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Packed with protein and fibre, quinoa is both super nutritious and quick to cook with (it only takes about 12 minutes to cook). It works as a grain in recipes (making it a great swap for rice, orzo, barley etc), but it’s actually a seed, so it’s gluten free too. We’ve rounded up our favourite quinoa recipes to showcase the incredible potential of this superfood. Our super quinoa salads, most of which make brilliant packed lunches, as well as speedy midweek suppers, are all loaded with goodness. We are sure that quinoa will revolutionise your plant-based cooking experience.
Quinoa has been cultivated for thousands of years and has its origins in the Andes region of South America, particularly in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It was a staple food of the ancient Incas and is often called the "mother of all grains" due to its historical significance. It is a highly nutritious and versatile seed that is often used as a grain in cooking. It has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its exceptional health benefits and culinary versatility.
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body needs for various functions. It is also rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.
Another standout feature of quinoa is its incredible cooking speed. Cooking quinoa is straightforward. It's often prepared by simmering it in water or stock until the liquid is absorbed, resulting in light, fluffy grains. It can also be toasted before cooking to enhance its nutty flavour. Quinoa seamlessly replaces grains like rice, orzo, and barley, making it an ideal choice for those seeking variety in their meals while reaping the benefits of this nutritional powerhouse especially when looking to increase protein intake.
Quinoa is celebrated not only for its nutritional benefits but also for its ability to add a delightful texture and taste to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you're looking to boost your protein intake, add a nutrient-rich grain substitute to your recipes, or explore new culinary horizons, quinoa is a versatile and wholesome choice. There are endless opportunities to utilise quinoa; salads, stews, breakfasts, or even sweet treats, taking your recipes’ to new heights of taste and nutrition.
This is a very quick salad recipe, which makes it perfect for midweek dinners. The tamari almonds add a delicious crunch to the whole dish, while the cooked sweet potatoes are soft and taste amazing with the quinoa. We love to mix through almond butter, lemon juice and creamy tahini to bring the whole dish together.
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This warming chilli will become a favourite all-in-one weeknight meal. Packed with plant protein from the quinoa, beans and almond butter, it also delivers on flavour — we love it served with a dollop of guacamole. Enjoy any leftovers for lunch the following day. Feel free to use your choice of beans — black or pinto beans would also work well.
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Another five-minute meal that’s nutritionally dense but very simple and refreshing. This one is ideal for a lunch box, just keep the dip separate.
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This quick and easy bowl is an endlessly versatile recipe that you will find yourself coming back to time and time again. Feel free to swap the quinoa for bulgur wheat or couscous; spinach for kale; tomatoes for peppers; or lentils for beans — and team with the creamy tahini-based dressing for added richness.
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I have a feeling this creamy Caesar bowl is going to be our most popular recipe of 2023; I can’t recommend it highly enough. Not only is it absolutely delicious and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s also loaded with nearly 35g of plant-based protein in every serving, thanks to the chickpeas, tofu, edamame beans and quinoa. Combine this with fibre and healthy fats, and you have the perfect dish to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
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Adding quinoa to porridge makes it higher in protein, and the blueberries give it an antioxidant hit with a burst of freshness. Sprinkling some milled flaxseeds on your morning porridge is a great way to add some omega 3 fatty acids and fibre to your diet.
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This one-pan wonder is the saviour of speedy weeknight dinners — using tins and storecupboard staples, embellished with fresh vegetables, it delivers a quick, easy but flavoursome supper. Similar to dhal in terms of texture and body, spoonfuls of tahini and rose harissa are added at the end for instant flavour. Any leftovers make a great lunch the following day.
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This simple salad is perfect for warm summer days. The fluffy quinoa is delicious with lemon juice and miso paste mixed through; the greens add texture and the roasted almonds provide crunch. We love to serve this with a side of creamy hummus or sliced avocado.
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You can thank us later for this quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe. Vibrant, hearty and nourishing, it’s a great speedy option to whip up after a long day. Consider the recipe a base and feel free to swap the chickpeas for lentils, and the broccoli and peas for green beans or edamame. Any leftovers will make a fantastic salad the following day.
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These warm and hearty fritters are a great way to use up extra quinoa. Lightly pan-fried in olive oil, they are full of protein, fibre and healthy fats. Served with some of our minty green sauce, fresh spinach, and chives they make a really satisfying meal.
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This delicious salad is so much more than the sum of its parts — sweet roasted squash, crunchy toasted pecans and fresh kale all combine to make a supremely satisfying lunch.
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Eat the rainbow with this buddha bowl that’s bursting with flavour — a base of quinoa is topped with colourful vegetables and spicy black beans.
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Could there be a more delicious, beautiful way of enjoying veggies this winter? In this satisfying main meal salad, the butternut squash and quinoa are conveniently cooked in one pan — saving both time and washing up. Then simply toss everything together and lunch is served. You can eat this warm, freshly made; or leave it to cool.
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Looking for a simple way to pack more protein into your diet? This nutritious bowl is the answer. It’s brimming with plant-based protein sources including black beans, quinoa, edamame beans and tahini — and will be on the table in just 10 minutes.
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Need a nutritious meal in a hurry? This super simple savoury-sweet quinoa salad comes together in under 20 minutes and it’s packed with flavour.
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Full of textures and delicious flavours, this no-fuss nutritious salad tastes as good as it looks. Team with hummus, guacamole or baba ganoush for a healthy protein-packed meal.
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A warming bowl of chilli makes for great comfort food on cold winter evenings. With quinoa and beans, this nutritionally balanced dish packs in the plant-based protein, fibre and provides a good source of folate, iron and magnesium — plus it’s super satisfying. (This recipe uses leftovers from dinner on day 2 of the plan.)
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This recipe takes 25 minutes from start to finish, which means it’s a great post work dinner option during the week, or a lovely simple supper on a Sunday. I love the mix of crunchy tamari roasted almonds with the creamy lime infused pea puree and the gentle sautéed kale and courgette, when it's all tossed in the quinoa it is heaven!
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Eat the rainbow with this vibrant salad, brimming with colourful veggies. Teamed with crispy tofu and a zingy wasabi dressing, it’s easy, nutritious and full of flavour.
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This simple salad is packed full of flavour and fresh ingredients. We love to make a big batch of our roasted almond pesto and mix it through, but you can use whatever pesto you have at home.
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