Quinoa is often called a “superfood,” but you can think of it as a hard-working everyday staple for your healthy recipes.
Quinoa (say it “keen-wah”) is considered a whole grain, although it’s technically a seed. Like other SmartCarbs, it’s high in fiber and low in calories. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a half-cup serving also fuels you up with four grams of protein—in fact, it’s one of the few plant foods that’s a “complete” protein, including all nine essential amino acids.
Quinoa has a chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that blends well with many other ingredients. It comes in different colors, including red, white, yellow, and even black.
Quinoa is the perfect swap for rice in your recipes. However, it’s so versatile that we keep discovering new ways to enjoy it! We’ve gathered this list of two dozen fresh recipes for putting quinoa to work for you, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb, 3 Extras, and ½ Vegetable.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb, 2 Extras, and ½ Vegetable.
Roasting seasoned chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) crisps them up and infuses them with flavor. Mix them with chopped peppers—both sweet and spicy—cubes of avocado, onions, spices, and a cup of quinoa to make a satisfying salad. Each batch is four servings—you can keep the extras in your fridge and bring one along wherever your day takes you.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb and 2 Extras.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb.
Who knew this list of quinoa recipes would feature chocolate bars? You can have a chewy chocolate bar and stay on track with your healthy eating plan when you make this super-simple version. After lightly “popping” the quinoa to bring out its toasty flavor (yes, you can pop quinoa!). You stir it into a warm blend of real cocoa powder, natural sweetener, and coconut oil. Pour it all into a pan and refrigerate, then cut it into bars and dig in.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel.
Creamy pumpkin soup, fragrant with spices, warms you up from the inside out. With hearty beans, plenty of quinoa, and a dollop of cheese, this version will keep you feeling full for hours.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb, 3 Extras, and 3 Vegetables.
Figs are naturally sweet, loaded with nutrients, and packed with fiber. They perfectly complement the diverse tastes and textures of kale and arugula, red onion, and quinoa. Add cream cheese and our flavorful vinaigrette to create a salad that satisfies like a whole meal.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb, and 1 Vegetable.
Here’s a Flex meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table. It comes with chunks of high-protein chicken breast, tangy tomatoes, zesty onions, tender cauliflower florets, and fiber-rich quinoa. Melt mozzarella cheese on top and dinner is ready to serve.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel.
Sweltering days call for light dishes that fill you up but won’t weigh you down. This refreshing salad features juicy, sweet watermelon and strawberries. Crunchy almonds, crumbly feta cheese, and quinoa hold it all together. The recipe makes two servings, so you have one to share or to save for another day.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 2 PowerFuels, 1 SmartCarb, and 3 Extras.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb, and 1 Extra
Take your everyday oatmeal to the next level by adding quinoa and seasoning it all with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and naturally sweet maple syrup. Mix in apple pieces and crunchy chia seeds to add more flavor and texture. Best of all, this hot breakfast recipe cooks in minutes in the Instant Pot, so you can enjoy it on even the busiest of mornings.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel.
When you’re ready for a snack that fuels you up and tempts your taste buds. Whip up a batch of these simple granola bars. They’re made with just six basic ingredients, including creamy peanut butter, roasted peanut pieces, and sweet honey. The recipe makes 10 bars, so you can keep them on hand to enjoy whenever hunger strikes.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb, 1½ Vegetables, 2½ Extras.
The best quinoa salad recipes offer you a delightful blend of complementary tastes and textures. In this easy dish, we combined chewy quinoa with juicy cucumbers. Along with red onion and fresh herbs such as mint and parsley. It’s filling enough to be a whole lunch but also works as a side to your favorite PowerFuel at dinner.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 2 PowerFuels and ½ SmartCarb
If you’re a fan of fried chicken, try this healthier option that’s just as satisfying. The coating is made with high-fiber quinoa instead of breadcrumbs. But the chicken still comes out crispy on the outside yet juicy and tender on the inside. Plus, it bakes in the oven so there’s none of the greasy mess or excessive fat you get when frying chicken.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels, 1 Vegetable, and 2 Extras.
Power bowl recipes are all the rage because they bring together all the elements of a healthy meal into one simple dish. This version starts with a base of quinoa and includes super-nutritious kale, fiber-rich chickpeas, and tender baked salmon, a PowerFuel that will keep you energized for hours. The simple tahini dressing provides a flavorful finish.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb, and 1 Vegetable.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, and 2 Extras.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 Smart Carb and 1 PowerFuel.
On those days when you need a hearty breakfast to fuel a hectic morning. But the slow cooker work by making this belly-filling dish. Just add the ingredients, including quinoa, shredded carrots and zucchini, coconut, almond milk, and sweet spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Furthermore, you get six servings, so you can store the extra in your fridge or freezer for other busy days.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, 2 Vegetables, and 1 Extra.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb, 2 Vegetable, And 2 Extras.
Whether you’re trying to eat more meatless meals or just want to get more non-starchy veggies into your daily diet. This dish will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Along with quinoa, it has slices of zesty red onions, sweet peppers, butternut squash, and crunchy pumpkin seeds.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable, and 2 Extras.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 2 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb, and 1 Vegetable.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, and 1 Extra.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel.
On Nutrisystem, Count As 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel.
In Conclusion
Sources –
- HSPH – Harvard
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Great post. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.
Hi Shaunelius Sterns,
Thank you for your comment, some of my favorite dishes.
Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you.