Looking for something healthy yet tasty that you can eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Hello quinoa! If you're not familiar with it, quinoa is an ancient grain known for its incredible nutritional value. With all nine essential amino acids necessary for human nutrition, it is comparable to animal protein sources. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, quinoa is a well-rounded grain that you can incorporate into your diet for any meal. Whether you want it sweet or savory, hot or cold, this versatile food staple has your back. Here are some of my favorite quinoa recipes from around the web-try them yourself and you'll understand my obsession.
1. Dark Chocolate Breakfast Bowl
Filled with antioxidants from dark chocolate and healthy fats from quinoa and coconut milk, this recipe from Minimalist Baker is a great alternative to your normal breakfast. Add in some fresh berries, cinnamon, or peanut butter on top and you've got yourself dessert for breakfast (and it's healthy!) What could be better than that?
2. Quinoa Flour Banana Pancakes
We all love pancakes, but unfortunately our waist lines don't. Luckily, these quinoa flour pancakes from Ambitious Kitchen are much cleaner than normal, using quinoa flour and greek yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast that tastes just as good, if not better, than normal pancakes! Top them with peanut butter, maple syrup (natural if possible), and berries for an amazing Sunday morning. Spice them up by adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or lemon zest, and you can thank me later.
3. Apple Pie Quinoa Bites
Love apple pie, but hate the bloat afterwards? With these apple pie bites from Hummusapien, you get the best of both worlds. Filled with flavor, protein, and fiber, these bites will supply you with energy throughout the day while satisfying your sweet tooth.
4. Cashew Chicken Quinoa
If you're searching for something tasty yet nutritious, try this one-dish dinner out. It tastes just like Chinese food but lacks the added sodium and MSG. It's quick, easy, and super delicious
5. Summer Quinoa Salad
Count me in! Topped with an apple cider ginger vinaigrette, this is a perfect salad for those hot summer days or a family picnic.. Or for every meal, nobody will judge you.
6. Quinoa Chili
Whether you're looking for something to warm you up or comfort you, this chili from The Roasted Root is there for you. With sweet potatoes, black beans, and quinoa, it's a hearty soup packed with vitamins and protein. Add meat for extra flavor, or spice it up your way-regardless, it will not fail you!
7. Superfood Salad
If you've had a rough weekend and are looking to detox, put this salad on the menu. With plenty of antioxidants and vitamin C, this dish will never fall short of expectations of nutrition and taste. With salmon, blueberries, pepitas, and a light poppyseed dressing, this quick meal from Foodie Crush can easily become a staple in your diet.
8. Quinoa Mac and Cheese
If I've realized anything in college, it's my love for mac and cheese. Comforting, delicious, and easy, it has become a weekly (okay, maybe daily) occurrence in my life. If you're looking for something just as tasty but tenfold healthier, try this quinoa mac from Fit Foodie Finds! Mixed with sauteed kale and sun dried tomatoes, it's packed with flavor without all the fat. Make it for your friends and they'll love you forever, I promise.
9. Thai Quinoa Fried Rice
Alexis from Hummusapien does it again! Try this Thai quinoa fried rice for a healthy alternative to Chinese food. It's more nutritious than regular fried rice, yet tastes exactly the same. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner that you can prep ahead of time. Just take all the veggies you'd like and saute them with a serving of quinoa, add some sauce, and voila-you've got yourself a protein-packed meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
10. Peanut Butter Quinoa Truffle Bites
Still searching for someone who's as obsessed with peanut butter as I am.. Anybody? No? Anyway, these quinoa peanut butter truffles are a dream to all of you Reese's Cups lovers. In under an hour, you can have a healthful treat that you won't feel guilty about. Try to just eat one, I dare you.
So there you have it; ten completely different ways to use quinoa. As an advocate for clean meals that don't taste so clean, these recipes all get five stars from me. Knowing that you're eating well and putting good nutrients into your body makes all the difference in the world in your well being, and I promise you'll see it too. Add quinoa into your diet for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert for some good carbs and extra protein. You'll never go back, I bet you. Happy eating!
