8 Delicious Quinoa Recipes You Can’t Resist

Quinoa has become a staple in many kitchens, thanks to its versatility, nutritional benefits, and delightful nutty flavor. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner, these eight quinoa recipes are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the delicious world of quinoa!

Grilled Scallops with Orange-Scented Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1 lb fresh scallops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, substituting half of the water with orange juice.
2. While quinoa cooks, pat the scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in orange zest.
5. Serve scallops over the orange-scented quinoa, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Scallops:

• Ensure scallops are dry before searing to achieve a nice crust.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

Herbed Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook with water or broth.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Once quinoa is cooked, mix in the vinaigrette and fresh herbs.
4. Serve warm or chilled as a versatile side dish.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Pairs well with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or hearty meats.

Asian Chicken and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chicken, bell pepper, carrots, and green onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Dressing Options:

• Add a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.

Quinoa Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, soaked overnight
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Your favorite pizza toppings

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked quinoa. Blend quinoa, water, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Spread the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a thin crust.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden.
5. Add your favorite pizza toppings and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Topping Ideas:

• Classic Margherita: tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil.
• Veggie Delight: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives.

Kale and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Blanch kale in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to an ice bath.
2. In a large bowl, combine blanched kale, quinoa, and goat cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.

Tips for Blanching Kale:

• Ensure kale is fully submerged in boiling water.
• Quickly transfer kale to ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Mexican Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red quinoa
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 2 eggs, fried or poached
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Preparation Steps:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, layer quinoa, black beans, avocado slices, and Greek yogurt.
3. Top with salsa and fried or poached eggs.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Variations for Toppings:

• Add shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
• Include jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Lentil Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, lentils, scallions, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
• Makes a great lunch or light dinner.

Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large red bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup diced eggplant
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
2. In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, eggplant, zucchini, diced tomatoes, and chili powder.
3. Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture and place in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
5. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve warm.

Tips for Stuffing Peppers:

• Choose peppers that can stand upright.
• Don’t overstuff to avoid spilling during baking.

Conclusion

Quinoa is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can elevate any meal with its nutty flavor and nutritional benefits. From light salads to hearty stuffed peppers, these recipes offer a delightful array of options to suit any palate. Give these quinoa dishes a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this superfood time and time again.