This simple, nourishing superfood contains so much good stuff that it can top any other whole grain while technically being a seed. Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up. One of the several reasons to love quinoa is that it’s a complete protein and has all of the essential amino acids. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 grams of protein which is beneficial for weight loss, muscle development and health. It’s also very high in fiber (5 grams per cup) which contributes to its superiority over most grains! So I couldn’t let it slip by without collecting the best quinoa recipes to try.
Let’s dig in to the versatility of vegetarian quinoa recipes!
I love quinoa’s nutty flavor and fluffy texture. It’s a super versatile ingredient that works both in cold salads and warm comforting dishes. See for yourself!
Quinoa salads
Bonus: full of fiber and protein Try our quinoa & Brussel sprouts salad this festive season. Christmas’s most infamous vegetable has never tasted so good! Bonus: super simple dressing In this superfood salad, red lentils and quinoa are jazzed up with crunchy almonds, tangy olives and creamy avocado. Bonus: tropical taste with a refreshing kick Thai quinoa salad – tropical vibes. A refreshingly light, tasty Asian super-dish with lots of protein, fiber and tropical flavour. Heaven for your taste buds! Bonus: lovely flavours, textures and colours Looking to up your salad game? Try this healthy egg salad recipe with quinoa and beets – the perfect weight loss lunch (try these other veggie lunch ideas for weight loss if you like the sound of this!)! Bonus: space to experiment This chickpea salad with quinoa is a deliciously versatile mix of superfoods with a sweet and zesty dressing. Packed with protein, fiber, folate, zinc and iron! Bonus: easy and quick to make High protein white bean salad is high in fiber, vitamins A, C, E, B2 and B6 as well as iron and calcium. Healthy and vegan! Bonus: easy and delicious Supercharge your lunch with this avocado chickpea salad with quinoa: high in protein, fiber and put together in 5 minutes before you go to work. Protein: 11.3gCalories: 554kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: TheLastFoodBlogBonus: easy to make and very versatile This hearty kale quinoa salad is a really tasty salad. Loaded with tasty veggies, kale and quinoa all tossed in a tangy mustard dressing. Protein: 5gCalories: 188kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: VeggieInspiredBonus: light summery recipe This healthy vegan quinoa salad with fresh dill & lime vinaigrette is light and refreshing, yet high in protein (try these vegan protein salads too if you like this). It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for BBQs and picnics. Protein: 3gCalories: 203kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: OhSoDeliciosoBonus: fast and easy to make, pairs perfect with fruit Light, fresh and sweet coconut quinoa salad. It’s fun to use classically savory items in a sweet way. Protein: 11gCalories: 441kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: RunningOnRealFoodBonus: great for meal prep, easy to customize This warm quinoa kale salad with cranberries, roasted vegetables and balsamic dressing with maple syrup is filling enough for a meal but also makes a wonderful side dish, especially during the autumn months. Protein: 3.5gCalories: 171kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: AVirtualVeganBonus: easy to make ahead and packs up really well This quinoa cranberry salad is full of fresh, feel good flavours that everyone will love! With nutrient rich spinach, sweet dried cranberries and a zippy lemon dressing, it is able to stand alone as a protein packed, healthy meal, or can be served as a side. Protein: 20gCalories: 438kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: AVirtualVeganBonus: super quick and easy to make Make healthy, protein packed, super tasty peanut crunch salad in a Jar as part of your meal prep and you’ll have grab-and-go lunches all ready for the entire week! Protein: 6gCalories: 243kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: BucketListTummyBonus: great recipe for lunch or dinner, quick to prep Mango quinoa salad is gluten free and a fun spin on pasta salad. Dill, lime zest, lime juice, apple cider vinegar and oil make an incredible dressing! Protein: 7gCalories: 326kcalReady in: 1 hourRecipe by: TheMatbakhBonus: full of natural ingredients and vitamins This gluten-free quinoa tabbouleh salad blends authentic Lebanese taste with gluten-free eating by using quinoa in lieu of bulgar wheat. Protein: 12gCalories: 197kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: MyPlantifulCookingBonus: both Instant pot and stovetop versions Flavorful and refreshing, this spicy Indian red quinoa salad is paired with crispy tofu and a delicious zesty curry dressing! Ready in 30 minutes and only simple wholesome ingredients needed. Protein: 10gCalories: 254kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: TheCleanEatingCoupleBonus: low calorie, veggie loaded and filling A Mediterranean quinoa salad with vegetables, chickpeas and feta cheese! Healthy and delicious greek quinoa salad that can be served warm or cold.
Quinoa breakfasts
Bonus: high protein breakfast full of flavour After a high-protein alternative to traditional oatmeal? This vegan noatmeal recipe has 19g protein serving! Try it now! Bonus: Indian spices, crunchy nuts and almost-like-jam sweet blueberries Quinoa breakfast porridge with hot blueberry drizzle. A beautiful union of delicious but easy to find spices and fruits in a simple and satisfying breakfast. Bonus: quick, tasty and super nutritious These quinoa egg muffins are incredibly high in protein – and super-quick, too! Perfect any time of the day. Protein: 6gCalories: 142kcalReady in: 1 hourRecipe by: DebraKleinBonus: great taste, texture and nutrition Baked quinoa is a simple vegan breakfast that can be made ahead. This easy recipe is loaded with apples and cinnamon and is absolutely delicious. Protein: 17gCalories: 353kcalReady in: 1 hour 22 minutes (just 10 mins prep)Recipe by: BeyondMereSustenanceBonus: super nutritious and infused with flavour A healthy, new way to start your day, peruvian quinoa porridge with peaches combines nutrient-rich quinoa with fresh (or dried) fruit, milk, and spices, and served up drinkable style. Protein: 19gCalories: 422kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: CooktoriaBonus: packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals This quinoa with eggs and vegetables is so healthy and tasty. You’ll love this delicious and versatile dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Quinoa main dishes
Bonus: delicious, low effort meal After a healthy, quick to make meal? Try our roasted asparagus and tomatoes with halloumi and quinoa. Ready in 30 minutes! Bonus: needs very little effort to make This easy (and animal-friendly) lunch and dinner bowl hits all the right spots – grains, greens and a legume! What’s not to like? Bonus: packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals Red bell peppers packed with quinoa, sweetcorn, tempeh – and loads of flavour. Full of protein and with clear instructions in easy steps. Bonus: great to whip up on a busy day In this healthy burrito bowl we’ve got quinoa, avocado, pineapple, tofu, black beans and Adobo sauce for a sizzling taste bud fiesta! Bonus: quinoa patties that don’t fall apart The BEST quinoa burgers EVER! Just follow our easy instructions and you’ll be chowing down in no time! These are the future, and they’re here to stay. Bonus: full of all the good stuff This time-saving traybake with sweet potatoes, broccoli, and quinoa is big on superfood nutrition and even bigger on taste. Protein: 10gCalories: 382kcalReady in: 1 hourRecipe by: TheForkedSpoonBonus: perfect as a light dinner, side dish or holiday appetizer These vegetarian stuffed acorn squash are filled with cooked apples, dried cranberries, spinach, quinoa and drizzled with a creamy tahini garlic dressing. Colorful, festive, and easy to prepare! Protein: 17gCalories: 529kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: EvergreenKitchenBonus: the perfect amount of crunch, creaminess, saltiness These healthy wraps are made with crisp collard greens, lemon herb quinoa, and creamy vegan tzatziki. The wraps stay crisp in the fridge, so you can enjoy them for dinner – and tomorrow’s lunch. Protein: 16gCalories: 455kcalReady in: 5 hours 15 minutes (just 15 mins prep)Recipe by: VeggiesDon’tBiteBonus: a very delicious and flavourful sauce A vegan twist on a Korean dish that will leave you wanting more. Full of protein and flavor, this is one you won’t want to miss! Protein: 15gCalories: 321kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: TheRusticFoodieBonus: much healthier than traditional enchiladas This quinoa enchilada casserole recipe is a healthy gluten free meal! This vegetarian enchilada bake is made with black beans and cheese. Protein: 8gCalories: 411kcalReady in: 2 hours 30 minutes (just 15 mins prep)Recipe by: FitAsAMamaBearBonus: great meal prep recipe, tasty lunch or gluten-free dinner recipe Enjoy a flavorful lunch with this homemade veggie wrap! Loaded with protein-packed quinoa and colorful veggies all dressed in a homemade Italian dressing. Protein: 18gCalories: 399kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: AMummyTooBonus: full of protein, fiber and iron This tasty, zesty bean quinoa is packed with protein, bursting with fresh citrus flavour and suitable for vegetarians and vegans! Protein: 14gCalories: 452kcalReady in: 35 minutesRecipe by: DailyDishBonus: few simple ingredients This quinoa pilaf is packed with garlicky roasted chickpeas and cauliflower, grated carrots and loads of fresh herbs. It’s protein-rich, gluten free and packed full of nutrition. Protein: 22.7gCalories: 393kcalReady in: 1 hour 40 minutes (just 20 mins prep)Recipe by: YummyAddictionBonus: great dinner idea These easy mushroom and quinoa stuffed peppers are healthy, gluten-free and vegetarian – not to mention very comforting and absolutely delicious (if you need gluten free, try our collection of 100 gluten free veggie recipes now!). Dark red peppers will be the most flavourful for this one! Protein: 17gCalories: 396kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: HappyKitchen.RocksBonus: an extremely healthy and delicious meal Simple vegan quinoa fried rice recipe is the healthy and easy alternative to the take-out classic, featuring flavorful vegetables and protein-packed quinoa! Protein: 23gCalories: 449kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: VeganPunksBonus: vegan and gluten-free Mexican Baked Tofu Quinoa Bowl is easy to prepare, perfect for meal prepping and is packed with healthy plant-powered protein. Ancho, chilli and cumin give it that Mexican flavour and the tofu, beans and quinoa deliver the filling, protein-packed meal. Protein: 6gCalories: 203kcalReady in: 35 minutesRecipe by: ASaucyKitchenBonus: pretty basic ingredients, warm and filling Golden Cauliflower Quinoa Curry – creamy turmeric spiced cauliflower and quinoa stewed together with crushed tomatoes, coconut milk and spinach. This hearty dish comes together all in one pot in about 30 minutes!
Quinoa soups and stews
Protein: 12gCalories: 394kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: TheCookReportBonus: a filling one pot comfort food This spicy veggie stew has a rich curry sauce and plenty of healthy vegetables, spices and quinoa. It’s so easy to make and takes just 30 minutes! Protein: 23gCalories: 478kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: JarOfLemonsBonus: great as leftovers or a freezer meal Need an easy pantry recipe that’s delicious and healthy? This quinoa chili is easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for a quick dinner. Protein: 15gCalories: 336kcalReady in: 50 minutesRecipe by: It’sNotComplicatedRecipesBonus: hearty and satisfying, great for batch cooking Packed with vegetables, beans and quinoa, this quinoa vegetable soup makes a comforting and healthy lunch or dinner. It is full of delicious flavours and spices and is vegan, gluten-free and nut-free. Protein: 18gCalories: 387kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: PlantingsAndPairingsBonus: deliciously creamy and flavorful This creamy Italian quinoa soup is not only amazingly delicious but it’s also packed with protein, fiber and essential vitamins and antioxidants (try some vegetarian weight loss soup recipes for more inspo like this!). Protein: 11gCalories: 237kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: PipingPotCurryBonus: dump-and-go recipe made in minutes This instant pot vegetarian chili is an easy comforting weeknight dinner for those cold rainy or snowy days. Made with black beans, quinoa and veggies, it is healthy with lots of protein and fiber.
Quinoa appetizers, sides and snacks
Protein: 3gCalories: 89kcalReady in: 50 minutesRecipe by: ThroughTheFibroFogBonus: super healthy, versatile and kid-friendly These quinoa stuffed zucchini boats are a fun and healthy vegetarian main course or side dish. An easy weeknight dinner that is vegetarian, gluten free and low histamine. Protein: 4gCalories: 110kcalReady in: 4 hours 45 minutes (just 15 mins prep)Recipe by: EasyIndianCookbookBonus: healthy and delicious Crispy quinoa dosa is a delicious alternative to regular dosas and is made using quinoa, lentils, and oats. This healthy recipe does not use rice (or poha) and the batter can be used with or without fermentation. Protein: 3.3gCalories: 81kcalReady in: 50 minutesRecipe by: GoodFoodBaddieBonus: beautiful, deep color and tons of flavor and nutrients Are you looking for a healthy vegan burger recipe? These delicious, veggie-packed quinoa beet burgers are easy to make and filled with plant-based protein. Protein: 14.5gCalories: 257kcalReady in: 35 minutesRecipe by: Jillian’sHealthfulEatsBonus: different ideas to change up the recipe These buffalo quinoa bites are vegetarian with a crunchy outside and a cheesy, moist inside with a flavor that bursts in your mouth. They are also super easy to make and when served with this healthy homemade ranch dip (or one of our other simple dip recipes) you’ve got yourself the best appetizer in the house! Protein: 5gCalories: 186kcalReady in: 3 hours (just 20 mins prep)Recipe by: TheNessyKitchenBonus: easily customizable and healthy go to snack Easy to make and healthier than a lot of pre-packaged options, these crunchy snack bars are irresistible! Protein: 0.9gCalories: 12kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: Jillian’sHealthfulEatsBonus: healthy and satisfying Flavorful patties that are made super crispy and filled with cheese and broccoli. With their crispy outside and hearty, cheesy, flavorful inside you might just be making these weekly! Protein: 6gCalories: 279kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: CookEatLiveLoveBonus: many serving ideas Easy and healthy potato quinoa croquettes work great as appetisers or party food. Packed full of tons of healthy ingredients and taste great too.
How to make fluffy quinoa?
Want to know more about healthy quinoa recipes? Read on! Quinoa is way easier and quicker to make than I originally thought. While it’s often used in place of rice, cooking perfect quinoa takes much less effort! The secret to fluffy quinoa is the right amount of water – twice as much as quinoa. Which category of these plant-based recipes was your favourite? As much as I love comforting soups, I thought all the quinoa breakfasts were a real hit. If you’re looking for more ways to get some extra protein into your vegetarian recipes, check out our 7-day free high protein meal plan.
