30 Quinoa Recipes You Will Be Obsessed With
Have you jumped on the quinoa bandwagon yet? It’s one of the trendiest foods around, and with good reason! Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a seed that is cooked like a grain. It’s vegetarian and is also a complete protein. That means it contains all the necessary amino acids to make it a ‘whole’ protein just like meat is. If you’re just learning, be sure to check out our guide outlining How to Cook Quinoa. Hint: it’s super easy! Quinoa is a lot like tiny rice grains, so any dish that uses rice could be a good candidate for quinoa. Check out our collection below! Whether it’s a salad, a bowl, dinner, lunch, vegetarian, or part of a meat-filled meal, you can find something delicious here — we’ve got 30 quinoa recipes you are going to love!
Best Quinoa Recipes
While we like to think that ALL of our recipes are unbeatable, it sometimes helps to have a list of the best-of-the-best choices. And that’s what we have here, with our BEST quinoa recipes. Take a gander at the Sweet Potato-Quinoa Salad, Quinoa Black Bean Salad, Tex Mex Quinoa, Chicken Sweet Potato Soup (yup, there’s quinoa in there!) and Quinoa Fajitas. There’s a little something for everyone in this group and they’re all top-rated choices on our site.
1. Sweet Potato-Quinoa Salad
With over 100 rave reviews, this Sweet Potato-Quinoa Salad is insanely popular– and for good reason! It’s delicious, healthy, and packed with nutrients.
One reader said: “This salad is so insanely delicious. I’ve been sitting here, eating leftovers for lunch (still just as good, if not better, the next day!) trying to find words that would do this salad justice. I’m at a loss. I want to send the recipe to everyone I know and tell them to make it right away. Every single flavor blends together so amazingly well. So glad I ran across your site and this recipe!”
2. Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Quinoa Black Bean Salad is one of our favorite weekly meal preps, side dishes, or meals. You’ll love the delicious cilantro dressing!
One reader said: “Wow!! This was my first time attempting to make quinoa as well as sweet potatoes. Success! It came out fantastic and I just finished the leftovers ( a tiny portion carefully hidden from the rest of the family… Ahem!) on day 3. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this delicious dish!”
3. Tex Mex Quinoa
Dump all your ingredients in the crockpot and let it do all the work for this show-stopping Tex Mex Quinoa dish!
One reader said: “I’ve never felt compelled to leave a review for a recipe…until now! This is my new delish, healthy go-to. I make it weekly for myself, and even my meat-loving carnivore of a boyfriend can’t get enough of this meat-free tastiness. Thanks so much for this tasty recipe!”
4. Chicken Sweet Potato Soup
With over 200 rave reviews, you won’t believe how easily this Chicken Sweet Potato Soup comes together. Throw everything into a slow cooker and be rewarded with a comforting and nutritious meal.
One reader said: “I’ve never felt compelled to leave a review for a recipe…until now! This is my new delish, healthy go-to. I make it weekly for myself, and even my meat-loving carnivore of a boyfriend can’t get enough of this meat-free tastiness. Thanks so much for this tasty recipe!”
5. Quinoa Fajitas
These Quinoa Fajitas are unlike any fajitas you’ve ever tried! The filling contains loads of veggies, shredded chicken, and quinoa! Dump everything into a slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time.
One reader said: “This meal includes my favorite foods all in one, was super easy and didn’t require as much chicken as most recipes…so inexpensive as well! I served it to my kids in tortillas but I ate it alone…it’s a hearty meal in itself! Thank you for experimenting so others can enjoy!”
Quinoa Salad Recipes
Quinoa is the perfect salad ingredient. It’s light, healthy, and takes on the flavors of the other ingredients. What’s not to love?! Try Quinoa Salad, Caprese Quinoa Salad, Quinoa Fruit Salad, Thai Quinoa Salad, or Kale and Quinoa Salad. And if you’re so inclined, write a 5-star review and tell us why you like it!
6. Quinoa Salad (Quinoa Recipes Favorite!)
This Quinoa Salad iswildly popular and for good reason! We combine perfectly cooked quinoa with an array of fresh veggies and top it all off with the best lemon vinaigrette!
One reader said: “Made this for lunch today, as I had on hand all the ingredients. It was fantastic! My husband loved it. Thank you, for this amazing recipe. I will definitely be making it again in the future, as it was easy, quick and delicious.”
7. Caprese Quinoa Salad
Caprese Quinoa Salad is the perfect healthy summer salad and it’s all tied together with a simple balsamic dressing!
One reader said: “This salad literally feels like I’m in Italy! Obsessed!”
8. Quinoa Fruit Salad
This fresh and lively Quinoa Fruit Salad starts with tender quinoa and loads on fresh fruits and a tangy citrus vinaigrette.
One reader said: “This salad is amazing! A friend of mine recently turned me on to quinoa and when I saw this recipe I knew I wanted to try it. My baby is due in 3 weeks and I have been trying to plan pre-, active- and post-labor meals and thought this would hit the spot and give me an energy boost to get through it. I just made it to see if it’s a must have when the time comes and it is! I can’t stop eating it haha it’s so delicious. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. It is my new go to! Yum!”
9. Thai Quinoa Salad
This crunchy, flavor-packed Thai Quinoa Salad is tossed with a peanut dressing that takes just minutes to whip together in the blender.
One reader said: “Took for a birthday potluck at work. Everybody loved it and wanted recipe.Cooked quinoa in veggie broth and added dried cherries. So so good”
10. Kale and Quinoa Salad
Our favoriteKale and Quinoa Salad is a powerhouse of nutrients! We’re tossing together kale, quinoa, fresh fruit, feta cheese, crushed pistachios, and dried blueberries. Toss everything with a balsamic dressing and be prepared to fall in love with this salad!
One reader said: “Love this salad – I’ve already made it three times this month….Thanks for a great recipe!”
Quinoa Recipes For Dinner
Who wants quinoa for dinner? You will, once you try these amazing recipes that focus on quinoa for suppertime! Butternut Squash Chili, White Bean and Kale Soup, Quinoa Enchilada Bake, Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Honey Lime Chicken will make dinnertime an adventure in delicious dining. We love feedback, so please feel free to write a review of your favorites!
11. Butternut Squash Chili
Nutritious Butternut Squash Chili is packed with flavor and filled to the brim with good-for-you ingredients and so simple, thanks to the slow cooker!
One reader said: “This is literally the best soup I’ve had this year!! Maybe ever!! And I love how healthy it is!!”
12. White Bean and Kale Soup
Our favorite White Bean and Kale Soup is nutritious and delicious. It’s the perfect vegetarian soup that is still loaded with protein and all the good things!
One reader said: “This is the first recipe of yours that I made, Chelsea, and it’s the one that inspired my current love of healthy cooking. I had never even tried quinoa or kale before making this recipe, nor had I made a soup (or really anything) from scratch. We make this recipe constantly for guests now and love how easy it is. Thank you for inspiring my obsession with healthy recipes!”
13. Quinoa Enchilada Bake (Quinoa Recipes Favorite!)
This Quinoa Enchilada Bake is always a hit with the kids. It’s the perfect way to get veggies, protein, and all the good things in while also keeping everyone happy.
One reader said: “This recipe is AMAZING. It has everything I love in it! Veggie enchiladas without the yucky, gooey tortilla and instead with healthy quinoa!”
14. Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup has loads of good-for-you ingredients! Add all your favorite tortilla soup toppings and be prepared to be completely hooked on this soup!
One reader said: “This is the 3rd soup of yours I’ve made (sweet potato and quinoa, chicken parmesan, and now this one!), and 3 for 3 have been amazing. I love that I can now look to your blog to find a reliably delicious and easy-to-make crockpot soup!!”
15. Honey Lime Chicken
Honey -Lime Chicken is marinated in the perfect marinade– infusing it with incredible flavor.
One reader said: “This recipe was DELICIOUS! We loved the sauce and served it with the quinoa. Yummy!”
Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Everything’s better in a bowl, right? Well, quinoa is no exception! Make scrumptious, simple dinners even better when quinoa is the star! Go vegetarian with Sweet Potato Buddah Bowl, Sweet Potato Bowl (there’s a difference!), or plain Buddah Bowl, or add some meat and enjoy Chicken Quinoa Bowl, or Burrito Bowls. Once you get the hang of mixing ingredients and flavors, the sky’s the limit with these bowl combinations.
16. Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
This nourishing Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl is always perfect with a cilantro and parsley sauce.
One reader said: “This was amazing! My husband, who thinks every meal is better with meat, raved about it. The chimichurri made the entire dish pop!! Will definitely make it again.”
17. Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Easy and nutritious Chicken Quinoa Bowl brings together all the best healthy ingredients with fresh mango-black bean salsa.
One reader said: “I made this for dinner earlier this week, and it became an instant favorite with my family. The flavor of the chicken was amazing, and the salsa was fresh and delicious. We loved it so much, we are having it again tonight! Thanks for sharing this fantastic recipe!”
18. Buddha Bowl
A nutritious and flavor-packed Buddha Bowl features cooked quinoa, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, red onion, crispy chickpeas, and a delicious herby sauce to top it off.
One reader said: “I made this for dinner tonight for my husband and me, and we both loved it…I’ll definitely make this recipe again.”
19. Sweet Potato Bowl
This amazing and meatless Sweet Potato Bowl is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.
One reader said: “My husband and I have been eating these taco bowls for the past couple nights, and I just want you to know how much we’re enjoying them! They’re so delicious and flavorful. This is definitely a recipe I’ll revisit again and again. Thanks for another great recipe, Chelsea!”
20. Burrito Bowls (Quinoa Recipes Favorite!)
Burrito Bowls are a family favorite. You’ll love how all the flavors complement each other for the perfect meal! It’s also the best for meal prep!
One reader said: “Made this for dinner and it was delicious! I will definitely be making this again (and again, and again)! Thank you!!!”
Quinoa Recipes Vegetarian
Quinoa makes the perfect protein for vegetarian and vegan meals since it’s a complete protein. You won’t miss the meat in Mexican Chickpeas, Sheet Pan Quinoa Pilaf, or Crockpot Quinoa. And the same goes for side dishes like Quinoa Pilaf and Citrus Quinoa Salad: they’re perfectly wonderful and their healthiness is beside the point!
21. Mexican Chickpeas
Perfectly spiced Mexican Chickpeas are roasted to perfection and drizzled in the best creamy cilantro-lime sauce! Serve ’em up in bowls or in lettuce wraps.
One reader said: “These Mexican chickpeas are next level! They are seriously unbelievably flavorful and delicious! We can’t get enough of this meal! Thanks Chelsea!”
22. Sheet Pan Quinoa Pilaf
Try Sheet Pan Quinoa Pilaf — all we’re doing is roasting everything together– yes even the quinoa– and then topping it all in a irresistible balsamic dressing!
One reader said: “Oh my goodness, I made this today & let me tell you it is AMAZING, it has so much flavour…This will definitely be in our dinner rotation. Thank you for an amazing recipe, I will be sharing this!!”
23. Crockpot Quinoa
Fajita-inspired flavors make up this delicious, nutritious Crockpot Quinoa. Add everything (uncooked) into a slow cooker and forget about it as the appliance works its magic! This recipe is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.
One reader said: “Oh my goodness, I made this today & let me tell you it is AMAZING, it has so much flavour…This will definitely be in our dinner rotation. Thank you for an amazing recipe, I will be sharing this!!”
24. Quinoa Pilaf
This tasty Quinoa Pilaf is loaded with good-for-you ingredients! We add lots of veggies and an incredible lemon-herb sauce to finish it off. Healthful, hearty, and so much flavor!
One reader said: “I’m loving this dish, Chelsea! I love quinoa and it’s packed with so many fresh veggies and chicken. I would eat this any day of the week.”
25. Citrus Quinoa Salad
Nutritious, fresh, and flavorful Citrus Quinoa Salad overflows with incredibly healthy and clean ingredients. We drizzle it all in a tangy and sweet citrus vinaigrette.
One reader said: “Even my not-so-healthy family and friends love this salad! I just recommended it to my sister who called and needed something for an office party.”
QUICK TIP
Did you know you can make quinoa popcorn? Because it’s much tinier than regular popcorn, the popped quinoa makes a great salad garnish. Heat the quinoa in a covered skillet, no oil is needed. Keep the pot moving so nothing burns and when the popping stops, it’s ready!
Quinoa Recipes For Lunch
Look to quinoa for lunchtime goodness! It’s a quick protein to fix and the options are endless. Try some Quinoa Fried Rice, Tacos, or Chili, or even whip up Bruschetta Chicken (with quinoa), Crockpot Chicken, or Quinoa Veggie Soup. They’re just as fast as leftovers and fun to eat!
26. Quinoa Fried Rice
Quinoa Fried Rice can be ready in about 30 minutes. It’s nutritious, delicious, and beyond easy. So skip that fried rice takeout and give this dish a try!
One reader said: “The best fried rice dish ever! And so easy to make. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner.”
27. Quinoa Tacos
We’re dumping everything into a crockpot and letting it do the work for these Quinoa Tacos. Not only are they healthy and delicious but they are so flavorful!
One reader said: “Oh my goodness, this recipe is so good. I’m not a big fan of quinoa, but I had some in the pantry so I thought I would give this a try. I wasn’t expecting much. We have had it two nights in a row now. Leftovers were just as good as the first day. This will definitely become one of our go so dinners. Thank You!”
28. Quinoa Chili (Quinoa Recipes Favorite!)
Quinoa chili is crazy popular on our site.You won’t miss the meat in this dish and you’ll love all the different ingredients and flavors you get from this dish.
One reader said: “Just made this recipe for the first time and was blown away with how delicious it is!! The spices and flavor of everything is amazing. Will definitely be making this again very soon!”
29. Bruschetta Chicken
This Bruschetta Chicken is fresh, flavorful, and made with good-for-you ingredients!
One reader said: “By far one of the best dinners I’ve made!! It was a huge family hit!”
30. Crockpot Chicken Quinoa Veggie Soup
An “empty out the fridge” kind of soup–just add it all into a crockpot for the perfect nutritious meal.
One reader said: “This is a FABULOUS recipe! I have literally shared this with a dozen friends and family so far. This will for sure be in the regular rotation of winter meals!”
