10+ Quinoa Dinner Recipes You’ll Love for Healthy Eating
Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dinner to a nutritious meal. These quinoa dinner recipes will help you create satisfying meals that are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday option or something special for the weekend, quinoa can fit the bill.
With its nutty flavor and unique texture, quinoa is perfect for a variety of dishes. You can easily incorporate it into bowls, salads, or casseroles, making it a favorite in many kitchens. Get ready to explore different recipes that celebrate this ancient grain and expand your dinner options.
1) Moroccan Quinoa with Chickpeas
Moroccan quinoa with chickpeas is a tasty and healthy dish. It combines fluffy quinoa with protein-packed chickpeas, making it a filling option for dinner. The spices like cumin and turmeric give it a warm flavor that you will love.
You can also add colorful vegetables such as carrots and parsley to make it even better. This dish is vegan and gluten-free, perfect for everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a separate pan, sauté carrots in a bit of oil for 5 minutes.
- Add chickpeas, spices, and cooked quinoa.
- Stir well, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve topped with fresh parsley.
2) Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
The Mediterranean quinoa bowl is a fresh and healthy option for dinner. It combines cooked quinoa with vibrant veggies and protein-rich ingredients. You can use tomatoes, cucumbers, and chickpeas for a crunchy texture.
A delicious garlic yogurt sauce or lemon dressing adds flavor. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese for extra creaminess. This dish is perfect for meal prep, too!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
- Top with feta cheese and parsley before serving.
3) Quinoa Tabbouleh with Feta
Quinoa Tabbouleh with Feta is a refreshing and healthy dish. It’s perfect as a side or a light meal. The combination of quinoa, fresh veggies, and feta cheese makes it delicious.
Start by cooking quinoa and letting it cool. In a bowl, mix chopped scallions, mint, parsley, diced cucumbers, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, add the cooled quinoa and crumbled feta cheese, and mix everything well.
Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. This dish can be enjoyed right away or kept in the fridge for later.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped mint
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Cooking Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine scallions, mint, parsley, cucumber, and tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooled quinoa and crumbled feta, mixing well.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
4) Greek Quinoa Salad
Greek Quinoa Salad is a healthy and tasty option for dinner. It combines fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables for a bright dish. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures.
Start with cooked quinoa as your base. Then add ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Feta cheese adds a creamy touch. A light dressing of red wine vinegar brings it all together.
This salad is easy to make and perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy it as a side dish or a main meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Let it cool, then fluff with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix quinoa with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and onions.
- Drizzle with red wine vinegar and olive oil.
- Toss gently and add feta cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
5) Quinoa Chili with Sweet Potatoes
Quinoa chili with sweet potatoes is a warm and filling meal. It combines nutritious ingredients that make it both tasty and healthy. You can enjoy it as a hearty dinner or meal prep for the week.
This chili features sweet potatoes, quinoa, and beans, offering a nice mix of flavors and textures. You can spice it up with chili powder and cumin for extra warmth. Preparation is simple, making it great for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add sweet potatoes, quinoa, beans, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!
6) One-Pot Mexican Quinoa
One-Pot Mexican Quinoa is a quick and tasty meal. You can make it in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines quinoa with black beans, corn, and spices to create a healthy dinner.
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Add quinoa, vegetable broth, and your choice of beans. Toss in tomatoes, corn, chili powder, and cumin. Stir everything well and let it cook until the quinoa is fluffy.
You can top it with fresh avocado and cilantro for extra flavor. This dish is not only simple but also rich in nutrients. Enjoy your tasty, one-pot meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Fresh avocado and cilantro for topping
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add quinoa and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, and corn.
- Add chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir well.
- Cook for about 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.
- Serve topped with avocado and cilantro.
7) Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Parsley
This Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Parsley is a fresh and zesty dish. The bright flavors of lemon and the freshness of parsley make it a great side or main dish.
Start by cooking one cup of quinoa. Rinse it well and boil it in two cups of water for about 15 minutes. Once it’s fluffy, let it cool before mixing in other ingredients.
Add chopped parsley, diced cucumber, and bell pepper for crunch. Squeeze in some lemon juice for that refreshing taste. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add quinoa to boiling water and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a bowl, combine quinoa, parsley, cucumber, and bell pepper.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
8) Teriyaki Salmon Quinoa Bowl
You will love making a Teriyaki Salmon Quinoa Bowl for dinner. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. The combination of quinoa and salmon is a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients.
Start by cooking your quinoa until fluffy. While that cooks, prepare the salmon by brushing it with teriyaki sauce. You can bake or pan-fry the salmon until it’s flaky and cooked through.
Add some colorful veggies like bok choy or broccoli on the side for added crunch. Serve your salmon on a bed of quinoa and top with sesame seeds for a nice finish.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
- 4 cups broccoli or bok choy
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking salmon.
- Brush salmon with teriyaki sauce.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Steam or stir-fry the broccoli or bok choy.
- Serve salmon over quinoa and add veggies on the side.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
9) Quinoa with Black Beans and Corn
Quinoa with black beans and corn is a tasty and healthy dish. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by cooking quinoa in water or broth until it’s fluffy. Mix in black beans, corn, and your favorite seasonings like cumin and cilantro for a Southwestern twist. This dish is colorful and full of nutrients.
You can serve it warm or cold, making it a versatile option for any meal. Add diced tomatoes or avocado for more freshness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Cook quinoa in 2 cups of water (or broth) at 200°F (93°C) until fluffy.
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cumin, and cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve and enjoy!
10) Lentil Quinoa Salad
Lentil Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and colorful dish that’s easy to make. It’s a perfect meal for any time of the year. The combination of quinoa and lentils provides a good source of protein and fiber.
You can customize the salad with your favorite veggies. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion add fresh flavors. A zesty lemon dressing ties everything together nicely.
This salad is both vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets. Serve it as a main dish or as a side.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and lentils.
- Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Enjoy!