Top 10 Ways to use the Quinoa in your Pantry | Quinoa Recipes (2024)

Check out our Top 10 Quinoa Recipes – everything from quinoa chili to easy quinoa salad recipes. You’re sure to find a dinner favorite! It’s a great healthy way to use up that quinoa sitting in your pantry!

Top 10 Ways to use the Quinoa in your Pantry | Quinoa Recipes (1)

Table of Contents

  • My Favorite Easy Quinoa Recipes
  • What is quinoa?
  • How do you cook 1 cup of quinoa?
  • How do you make quinoa recipes taste good?
  • And now, on to my favorite Easy Quinoa Recipes…

My Favorite Easy Quinoa Recipes

Quinoa has always been a pantry staple for me. Recently, I bought a huge storage jar at The Container Store and usually have that baby full of quinoa at all times. It’s a great source of fiber, protein, magnesium along with lots of other nutrients. And it’s a great “filler” ingredient to make your meal stretch longer than it normally would, so that it feeds more people or leaves you with yummy leftovers.

What is quinoa?

Quinoa is a seed, not a grain. Which means it’s also gluten free!

How do you cook 1 cup of quinoa?

I have definitely cooked my fair share of quinoa. I’ve found the best way to cook quinoa so that you’re left with a fluffy end product requires a little bit of babysitting.

  1. Add 1 cup of dry quinoa and 2 cups of water to a small saucepan. Stir the quinoa so that it’s all coated in the water and absorbs.
  2. Bring the water to a boil, uncovered. (this is the babysitting part, you don’t want it to boil too long)
  3. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to the absolute lowest it can go. A slow simmer. Let the quinoa simmer for 15 minutes, covered.
  4. After 15 minutes, check to make sure the water is evaporated. If it is, then immediately fluff with a fork.

How do you make quinoa recipes taste good?

There are a few tricks I use when I’m making a quinoa recipe and I want it to taste bomb! It doesn’t take a lot, just a few simple swaps and your perfect!

  • You can cook the quinoa in chicken broth instead of water for added flavor.
  • Throw a whole garlic clove into the saucepan when cooking the quinoa.
  • Toast the quinoa ahead of time for a more nutty flavor.
  • Finish with olive oil, fresh lemon juice and fresh herbs.

And now, on to my favorite Easy Quinoa Recipes…

One Pot Quinoa Stuffed Pepper Casserole

One pot is always a winner in my book, you’re going to LOVE this Easy One Pot Quinoa Stuffed Pepper Casserole! It’s done in 30 minutes and has all the flavors of a classic stuffed pepper recipe. Made with quinoa, ground beef, peppers, Italian spices, fire roasted tomatoes and topped with cheese.

Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad

This Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad is one of my favorite quinoa recipes in the summer! It’s loaded with fresh veggies then tossed with a Light Sesame Dressing. Guaranteed to become a favorite around your house!

Creamy Goat Cheese Asparagus Quinoa Salad

HealthyGoat CheeseAsparagus Quinoa Salad– another tastyquinoa recipe to add to your menu! Hearty quinoa tossed with roasted asparagus, garlic and creamy goat cheese. This quick easysalad is perfect for a simple lunch or side dish.

Crock Pot Quinoa Vegetarian Chili

This Crock Pot Quinoa Vegetarian Chili is a hearty & delicious chili cooked to perfection in the crock pot. This savory soup is the perfect comfort food during a time when comfort is needed!! Plus all you have to do is throw everything in the crock pot!

Harvest Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

Another one of my favorite quinoa recipes! Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad – this dish is creamy and has a surprise spice that makes it pop with flavor. If you don’t have butternut squash just sub with sweet potatoes, but you have to make this dish!

Healthy One Pan Cheese Quinoa Taco Skillet

ThisHealthy One Pan Cheesy Quinoa Taco Skilletis an easy quinoa recipe that’s done in 30 minutes! A quick dinner ideafilled with turkey, quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes and Mexican spices cooked in one skillet and topped with cheese! This delicious gluten free dinner will be your family’s new favorite weeknight meal!

Refreshing Tabbouleh Quinoa Salad

Need something light and refreshing? This 20 minute Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad will be your jam! An easy salad recipe that’s filled with fresh herbs, vegetables, hearty quinoa and lemon juice.

Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Now this quinoa recipe is my husbands favorite – Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bowls. Served on a bed of quinoa each one is topped with a shredded buffalo chicken mixture, avocado, tomato and ranch!

Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

In the mood for tex-mex? Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Bowldrizzled with a zestyCilantro Lime Crema. This fresh vegetarian meal is filled with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, quinoa, roasted red peppers and corn. Perfect for a quick dinner recipe!

If all else fails, top it with grilled steak! Easy filled with juicy tender steak, crisp vegetables, grains and a creamy tzatziki sauce. A balanced meal that’s light, quick and loaded with greek flavor. Thesequinoa bowlsare a dinner your family will love!

Top 10 Ways to use the Quinoa in your Pantry | Quinoa Recipes (12)

Top 10 Ways to use the Quinoa in your Pantry | Quinoa Recipes (13)

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Top 10 Ways to use the Quinoa in your Pantry | Quinoa Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What does quinoa pair well with? ›

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

What is the healthiest way to eat quinoa? ›

Toss it in salads.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.

What tastes good on quinoa? ›

Punch up your quinoa with Asian-inspired flavor by adding soy sauce and scallion. For an easy, tasty dinner, top the quinoa with shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and teriyaki-marinated salmon.

Is quinoa healthier than rice? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

What happens if you don't rinse quinoa? ›

It wasn't a huge difference in texture, but definitely noticeable. Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

What does quinoa do for your stomach? ›

Studies suggest quinoa may improve gut health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory symptoms of conditions like colitis. Acting as a prebiotic, quinoa supplies the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

Is quinoa good for bowels? ›

Quinoa is a great source of fiber. Fiber can prevent or treat constipation and may lower your risk of intestinal cancers. It also helps you feel full longer, so it may help with weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for heart health.

What is the best time to eat quinoa? ›

Quinoa can be consumed anytime – at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it is best to eat healthy food like quinoa before going to bed. It induces sleep, because it relaxes the muscles, due to its high magnesium and protein content. “One can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day.

Does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

Can I eat quinoa every day? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Is quinoa better for you than Oatmeal? ›

It is high in proteins and fiber and enriched with antioxidants that help in making the immune system stronger. You are advised to consume quinoa more in comparison to oats as quinoa will provide more health benefits in low calories.

How to get rid of quinoa smell? ›

That smell is from the saponin, the coating I mentioned earlier, but if you do as Polisi and other quinoa experts suggest and soak the quinoa rather than merely rinse it, you've solved that problem.

How long does quinoa last in the fridge? ›

For a healthier twist on pasta or potato salad, toss cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, vinegar and olive oil. Add cooked quinoa to soups, stews and casseroles. Store cooked and cooled quinoa in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Is it okay to eat a lot of quinoa? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Can you freeze quinoa? ›

Editor: Yes, you can definitely freeze cooked quinoa; it's one of our favorite healthy meal shortcuts. Let the cooked quinoa cool down completely, then transfer it to a resealable plastic bag. Press all the air out before sealing, then pat the quinoa into an even layer before freezing.

How much quinoa can you eat per day? ›

Quinoa can be consumed anytime – at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it is best to eat healthy food like quinoa before going to bed. It induces sleep, because it relaxes the muscles, due to its high magnesium and protein content. “One can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day.

Is quinoa good for your gut? ›

Studies suggest quinoa may improve gut health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory symptoms of conditions like colitis. Acting as a prebiotic, quinoa supplies the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

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