If you're vegan or gluten-free, you're likely well acquainted with how great quinoa is, as it's one of very few complete proteins (meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids). Quinoa not only is a protein powerhouse, but it also absorbs so many different flavors and adds amazing texture to some of our meatless faves, like our meat lover's veggie burger and our vegan taco salad. Perfect for endless riffing, check out all our favorite recipes that use quinoa as a base for a filling dinner salad or tossed with vegetables to make hearty, healthy casseroles.
Did you know? Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse that acts like a grain but is actually seed(!). Great for salads, burgers, and casseroles, quinoa is our favorite protein-packed addition to any recipe. We know, we know, quinoa seems like an annoyingly trendy ingredient that doesn't even taste good, but when cooked right, it's actually a really tasty way to change up your carb routine. It's more versatile than rice, even easier to cook, and gluten-free. Our handy guide on how to cook quinoa will have you making delicious quinoa in your sleep.
Quinoa is also one of the easiest ways to add a healthy bit of heartiness to any healthy dish, like our quinoa vegetable soup, ratatouille with chickpeas and quinoa, and quinoa-stuffed avocados. Having cooked quinoa on hand means you're never too long from being able to make a quick dinner, like quinoa fried rice. We love making up a big batch at the beginning of the week and using it for avocado breakfast bowls, Caprese quinoa bake, and one-pan chicken quinoa.
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
We don’t believe in boring salads at Delish, and crunchy apples and tart cranberries bring a lot of life to this one. The slightly sweet and lemony dressing is easy to make, and you’ll want to have extra on hand to pour it over everything. Feel free to add some protein to make this more hearty, or leave it as is for a light dinner.
Get the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad recipe.
Quinoa Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup might be vegetarian, but it's still super-filling thanks to quinoa, white beans, kale, carrots, and celery. We love serving this up with a healthy sprinkling of fresh Parm and toasted ciabatta bread.
Get the Quinoa Vegetable Soup recipe.
Vegan Taco Salad
Our favorite taco salad got a vegan makeover. Filled with grains and two different types of beans, it's a filling salad worthy of your dinner table. The spicy dressing brings tons of flavor and is our favorite part of the salad. Top it will all of your favorites like cherry tomatoes and tortilla chips for a little crunch!
Get the Vegan Taco Salad recipe.
Avocado Breakfast Bowls
Breakfast bowls are infinitely adaptable, which is why we love them. We use quinoa as a base, avocado and eggs for protein, and roasted sweet potatoes for bulk, but feel free to mix and match as you see fit. Whatever you do, don't skip the everything bagel seasoning!
Get the Avocado Breakfast Bowls recipe.
One-Pan Chicken And Quinoa
This quick and easy dinner is high in protein and takes very little effort. We love the Tex-Mex spices here; the chili powder and cayenne add a nice kick that the avocado and sour cream perfectly offset. Want more one-skillet wonders? Try our one-pan chicken and gnocchi next!
Get the One-Pan Chicken And Quinoa recipe.
Meat Lover's Veggie Burger
Our recipe uses TWO types of umami-rich mushroom goodness for the meatless patties: fresh shiitakes and dried porcini. To avoid the mush factor, we opted for a couple thin, smaller patties rather than one large one. That way, you get nice caramelization on the outside without a thick layer of uncooked patty in the center. Plus, double the patty means double the cheese. See ya never, mushy veggie burgers. ✌️
Get the Meat Lover's Veggie Burger recipe.
Cheesy Apple and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash
Have you ever thought to use an acorn squash as a bowl? It's the perfect receptacle for stuffing with creamy blue cheese, quinoa, walnuts, and sweet apple. The flavors mesh together into a sweet, salty, savory main or side—and if you're feeling lazy, you don't even need a plate! We love cozying up on the couch with one of these for a good old-fashioned TV binge.
Get the Cheesy Apple and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
How To Cook Quinoa
We know, we know, quinoa seems like an annoyingly trendy grain (er, seed) that doesn't even taste good, but when cooked right, it's actually a really tasty way to change up your carb routine. It's more versatile than rice, even easier to cook, and gluten-free. With the simple 2:1 ratio, you'll be making quinoa in your sleep.
Get the How To Cook Quinoa recipe.
Chili Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are classic for several reasons—they’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and extremely satisfying. You could say the exact same thing about chili. An even better classic? Combine the two. With chicken, melted Velveeta, and quinoa, these stuffed peppers are one crowd-pleasing combo.
Get the Chili Cheesy Stuffed Peppers recipe.
Chicken, Quinoa, and Black Bean Chili Verde
Got a rotisserie chicken on hand? It goes great in this easy shortcut dinner. A jar of salsa verde is key to building the sauce in this zesty chili, made hearty with protein-packed quinoa and black beans.
Quinoa Fried Rice
By simply swapping quinoa in for rice, you double the protein in this lighter take on classic fried rice. Quinoa fried rice goes well with everything; chicken and pork are our favorite go-tos, but tofu would be amazing too!
Get the Quinoa Fried Rice recipe.
Slow-Cooker Quinoa Risotto with Carrots and Asparagus
Protein-packed quinoa is creamy and hearty in this slow-cooker risotto-style recipe.
Get the Slow-Cooker Quinoa Risotto with Carrots and Asparagus recipe.
Quinoa-Stuffed Avocados
With all those vegetables packed into a lush, creamy avocado, you'll (quite literally) be tasting the whole rainbow. Double down on all that avocado and serve this alongside avocado soup.
Get the Quinoa-Stuffed Avocados recipe.
Caprese Quinoa Bake
If you're intimidated by cooking quinoa, check out our guide on how to cook it. All will be explained and you'll be that much closer to making this cheesy baked casserole inspired by a Caprese salad. Cheese pro tip: Look for low-moisture fresh mozzarella in your grocery store. It'll stay more firm and release less water.
Get the Caprese Quinoa Bake recipe.
Magic Low-Carb Waffles
If you've never worked with quinoa flour before, you're in for a treat. These "magic" waffles really earn their name. The batter is basically eggs, mashed bananas, almond butter, and a few tablespoons of flour, so you won't feel like these are weighing you down at all. Plus, waffles are excellent for meal prepping; simply heat them up before eating and top with your favorite toppings.
Get the Magic Low-Carb Waffles recipe.
Quinoa Burrito Bowl
It's time to stop buying burrito bowls and make your own. Think about it: You'll avoid the long line, save some money, and sleep more soundly knowing you have a delicious, protein-packed burrito bowl waiting for you at lunch time.
Get the Quinoa Burrito Bowl recipe.
Creamy Cheddar Quinoa with Chicken and Spinach
Craving a stovetop spin on chicken-and-rice? This lightened up take on chicken and rice casserole still has all the flavor, but the quinoa adds more protein to keep you fuller longer.
Get the Creamy Cheddar Quinoa with Chicken and Spinach recipe.
Zesty Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This fresh, bright Mediterranean-style salad is more than proof that quinoa is worth the hype. Packed with cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, and feta, this salad is a favorite easy make-ahead high-protein lunch.
Ratatouille with Chickpeas and Quinoa
Your summer won't be complete without making ratatouille at least once. This classic French countryside dish is chock-full of healthy vegetables, and we think quinoa is the perfect vehicle for helping all that summer produce shine.
