22 Quinoa Recipes You'll Keep Coming Back To

There aren't many ingredients more versatile than quinoa. This high-protein seed is used much like a grain and serves as the base for bowls, salads and even pizza crust.

March 24, 2023

By: Food Network Kitchen

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Photo By: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

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Photo By: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

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Photo By: Matt Armendariz

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Fill Up on Quinoa

The next time you’re thinking about making rice, why not try quinoa instead? The tiny, high-protein whole grain from South America has been around for thousands of years; if you’re not already eating it regularly, now’s the time. It cooks more quickly than rice and is virtually foolproof — in fact, cooking quinoa to fluffy perfection takes only five simple steps. It’s lighter and more nutritious than other grains too. You can make a quinoa salad in minutes, use it in stuffed peppers, pair it with salmon and more. In this Mexican-inspired bowl, crunchy tortilla chips and roasted pepitas are nicely complemented by avocado cream and hearty quinoa. You can make a big batch of quinoa and keep it frozen in resealable bags for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat as needed. Having an arsenal of the premade stuff in your freezer will help cut down prep time on busy nights!

Get the Recipe: Quinoa Bowl with Chicken and Avocado Cream

Grilled Scallops with Orange-Scented Quinoa

Quinoa takes on a whole new flavor when infused with orange zest and dressed with fresh citrus juice; it makes the perfect accompaniment to grilled scallops.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Orange-Scented Quinoa

Teriyaki Salmon Quinoa Bowls

Punch up your quinoa with Asian-inspired flavor by adding soy sauce and scallion. For an easy, tasty dinner, top the quinoa with shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and teriyaki-marinated salmon.

Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Quinoa Bowls

Herbed Quinoa

Nutty and protein-packed, quinoa doesn't need much dressing up: A simple vinaigrette and some chopped herbs are enough to turn this grain into a hearty side for fish, chicken or meat.

Get the Recipe: Herbed Quinoa

Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

Red bell peppers make colorful shells for a fluffy quinoa and Rachael's chile, eggplant and zucchini stuffing. Serve the stuffed peppers topped with crumbled feta for a hearty vegetarian meal that even meat eaters will love.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

Asian Chicken and Quinoa Salad

This delicious, colorful salad is a great way to introduce quinoa to your family.

Get the Recipe: Chicken, Sesame and Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Crust Pizza

Quinoa makes for a chewy crust reminiscent of pizza dough but with an extra earthiness. You can prepare the crust ahead of time, then top and bake just before serving.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa Crust Pizza

Quinoa with Shiitakes and Snow Peas

Toss quinoa with shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired side dish reminiscent of fried rice.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa With Shiitakes and Snow Peas

Kale and Quinoa Salad

Valerie says that quinoa is the perfect grain substitute because of its high protein content. When paired with blanched kale, her salad has a hearty bite without tasting bitter.

Get the Recipe: Kale and Quinoa Salad

Mexican Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

This high-protein and fiber-loaded breakfast bowl is the answer for those who dislike sweet breakfast foods. You can thank the quinoa for about half the total protein. We like the red variety because it holds its shape during cooking and has the benefit of extra antioxidants. Make the quinoa ahead of time, and heat it in the microwave before topping.

Get the Recipe: Savory Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Lentil Quinoa Salad

Melissa’s trick for perfect quinoa? She microwaves the grain until it’s nutty, chewy and tender. Once cooked, she combines the quinoa with lentils, scallion and cilantro to make a foolproof side dish that’s kind to your budget.

Get the Recipe: Lentil Quinoa Salad

Chicken and Quinoa Soup

Say goodbye to soggy noodles. With fresh veggies and fiber-rich quinoa, this easy soup is the perfect pick-me-up for those times you crave comfort food, but still want to eat a healthy meal.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Quinoa Soup

Vegan Quinoa-Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash

This stuffed squash isn't trying to trick you into thinking it's stuffed with meat. And it doesn't have to. The quinoa filling is satisfying enough on its own, full of spiced warmth (thanks to the curry powder) and salty sweetness (from the pistachios and cranberries).

Get the Recipe: Vegan Quinoa-Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash

Instant Pot Chicken with Quinoa, Pistachios and Apricots

This is going to be your new go-to healthy weeknight dinner. Full of protein and fiber, this dish is light, yet very satisfying. The heat of the chile and ginger balance out the sweetness of the apricot, and the pistachios provide a pleasant crunch.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken with Quinoa, Pistachios and Apricots

Quinoa Shrimp Fried "Rice"

This shrimp-and-vegetable fried rice actually sidelines the rice in favor of quinoa, which increases the nutrition and adds a gorgeous texture.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa Shrimp Fried "Rice"

Quinoa Corn Chowder

Trisha loves this soup because it’s warm, hearty and delicious. In addition to golden quinoa, she uses frozen corn, shrimp and potatoes to bring the dish together.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa Corn Chowder

Quinoa with Chicken and Lentils

This low-calorie Middle Eastern-inspired dinner uses darkly browned onions and a few spices to develop big flavor without relying on extra fat. A small amount of leftover rotisserie chicken makes this balanced meal budget-friendly, too.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa with Chicken and Lentils

Mexican Green Quinoa

Quinoa has Peruvian origins and was named the "mother grain" by the ancient Incas. Although it's actually a seed, quinoa is used in place of grains (and part of the same family as spinach) and it's high in protein and has a large nutrient-rich germ. Quinoa seeds are naturally coated in saponins, which have a bitter, soapy taste, so be sure to thoroughly rinse the grains before cooking them — or buy pre-rinsed quinoa. Serve this simple but delicious dish alongside grilled chicken or enchiladas.

Get the Recipe: Green Spinach Quinoa

Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Black Olives

Bobby mixes up a cool simple salad of quinoa, grilled asparagus and aged goat cheese dressed with a red wine vinaigrette. Make it ahead and serve at room temperature in place of pasta salad if you're looking to up the healthy factor at your next backyard barbecue.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Black Olives

Perfect Quinoa

There are many varieties of quinoa, ranging in color from white to red to black, but all can be prepared with this basic, foolproof method that produces light and fluffy results every time. In nature, quinoa (which is not a true grain but the seed of a tree fruit) is coated with a bitter substance called saponin that acts as a repellent to predators. Though most quinoa you buy comes prewashed these days, it doesn't hurt to give it a quick rinse as called for below. Prep-ahead this large batch for using as a side dish or in salads or bowls during the week.

Get the Recipe: Perfect Quinoa

Quinoa with Buttery Roasted Vegetables

Ree combines quinoa with roasted veggies, pine nuts, parmesan and a buttery dressing in this delicious dish. Serve it hot or cold — either way, it’s a great side for any protein.

Get the Recipe: Quinoa with Buttery Roasted Vegetables

Greek Quinoa Salad

Bobby’s five-star salad is a fan-favorite for a reason. It’s full of healthy (and hearty!) quinoa and fresh veggies, plus a sprinkle of creamy, salty feta. Bonus: The flavors continue to develop as the salad sits, so feel free to prepare in advance!

Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad