Looking for easy quinoa recipes that your whole family will actually enjoy? Quinoa works beautifully in everything from bowls and casseroles to salads, stuffed peppers and even fried “rice.” Here are some of my favorite healthy quinoa recipes for simple lunches, weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Why You’ll Love These Quinoa Recipes
Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients for quick family meals because it works with so many different flavors. You can use it in place of rice in many dishes, add it to salads and bowls, or turn it into a hearty main meal. Cooked quinoa also provides plant protein and fiber, and it is naturally gluten-free.
The quinoa recipes below include everything from easy weeknight dinners to healthy lunches and side dishes, so there are plenty of ways to add quinoa to your family’s meals.
Quinoa vs. Rice: What’s the Difference?
Quinoa and rice can both be part of a healthy diet, so you don’t have to give up rice to enjoy quinoa. I simply love quinoa as another option because it provides plant protein and fiber and works well in many of the same dishes.
One cup of cooked quinoa provides about 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, and quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also naturally gluten-free. Rice can also be part of a balanced diet. Because rice tends to absorb more arsenic than many other crops, the FDA recommends eating a varied diet that includes different grains rather than relying heavily on any single grain.
My Top 10 Favorite Quinoa Recipes
What are you waiting for? Try these 18 Quinoa Recipes That Will Make You Forget All About Rice and start making healthier choices. Make sure you buy good-quality organic quinoa.
1. Chicken And Vegetable Quinoa Fried “Rice”
This is one of my favorite easy dinner recipes and the entire family loves it. A healthier option to traditional Chinese fried rice + added health benefits. The soy sauce is the only thing keeping it from being gluten-free, and you can easily find GF options for that (like Tamari soy sauce). Recipe Here
You may also like this easy Quinoa with Veggies recipe!
2. Creamy Quinoa Risotto
Eatwell101 / Via eatwell101.com
You can substitute rice and make a delicious and creamy quinoa risotto in just around 25 minutes. It will be healthier and even tastier than most traditional risotto recipes. Recipe Here
3. Quinoa Pilaf
When I discovered this recipe, I immediately fell in love with it. This is a fantastic idea for a weekly family dinner (or a healthy side dish) and incorporates lots of healthy ingredients. Again, soy sauce is the only thing that isn’t gluten-free on its own, but as I said, there are alternatives. Recipe Here
4. Spinach And Artichoke Quinoa Casserole
Ifoodreal / Via ifoodreal.com
Quinoa recipes call for casseroles and they are in my opinion, one of the best comfort foods. You can have this as a side dish or by itself. Either way, it will make you feel wonderful. It’s also completely gluten-free as-is. Recipe Here
5. Molded Quinoa With Ground Beef Filling
Creative And Healthy Fun Food / Via creativehealthyfamily.com
I grew up in Peru and this is a popular homemade dish that most families love. I used to get so excited every time my mom will make it. And now, I make it for my kids but instead of rice, I use nutritious quinoa. Recipe Here
6. Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
The Garden Grazer / Via thegardengrazer.com
I love peppers and this is such a great idea, I had to share it with all of you. Great as an appetizer or even main course. Enjoy the different textures and flavors and get all the benefits from eating quinoa recipes. Between the colors and the fun presentation, this is a great way to get picky eaters to try something new, too. Recipe Here
7. Quinoa Stew With Beef
Ifoodreal / Via ifoodreal.com
Another great gluten-free comfort food with a twist. Instead of rice, make your stew with quinoa and see how delicious it is. Perfect for families looking to make healthier choices. Recipe Here
8. Sriracha Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Kim’s Healthy Eats / Via kimshealthyeats.com
I really love this idea. Quinoa bowls- instead of rice bowls- are amazingly nutritious and delicious for lunch. I also love the spicy kick from the sriracha sauce. Yum! If you can’t really handle spicy foods, though, you can always go with a different sauce. Recipe Here
9. Thai Chicken Quinoa Bowl
How Sweet It Is / Via howsweeteats.com
I am a Thai food lover but the problem is most Thai dishes are served with rice. But now quinoa recipes come to the rescue and makes this recipe super healthy without sacrificing taste. Recipe Here
10. Mexican Quinoa Jambalaya
Daddy’s CookHouse / Via daddyscookhouse.com
Yes! Mexican food can also be made with quinoa recipes. This is actually a fusion but it works really well. Another great easy dinner idea that the entire family can enjoy. Recipe Here
11. Colorful Quinoa Salad Recipe
This Colorful Quinoa Protein Power Salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or as an accompaniment to any leftover meat. Grab the recipe here!
More Quinoa Recipes
Still looking for more ways to enjoy quinoa? I have several other easy quinoa recipes here on Creative Healthy Family that are perfect for busy weeknights, healthy lunches, meal prep, and family-friendly dinners.
Quinoa is incredibly versatile, which is one of the reasons I love cooking with it. You can use it in place of rice, mix it into salads, turn it into bite-sized snacks for kids, or build it into a hearty main dish. These quinoa recipes are a great way to experiment with different flavors while adding more plant protein and fiber to your meals.
- Molded Quinoa With Ground Beef Filling
- Protein Packed Quinoa And Broccoli Nuggets
- Wild Mahi Mahi With Quinoa
- Spaghetti Carbonara With Quinoa Pasta
- Chaufa de Quinoa con Pollo
- Quinoa Mac And Cheese with Broccoli Recipe
- Quinoa Mini Cups (Easy Healthy Snack Recipe)
How to Cook Quinoa: Tips for Perfect Results
Before we finish up with some FAQs in a moment, I just want to share a few quick tips to help you cook quinoa perfectly every time.
- Rinse it off: Before cooking quinoa, you absolutely MUST rinse it thoroughly to remove its natural coating (called saponin). If you don’t, it ends up tasting bitter. Just rinse it under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve. Gently rub the grains between your fingers and continue until the water runs clear.
- Get the ratio right: The right quinoa-to-water ratio gives you deliciously fluffy and tender grains. Typically, a ratio of 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water works well. However, depending on your preferred texture, you can adjust the amount of water a bit. For example, if you prefer lighter, fluffier quinoa, use 1 ¾ cups of water instead.
- Toast it for even more flavor: While not necessary at all, toasting quinoa before cooking gives it an extra layer of depth and flavor. Just heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the rinsed and drained quinoa. Toast for about 5 minutes. Make sure you’re stirring constantly. You’ll know they’re done when they start to crackle. You can also add more flavor by cooking it in vegetable or chicken/beef broth instead of water.
- Don’t stir it once it’s boiling: Stirring while toasting is vital…but stirring while cooking can actually ruin your quinoa’s fluffiness. Once the water starts to boil, lower the heat and cover the pot with a tight-fitting glass lid (so you can see when all of the water is absorbed). Then leave it alone until it’s done (usually after about 15 minutes or once it’s soaked up all of the water).
- Let it sit, then fluff it up: When it’s done cooking, take the quinoa off the burner and let it sit in the pot for 5 more minutes with the lid on. Then, remove the lid and use a fork to “fluff” it up a bit. That’s it! It’s actually a very easy process, so don’t let all of the steps scare you.
FAQs about Quinoa
Is quinoa really better than rice?
Yes, it really is! Forgetting about the potential issue of arsenic in your rice, quinoa just has a better nutritional profile overall. It’s the only grain that contains all of the amino acids you’d find in meat-based proteins, making it an ideal choice for vegans and vegetarians. Plus, it packs in 5 more grams of fiber compared to rice.
Is too much quinoa bad for you?
Like all things- even water- quinoa can be problematic if you overdo it. The most notable downsides of eating too much quinoa are similar to that of any high-fiber food and include stomach discomfort, bloating, diarrhea. Stick to about one-to-two cups a day max (which is actually a lot more than it sounds like since quinoa is very filling and plumps up when cooked).
Is quinoa a protein or a carb?
Both! While quinoa is technically a carbohydrate (albeit it a gluten-free one), it’s also a complete protein. It contains all of the amino acids that act as building blocks for protein in your body.
Is it okay to eat quinoa every day?
While you should vary your diet to include a mix of healthy and wholesome foods, yes, it’s okay to eat quinoa every day if you want to. In fact, a study by the Harvard Public School of Health found that eating high-fiber whole grains like quinoa can actually help you live longer and fight off heart disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
Is quinoa keto-friendly?
No. While it’s one of the healthiest carbohydrates, it’s not the most keto-friendly food. You CAN eat it on a keto diet, but it will take up most of your carb allowance.
Do you need to wash quinoa before eating it?
That depends. Most quinoa sold in stores is already pre-rinsed, so you don’t need to wash it again. However, if you’re buying it from sources that don’t rinse it before packaging, then yes, you should wash it first, especially if you’re sensitive to saponins. While it’s safe to eat unwashed, the saponins in it give it a bitter taste.
Are you concerned about arsenic in rice? Lack of nutrients? Ditch the empty source of calories and start cooking with quinoa! You will get almost double the fiber and phosphorus, four times more iron, and five times more potassium.
I hope you enjoy these healthy quinoa recipes and please let me know if you have any questions. If you are interested in more ways to eliminate unhealthy grains from your family’s diet, check out my favorite gluten-free recipes that kids will love.
I also believe kids deserve to eat real food. They deserve food cooked at home, and made from scratch. But don’t worry. I am not a chef or have many years of experience cooking. So most of my recipes are very easy to prepare. I think mealtime should not be complicated or stressful. With just a few fresh ingredients we can make delicious meals that our whole family can enjoy. Homemade food is always the best choice.
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