Quinoa is a superfood that many people simply don’t know how to make into a meal. Once you’ve perfected the art of quinoa, it’s the ideal ingredient for a balanced lunch or dinner! These delicious, easy-to-make recipes are perfect for every quinoa newbie!
Quinoa expert tip – always wring out as much water as you can from the quinoa before preparing the meal!
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
The best part of Mediterranean cuisine is that it allows you to play with your favorite flavors. To make a basic Mediterranean quinoa bowl, simply prepare your quinoa (tricolor preferred) and let cool. From there, mix in green onions, palmetto olives, plain Greek yogurt, hummus, and feta cheese crumbles. If you want a little more protein, try this Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl recipe from Shared Appetite.
Burrito Bowl Featuring Quinoa
The basic burrito bowl is a great meal, but it’s even better with quinoa. Prepare your quinoa and, while still hot, add corn, beans, cheese (fiesta blend works well), guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and any other condiments that speak to you. Feel free to mix this recipe up according to your tastes and dietary preferences, much like this vegan alternative from Veggies Save the Day.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a versatile food, which means it can fit seamlessly into any dish you create. As such, adding a little quinoa to your salad – whether it’s a classic Caesar, a spicy Southwest salad, or a plain garden salad – may just be the extra ingredient you need. Or, try this quinoa salad recipe from Cookie + Kate.
Caprese Quinoa Bowl
This quinoa bowl is a must-have for any fans of bruschetta (or Italian cuisine in general). As with the other recipes, start by preparing your quinoa as desired. From here, add in halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, chopped basil, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. If you’re looking for step-by-step instructions, check out this fresh caprese quinoa salad from Fit Food Finds.
Cheesy Spinach Quinoa Bowl
When combining two power foods like quinoa and spinach, you practically feel the health benefits with the first bite. That said, don’t be afraid to add your own spin to this recipe to achieve your desired flavor. Start by preparing your quinoa (tricolor works well here), then stir in baby spinach and pesto. Once combined, add in a cup of Parmesan cheese, one at a time, until it reaches your desired cheesiness. Finally, mix in julienned sun-dried tomatoes for a blast of flavor. If that recipe doesn’t speak to you, try this quinoa avocado spinach power bowl from Layers of Happiness.
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bowl
If you’re looking for some more spice in your life, look no further than this Buffalo chicken quinoa bowl. This dish takes slightly longer than the others to prepare, but it’s well worth it. Start by making chicken breasts (we recommend using a Crock-Pot, but any preparation will work). If making in a Crock-Pot, add a combination of hot sauce and ranch to cover the chicken. Cook for 3 to 4 hours on high (alter according to the amount of chicken used), then shred the chicken. Next, prepare the quinoa and add the chicken to the mixture. Top with shredded carrots, celery, blue cheese crumbles, and additional hot sauce or ranch to taste. For step-by-step instructions, check out this Buffalo chicken quinoa bowl recipe from Lemon Tree Dwelling.
What are some of your favorite quinoa recipes? Share them with us in the comments below!