10 Quick and Easy Quinoa Recipes You’ll Love - Clean Healthy Meals (2024)

If you’re looking for some quick and easy quinoa recipes to make with leftovers for dinner or lunch that taste good and are healthy, this collection is for you! There are simple quinoa salads, one-pan dishes, stir-fries and so much more, all calling for cooked quinoa and ready in 30 minutes or less!

Quinoa feels very millennial to some. However, this grain has been nourishing people worldwide for hundreds of years.It’s ancient, and it’s not even a real grain. It is actually a seed that is packed with fiber, folate, magnesium, zinc and protein, contains all nine essential amino acids and is therefore perfect for healthy recipes like the ones on this list.

Another great benefit of this grain is that you can cook it in batches and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Once you have it, you can use it in various yummy dishes such as salads and mains.Speaking of, let’s get into these healthy and easy quinoa recipes using leftovers that you’ll love! Even when you’re not into “healthy millennial food”.

But first…Wondering how to cook quinoa?

It’s easy! Rinse the quinoa well before cooking, then put it in a pot, covered with water (ratio quinoa to water = 1:2).

Bring to a boil with the lid on, then reduce the heat. Cook for another 5 minutes until the water has mostly evaporated. Turn the heat off and let it rest with the lid on for another 10 minutes. Now you’re ready to prep some amazing recipes with cooked quinoa for lunch or dinner! And you can enjoy them throughout the workweek!

The following easy quinoa recipes rely on the cooked “grain” and only take 30 minutes, mostly less. These dishes are perfect for keeping you in good shape on busy weekdays and nights.

1. Ground Beef and Broccoli Fried Quinoa

Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe pairs quinoa with other delicious and nutritious foods such as ground beef, broccoli and spinach. It’s gluten-free, ready in 15 minutes, packed with flavor and protein and perfect for meal prep ahead of busy weeknights.

2. Quinoa Feta and Roasted Veg Salad

Quinoa can be enjoyed both warm and cold, which makes it a great addition to salads. For this recipe, cook the grain and roast the vegetables during the weekend. When it’s time to eat – add in some arugula, cherry tomatoes, olive oil and feta and your lunch is ready in 5-10 minutes. You can also make the whole thing from scratch in around 30!

3. Tomato, Basil, Quinoa Risotto

Another easy and delicious recipe with cooked quinoa that is perfect for meal prep. For this vegetarian “risotto” you’ll also need zucchini and tomatoes. And here’s one of the best things about the recipe: it will be on the dining table in about 10 minutes. How great is that!

4. Detox Quinoa Salad

Quinoa and avocado have had their place in the spotlight of the healthy eating movement in recent years. The reason is that they are packed with nutrients and are very easy to incorporate into many meals. They go well together. Who doesn’t love a creamy avocado with crunchy quinoa in recipes?For this amazing antioxidant-rich detox salad recipe you’ll also need fresh herbs, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and arugula!

5. 15-Minute Quinoa With Chicken And Vegetables

Why order takeaway when you can have a healthy and delicious dinner in just 15 minutes? This is real fast food (but healthy). This quinoa and chicken recipe is packed with vegetables like arugula, kale, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes and garlic. Foods to make you feel good, and it’s also big on protein to keep you full longer.

6. 15-Minute Spicy Shrimp and Quinoa

This 15-minute quinoa recipe with shrimp, zucchini, and tomatoes is the perfect comfort food dinner after a stressful day. It also requires just one pan and 15 minutes of your time.

7. Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh

We’ve got you covered if you’re craving a gluten-free version of tabbouleh. Besides the traditional parsley, this recipe also gets its green color from arugula. Fragrant, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish or a starter this salad goes perfectly with some hummus, grilled meat, fish or falafels.

8. One-Pan Seafood Quinoa

Who doesn’t love one-pan dishes? They’re quick, healthy, easy and don’t require a long time to clean up. Now if you love seafood, you’ll love the flavors in this recipe! The meal is ready in 30 minutes and is simple, filling, and super healthy.

9. 15-Minute Quinoa Fried Rice With Chicken

For this quick take on the takeaway classic – fried rice, you’ll need chicken, eggs, carrots, spinach, and of course, cooked quinoa. Garlic cloves, scallions, tamari sauce, and sesame oil intensify the flavor, so you won’t regret spending 15 minutes around the stove.

10. The Best Avocado Quinoa Salad

This is another healthy easy recipe with quinoa and avocado that will instantly become a favorite of yours. Now, this recipe has a different flavor profile as the dressing is made with tamari and sesame oil, so it’s a more Asian-inspired than Mediterranean salad. Either way, I’m sure you’ll love it!

More Easy Healthy Recipes To Try

Try one of these easy and quick leftover quinoa recipes today! And if, by any chance, you have other ingredients in your house, here are some other ideas for you:

• 21 Mediterranean Diet Dinner Ideas
• 15 Dairy-Free Dessert Recipes
• 17 Easy Breakfast Ideas With Eggs

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