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If you're a fan of rice recipes or even couscous recipes, you might want to give these quinoa recipes a try. The tiny whole grain (which is actually a seed) is incredibly versatile and easy to make. Not to mention it's really good for you, too! Packed with nutrients and protein, quinoa makes it easy to get a healthy dinner on the table in no time. That's because quinoa takes less than 30 minutes to cook! With so many reasons to love quinoa, it's no wonder the superfood has been a popular ingredient for healthy lunches, summer salads, and even veggie burgers! Ree Drummond admits that she was late to the game when it came to quinoa, but nowadays, she's a fan! "It just makes you feel good to eat it," she says.
But what exactly is quinoa? Quinoa is an ancient crop: The seeds are native to the Andean region of South America and have been grown there for thousands of years. It was a primary plant for the Inca, Aymara and Quechua people. Now, quinoa has become a favorite in grain bowls and soup recipes—much like brown rice and barley, quinoa is a great, healthy base for veggies and protein. If you're looking for quinoa recipes, there are many different directions you can take: sweet or savory, dinner or breakfast… you could even make a chocolate quinoa cake! Read on to find the recipe that's just right for you.
Mediterranean Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowl
If you're looking for a new way to serve salmon, try Ree's simple grain bowl with quinoa. It's ready in just 30 minutes!
Quinoa and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
It's hard to go wrong when you serve dinner in an edible bowl! Not only do you get your serving of quinoa with this recipe, but you also get a range of flavors and textures from the squash and almonds.
Tex-Mex Grain Bowls
Quinoa is a great base for this Tex-Mex–inspired grain bowl. Complete with beans, avocado, jalapeños and Cotija cheese, this dish is all about the toppings.
Get Ree's Tex-Mex Grain Bowls recipe.
Quinoa with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella
If you love the flavors of Caprese salad, you should try this red quinoa salad. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days, so make a double batch!
Light and Fluffy Quinoa with Herbs
This herb-forward salad is super fresh—and so easy to put together. Follow this recipe to make quinoa with the perfect texture.
Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
Quinoa adds structure to these vegetarian black bean burgers, so they won’t fall apart when cooked. The hearty patties are nutritious and tasty—especially when topped with the chipotle mayo!
Get the Chipotle Black Bean Burgers recipe at Grandbaby Cakes.
Healthy Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa
Busy weeknights call for super-easy dinners where everything is cooked in one skillet. You’ll be glad you saved this garlicky recipe for the days when life gets a bit hectic.
Get the Healthy Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa recipe at Well Plated by Erin.
Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Salad
This salad makes a quick lunch during the week, or you can add grilled chicken or even steak on top for a heartier dinner. Either way, it’s so simple to make.
Get the Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Salad recipe at Cookie and Kate.
Spicy Sofritas Quinoa Tacos
These sofritas-inspired tacos are filled with hearty, saucy quinoa, black beans, corn, and fresh jalapeno. It’s a fun vegan twist on taco Tuesday.
Get the Spicy Sofritas Quinoa Tacos recipe at Orchids and Sweet Tea.
Brown Sugar Apple Whole Grain Bowl
This healthy breakfast bowl uses two types of grains: quinoa and wheat berries. They cook up in the slow cooker for a warm and hearty morning meal.
Sweet Potato and Quinoa Crab Cakes
These crab cakes have a few fun twists: sweet potato on the inside, plus quinoa on the outside!
Get the Sweet Potato and Quinoa Crab Cakes recipe at Fit Soul Kitchen.
Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Quinoa Chili
This vegetarian chili is perfect for a cold night. It takes just a few minutes to put together—and then the slow cooker does all the work!
Get the Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Quinoa Chili recipe at Jessica in the Kitchen.
Veggie Burger
This super-simple veggie burger is made with quinoa and black beans. Don't skip the toppings: The chipotle mayonnaise and quick pickled onion make the dish.
Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole
Casserole lovers can rejoice with this recipe. You get just the right amount of veggies, chicken and creamy Gruyère cheese—plus quinoa of course!
Get the Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup
Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup! This dish is sure to keep you cozy (and happy!) when it starts getting chilly outside.
Get the Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup recipe at Platings and Pairings.
Crispy Quinoa Patties
Quinoa doesn't have to just be for salads or grain bowls. These extra-crispy patties make a great snack or appetizer before dinner.
Slow Cooker Poblano and Tomatillo Shredded Pork and Quinoa
This slow-cooker meal is a great option for a weeknight. Get it going in the morning and you'll be good to go come dinnertime.
Get the Slow Cooker Poblano and Tomatillo Shredded Pork and Quinoa recipe at Table for Two.
Easy Tex-Mex Style Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed bell peppers are filled with lean ground turkey and plenty of quinoa—and they're topped with lots of cheese.
Get the Easy Tex-Mex Style Stuffed Peppers recipe at Dash of Jazz.
Coconut Quinoa Lettuce Wraps
This is a wonderful combination of fluffy quinoa, crunchy chickpeas and radishes, and a flavorful chili oil dressing. It's fun to wrap it all up in crisp lettuce leaves.
Get the Coconut Quinoa Lettuce Wraps recipe at Chocolate for Basil.
Chicken Fennel Quinoa Porridge
Make porridge for dinner! This dish gets tons of flavor from coconut milk, ginger and fennel fronds.
Get the Chicken Fennel Quinoa Porridge recipe at The Hungry Hutch.
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