20 Creative Quinoa Dishes You Won't Get Sick Of
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There's lots to love about quinoa: it's full of fiber, protein, and folate as well as other vitamins and minerals and incredibly easy to make. It also works with any meal — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert! But in case you feel like your quinoa rotation is getting stale, we've got recipes that'll make you fall back in love with the grain. Whether you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast or a dinner that doubles as lunch the next day, keep reading for 20 of our favorite quinoa recipes!
— Additional reporting by Michele Foley
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Quinoa Tabbouleh
If you've never tried roasting your quinoa before, don't worry — it's easy and well worth the effort. Roasting quinoa before tossing together in this tabbouleh-inspired dish imparts a depth of flavor that hits the spot.
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Quinoa Parfait
What's for breakfast? This quinoa parfait is packed with all the right nutrients to get you through the morning.
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Mexican Quinoa Bites
The next time you're craving a calorie-laden burrito, whip up these quinoa burrito bites instead. All the flavors you love at only 100 calories each!
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Sesame Kale and Quinoa Salad
This kale and quinoa salad gets an Asian twist with sesame soy ginger dressing and sliced nori. Blueberries, tomatoes, and carrots add a bit of sweetness, while sliced almonds give it a satisfying crunch.
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Butternut Squash and Quinoa Chili
Good news: you won't miss the meat in this butternut squash and quinoa chili recipe, which comes together in under an hour. Even better news: this chili makes a great leftover lunch!
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Breakfast Quinoa Parfait
This healthy, beautiful breakfast parfait celebrates pumpkin season with layers of cinnamon-spiced pumpkin and protein-packed Greek yogurt.
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Quinoa Pilaf
Only 170 calories per serving?! This vegetarian quinoa pilaf will fill you up without the bloat.
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Cinnamon Quinoa Bake
Make this cinnamon quinoa bake on Sunday for a sweet and healthy prework breakfast for the rest of the week.
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Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa
Our food editor is obsessed with this healthy dish, and for good reason — it's simple, good for you, and perfect for a mason jar lunch.
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Vegetarian Stir-Fry With Quinoa
Look at this picture — how can you resist? This vegetarian stir-fry with quinoa might be simple to make, but it's big on taste.
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Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
A quick weeknight dinner doesn't have to mean takeout. This quinoa-stuffed peppers recipe is quick, easy, and vegetarian.
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Edamame and Quinoa Vegan California Rolls
If you've gone vegan and miss those California rolls, then check out this creative recipe for edamame pate and quinoa vegan California rolls to quiet those sushi hankerings.
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Shrimp and Quinoa en Papillote
For a weeknight dish that wows, opt for this shrimp and quinoa en papillote dish. It's flavored with lemon and dill cooked perfectly in parchment paper, and you'll be surprised at just how easy this is to make.
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
If you need to lighten up your lunch routine, this protein- and fiber-rich Mediterranean quinoa salad will do the trick.
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Sesame Ginger Quinoa Salad
If you're looking for a meat-free salad that doesn't leave you starving an hour later, look no further — this vegan sesame ginger quinoa salad hits all the requirements.
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Overnight Quinoa
For a simple twist on overnight oats, try this overnight quinoa breakfast. It's an easy way to use up leftover quinoa and start your day on a filling note.
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Toasted Quinoa and Savoy Cabbage
This lemony toasted quinoa and wilted cabbage dish is the perfect recipe for any clean-eating endeavors. Not only do the flavors meld well together, but each ingredient also helps aid digestion, like the fiber in the quinoa, chickpeas, and cabbage and the detoxifying properties of lemon.
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Sweet and Savory Quinoa Papaya Salad
The secret to this quinoa papaya salad from Healthful Pursuit is a sprinkling of papaya seeds, which add a liver-detoxifying element to your sweet and savory salad.
Quinoa and Ginger Lime Shrimp
For a light, refreshing dinner, throw together this bright ginger lime shrimp and quinoa dish.
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Quinoa Lentil Burgers
Who needs frozen veggie burgers when you can whip up a batch of these delicious quinoa and lentil potato cakes at home? Serve with your favorite salsa and a burger bun for a healthy, filling meal.