels/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Monkey & Me Kitchen Adventures

5. Thai Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salads aren’t uncommon nowadays, they’re a great way of consuming a protein without it being a light leafy salad, it’s actually very filling!!

This salad is also something that everyone will be asking you for the recipe for because it’s so flavorful and memorable and will be a perfect pairing with your summer dishes!

https://www.thegardengrazer.com/2018/04/fresh-thai-quinoa-salad-with-peanut.html PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: The Garden Grazer

5. Gluten-Free Buffalo Quinoa Nuggets

These dippable little nuggets are going to be the hit of your weeknights or next event when your diners are lucky enough to munch on them. Not only are they easy to make, protein-packed and delicious, they are also a perfect protein topper to your favorite leafy salads!

All the flavors you know and love about chicken wings come into play here in a vegan and gluten-free option that everyone will love. Thankfully, this recipe also only takes about 25 minutes from beginning to end!

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/gluten-free-buffalo-quinoa-nuggets/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Forkly

6. Black Bean Quinoa Burgers

Heck yessss!! Completely vegan and gluten-free (rare for a burger patty!) this recipe makes a really kickin’ sandwich that you will be making again and again. Perhaps it’s even worth making a big batch and freezing for later enjoyment!

With spinach, jalapenos, bell peppers, onion, quinoa and some oat flour and flax for binding, these are the burgers that will have meat-eaters eyeing up your plate wishing they had your meal. Spend half an hour prepping these and you’ll have a dozen patties ready to go when you want them!

https://www.emilieeats.com/black-bean-quinoa-veggie-burgers/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Emilie Eats

7. Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Quinoa Chili

This filling, hearty chili is not your average chili. It’s next level. Healthier, protein-rich, and full of fiber, this is a chili you will want to enjoy year-round.

This chili also has the added benefit of being ready in only 35 minutes! That’s just crazy talk! Made from simple ingredients that you already know and love, you can have this from stove to table in no time. Who’s hungry?

https://kristineskitchenblog.com/sweet-potato-black-bean-chili-quinoa/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

8. Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

I grew up on stuffed peppers filled with beef and rice, but now that I’ve grown up and adopted a plant-based diet, I’m also seeking out ways to replicate my favorite childhood foods in a way that is healthy and lifestyle friendly. This recipe does just that.

Stuffing these peppers sideways keeps them laying flat without tipping over when baking (uh, why didn’t I think of this before) then is stuffed with quinoa, corn, black beans, salsa, green onions, and seasoning. So easy, so delicious.

https://www.thegardengrazer.com/2015/10/mexican-quinoa-stuffed-peppers.html PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: The Garden Grazer

9. Quinoa Peanut Butter Bars

We are just bouncing around between dinners, snacks, breakfasts and more with these quinoa recipes. Gotta keep you on your toes and keep you inspired with all the quinoa you’re about to buy in bulk.

This recipe is something that the kids will be going crazy for (adults, t00) but it’s so healthy you won’t even mind that they reach for seconds. Made from naturally sweet dates, oats, quinoa, almonds, flax, chia, peanut butter and maple syrup, these bars won’t last on your countertop long. By omitting the almonds, and swapping peanut butter for sunflower butter, these bars can be adapted to be school-safe for lunchboxes!

http://thedessertedgirl.com/2018/01/05/quinoa-peanut-butter-bars-vegan-gluten-free/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: The Desserted Girl

10. Detox Quinoa & Veggie Salad

We’ve all been there, a heavy weekend of eating and indulging and we come into a new day or week needing a…detox. This salad is everything you need to get back on track with a healthier diet.

Detoxing doesn’t mean you just stop eating to cleanse your body. It means you fill it up with things that will help refresh and renew your body starting in your gut! With ingredients like quinoa, spinach, black beans and more – this salad will be one you’ll be coming back to again and again. Likely after another cheat day 😉

https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/detox-quinoa-salad/?epik=0r8m1E_IWnxty PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

11. Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters

Fritters that aren’t fried, for once! This healthy recipe is packed with protein, so it’s great for those who are of a vegan lifestyle to enjoy regularly. And you will.

The ingredients in this recipe are downright genius to combine, and with them being baked, you don’t have to be concerned with unhealthy frying fats! Dip em, put em on a salad, eat them right off the pan – however you enjoy these, you’ll be glad you made them.

https://www.veggieinspired.com/baked-red-lentil-quinoa-fritters/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Veggie Inspired

12. Cheesy Vegan Chickpea, Quinoa & Broccoli Casserole

This will feel like you’re eating an oh-so-indulgent cheater meal, but one that just happens to be incredibly good for you. Full of protein sources like quinoa, broccoli, chickpeas, nutritional yeast, and cashews – this recipe is an ideal candidate for everyone around your dinner table.

It may seem like a bizarre concept for a casserole, but trust the recipe creator on this one. It’s a comforting recipe that only takes 15 minutes to prep before it’s popped into the oven to bake!

https://www.emilieeats.com/cheesy-chickpea-quinoa-broccoli-casserole-vegan-gluten-free/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Emilie Eats

13. Quinoa & Sweet Potato Sushi

Who doesn’t love a fresh sushi roll? Many wrongly believe that sushi means it’s always raw fish, but vegetarians and vegans know that’s simply not true! Not only that, but it’s not difficult to create on your own.

Instead of a sticky white rice, you can create a healthier version of the classic sweet potato roll by using quinoa! This recipe also comes with the added bonus of a miso ginger dipping sauce recipe. Get ready to roll!

https://createmindfully.com/sweet-potato-sushi-rolls-with-quinoa/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Create Mindfully

14. Tofu & Quinoa Tacos

Is your love language tacos? Mine too! If tacos are on the menu, that’s what I’m ordering. But it’s not often you can find a plant-based version that looks this good.

Combining both tofu and quinoa for the “meat” of this taco, then topped with a kale slaw, this recipe is one for the books! This recipe is also budget-friendly! This recipe should cost you less than $10 to feed an entire family. Seriously!

https://www.fooduzzi.com/2017/01/vegan-tofu-quinoa-tacos-with-tahini-kale-slaw/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Fooduzzi

15. Quinoa Sloppy Joes

Another way that quinoa can work as a “meaty” protein substitute! What can’t quinoa do? Quinoa can’t do the dishes, but that’s about it.

This recipe will be putting tomato-sauced smiles on the kids & adults alike when they enjoy this classic sandwich in a new way. Another bonus of these sloppy joes is that they’re also gluten-free (bun recipe is included!). Only 4 steps to create these and ingredients that you already will have in the cupboard.

http://petiteallergytreats.com/sloppy-joes-quinoa-gluten-free-vegan/ PHOTO & RECIPE HERE: Petite Allergy Treats

16. Quick & Easy Mediterranian Quinoa Salad

Enjoy the fresh flavors of Mediterranean cooking that will have you dreaming of lounging next to the sea without having to fly across the ocean to enjoy it! There is nothing better than transitioning into spring and summer by replacing our hearty comforting dishes for something fresh and light. We’re here to show you how you can make salad fun again with protein-packed quinoa!

http://www.forkly.com/recipes/quick-easy-mediterranean-quinoa-salad/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY

 

 

Sarah Nicole

Since successfully losing 100lbs by changing her relationship with food and her body, Sarah has taken her passion for food and balanced it between cucumbers and cupcakes. When she's not bustling her way around a kitchen, you can find her working out or winding down at home with her 3 kids and pug. Follow Sarah's journey on Instagram @TheBirdsPapaya.

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