Delicious quinoa recipes can be created for every meal, even dessert! Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) packs in a multitude of nutrients and 8 grams of protein in a 1 cup serving. The versatile superfood boasts all nine essential amino acids the human body needs but does not make on its own. But before we get into all of the wonderful health benefits, you must take note that you can make amazing Quinoa Meatloaf, Quinoa Breakfast Bowls and Quinoa Chocolate Chip cookies. That’s right – it’s quinoa for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert!
Let’s Talk Quinoa
There are many varieties of quinoa but the most popular are white, red and black. White quinoa, often known as just quinoa, is the most available. Red quinoa is known to hold its shape while cooking, which makes it perfect for cold salads. Black quinoa boasts an Earthy sweet flavor, and it keeps its bold color when cooked.
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Quinoa is native to the Andean region of South America, according to the Oldways Whole Grains Council. The majority of the world’s quinoa is grown in Peru and Bolivia by small farmers and growing associations. Quinoa was first cultivated about 5,000 years ago near Peru and Bolivia at Lake Titicaca. Quinoa exploded onto the health food scene in North America in the early 2000s.
Quinoa is a “complete protein” – one of the only plants providing all nine essential amino acids that the human body needs, according to the Oldways Whole Grains Council. Quinoa is high is potassium and antioxidants, too. And, in addition, quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, boasts copper, protein, fiber, iron, B1, B6, magnesium, and folic acid.
Breakfast Quinoa Recipes
If you are still new to quinoa, you might just envision a serving of the plain-looking food on the side next to a grilled chicken breast. But if your vision stops there, you will miss out on a quinoa adventure for your palate. Quinoa is as versatile as rice but, as you now know, packs a nutritious punch. Quinoa for breakfast can be served savory or sweet.
Eggs and Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
The Eggs and Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is the perfect recipe for meal prepping for the week. Follow the delicious recipe from The Gingered Whisk. You can assemble the bowl and warm as needed as you enjoy the heart healthy breakfast throughout the week.
Easy Breakfast Quinoa with Blueberries and Cinnamon
Quinoa pairs well with eggs but it also can be sweetened with fruit for a yummy breakfast, too. The Easy Breakfast Quinoa with Blueberries and Cinnamon by The Helpful GF is a healthy alternative to oatmeal.
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The gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan breakfast can be made in less than 5 minutes if using leftover quinoa from dinner the night before. What a perfect way to start the day – an easy, healthy, hearty breakfast.
Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa
Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa by Cookie + Kate tastes good enough to be dessert but makes a perfectly healthy breakfast. The breakfast quinoa includes toasted pecans, coconut oil, cinnamon and dried cherries or cranberries. It can be enjoyed as a special holiday breakfast or just because it’s Tuesday. Change it up with a tablespoon of honey instead of maple syrup. It’s so good even your little ones will love it. The Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa is a great way to introduce your family to quinoa.
Quinoa: It’s What’s for Dinner
Quinoa recipes can serve as the main event at dinner time. Quinoa does not just have to be served plain as a side next to a vegetable and meat. It can be blended to create entrees like meatloaf and one-pot chicken dishes; or transformed into stir fry or salad.
Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf
Oh my gravy! Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf is where it is at! Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf is a healthy, yet hearty meal. This gluten-free meatloaf by The Modern Proper is one of those quinoa recipes you simply must try. It’s great for busy weeknights, and hides a variety of vegetables inside for picky eaters. You can make it in a loaf pan for a traditional meatloaf or make it in a muffin pan for individual portions. Be sure to try variations like wrapping bacon around the Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf.
One-Pot Chicken, Quinoa, Mushrooms & Spinach
Everyone loves a healthy and delicious one-pot meal that is easy to create and simple to clean up. It’s like a dream when you find a recipe like that. The One-Pot Chicken, Quinoa, Mushrooms & Spinach recipe is one of the quinoa recipes that should be added into your meal rotation because it checks all the boxes.
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The One-Pot Chicken, Quinoa, Mushrooms & Spinach Recipe by Dara from Cookin Canuck literally has you do everything in one skillet from sauteing the chicken to cooking the quinoa and blending everything together. This recipe calls for chicken thighs, which is a nice change for added flavor for those who love dark meat. Of course, you can use chicken breast instead, if you prefer.
30-Minute Quinoa Fried Rice
Change up your favorite stir-fry chicken and vegetable dish by making the 30-Minute Quinoa “Fried Rice.” Of course, it’s not rice at all, but quinoa cooked in the style of fried rice. This gluten-free, vegan quinoa recipe by the Minimalist Baker is sure to become a favorite.
Of course, you want to use some leftover quinoa if you want the recipe to only take 30 minutes. (The first rule of thumb when adding a variety of quinoa recipes into your meal planning, cook extra quinoa every single time you make it!) The flavorful Quinoa “Fried Rice” is delicious.
Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad
The Apple Walnut Quinoa Salad goes great with just about every meal. It is a perfect combination of quinoa, goat cheese, and cranberries drizzled with a maple mustard dressing. The quinoa recipe by Maria Lichty from Two Peas and Their Pod boasts a perfect crunch with walnuts. The flavorful combination goes over a bed of spinach. It is hearty enough to enjoy for lunch, but makes the perfect side dish, too.
Delectable Dessert Quinoa Recipes
Have you ever thought to search for dessert quinoa recipes? It’s new to us, too. However, once you start cooking with quinoa at breakfast, lunch and dinnertime, it’s only natural to add quinoa to the dessert menu, as well. The great thing about quinoa recipes is that they are often gluten free and nut free, which is terrific for families with wheat and gluten allergies. You can still enjoy delicious and nutritious desserts.
Best-Ever Chocolate Quinoa Cake
The Best-Ever Chocolate Quinoa Cake is made with 2 cups of cooked quinoa instead of any kind of flour. The gluten-free, dairy free cake recipe by Sarah from Making Thyme for Health is easily mixed up in the blender. The decadent frosting is made with coconut milk and chocolate. The result is amazing. Everyone loves this cake – it truly is the “Best-Ever” and it is made with quinoa!
Vegan Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Vegan Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies by Simply Quinoa are made with quinoa flour. In addition, they are made without butter and refined sugar. So, if you want a healthy cookie option the Vegan Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookie is the way to go. The crispy cookies with soft middles are delicious.
Red Quinoa and Strawberry Parfait
The Red Quinoa and Strawberry Parfait by Yummly s a simple layered dessert made with yogurt. You could even enjoy this dessert quinoa recipe for breakfast. The layers of red quinoa, strawberries and yogurt look beautiful. The flavors of vanilla bean, black sesame seeds, and lemon juice blend perfectly with the red quinoa and strawberries.
Adding easy quinoa recipes into your family’s meal rotation expands the variety of nutritious and delicious meals, sides, and desserts that they will enjoy. If you are looking to add more quinoa to your diet, choose a few quinoa recipes for breakfast. Once you master those, try a few simple quinoa recipes for dinner and dessert. Quinoa is such a versatile, healthy addition to your dinner plate. You won’t regret it.
Sources: Cookie + Kate, Cookin Canuck, The Gingered Whisk, The Helpful GF, Minimalist Baker, The Modern Proper, Oldways Whole Grains Council, Simply Quinoa, Making Thyme for Health, Two Peas and Their Pod, Yummly.
Photo Credits: Pexels, Unsplash, and Pixabay.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out Daily Mom’s article, “50 Instant Pot Soup Recipes,” for more delicious ideas for your dinner menu.
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