10+ Quinoa Dinner Recipes for Delicious and Nutritious Meals

Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious grain that has gained popularity as a healthy meal option. You can create a variety of delicious dinner recipes that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. These meals often incorporate wholesome ingredients, making quinoa a great choice for any dietary preference.

In this article, you’ll find different quinoa dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. With easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy flavorful dishes that the whole family will love. Get ready to explore the delightful world of quinoa and find new favorites to add to your meal rotation.

1) One Pot Moroccan Quinoa with Spices

This One Pot Moroccan Quinoa dish is full of flavor. It combines warm spices with quinoa for a hearty meal. You’ll enjoy the blend of cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon in every bite.

To get started, sauté onion and garlic in a skillet. Once they’re aromatic, stir in the spices and quinoa. The spices really bring this dish to life.

Add vegetable broth and let everything simmer. After about 20 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to serve. It’s healthy and perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon.
4. Add quinoa and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

2) Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is a healthy and tasty option for dinner. It features vibrant vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. Chickpeas add protein, while a delicious garlic yogurt sauce ties it all together.

To make this dish, you need cooked quinoa as the base. The garlic yogurt sauce is easy to prepare and adds a creamy touch. You can also customize the bowl by adding your favorite greens.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), optional

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. In another bowl, layer cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, and chickpeas.
3. Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce over the top.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

3) Quinoa Tabbouleh with Fresh Herbs

Quinoa tabbouleh is a fresh, healthy dish packed with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a Mediterranean classic while adding the nutritional benefits of quinoa.

To make this vibrant salad, start by cooking your quinoa. After it cools, mix it with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and lots of fresh herbs, like parsley and mint. The herbs bring a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Dress your salad with olive oil and lemon juice for a zesty touch. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. This salad can be served as a side or a light main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
4. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
5. In a bowl, combine cooled quinoa with cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

4) Black Bean Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili

This Black Bean Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili is a hearty and nutritious meal. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of black beans, sweet potatoes, and quinoa creates a filling dish that’s full of flavor.

You start by cooking the sweet potatoes until tender. Then, add black beans, quinoa, and chopped tomatoes. Stir in some spices for a nice kick. Let everything simmer together for a while.

The result is a warm, comforting chili that is packed with protein and fiber. It’s also vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in quinoa, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta and Olives

Greek Quinoa Salad is a fresh and satisfying meal perfect for any time. It combines fluffy quinoa with colorful vegetables and flavorful ingredients like feta and olives.

Start with cooked quinoa and add chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. These veggies add crunch and brightness. Then, mix in kalamata olives for a briny touch and crumbled feta cheese for creaminess.

Dress your salad with a simple red wine vinegar dressing for a zesty kick. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s great as a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta.
3. Drizzle with red wine vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

6) Mexican One-Pan Quinoa with Black Beans

This flavorful dish brings together quinoa, black beans, and zesty Mexican spices in one easy pan. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

You start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and jalapeño for a bit of spice. Then, stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.

Let everything simmer until the quinoa is cooked and fluffy. Top it with diced avocado and fresh cilantro for extra flavor. This meal is not just tasty but also nutritious!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and jalapeño; sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in quinoa and vegetable broth.
4. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
6. Simmer for about 20 minutes until quinoa is cooked.
7. Top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro.

7) Herbed Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables

Herbed quinoa with roasted vegetables is a tasty and healthy dish. You can enjoy it as a main course or a side.

Start by roasting colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Toss them with olive oil and your favorite herbs.

While the veggies cook, prepare your quinoa. Cook it in water with a pinch of salt until fluffy. Mix in fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Once your vegetables are tender, combine everything together. You’ll have a vibrant and nutritious meal ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and herbs.
3. Spread veggies on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
4. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
5. In a pot, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Fluff quinoa with a fork and mix with roasted vegetables. Enjoy!

8) Quinoa and Lentil Curry

Quinoa and lentil curry is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare. This recipe combines hearty lentils with the fluffy texture of quinoa, making it satisfying and healthy.

You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices. The flavors blend well, creating a comforting meal.

To make it even easier, try cooking everything in one pot. This cuts down on cleanup time and makes cooking on busy nights simpler.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup lentils (any type)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped vegetables (like spinach or bell peppers)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and lentils under cold water.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add quinoa, lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
4. Stir in curry powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Add any optional vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

9) Spicy Quinoa and Avocado Burrito Bowl

This spicy quinoa and avocado burrito bowl is a delicious twist on a classic dish. You’ll love the combination of flavors and textures in this easy recipe. The spicy quinoa adds a kick, while the creamy avocado balances it out perfectly.

Start by cooking quinoa with spices like cayenne and chili powder. This adds a warm flavor to your bowl. Once the quinoa is ready, layer it with fresh veggies like lettuce, corn, and grape tomatoes.

Top it off with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime for extra freshness. You can also add your favorite protein, like black beans or grilled chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• Lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in cayenne and chili powder.
5. Layer quinoa in a bowl with lettuce, corn, and tomatoes.
6. Add slices of avocado on top.
7. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

10) Lemon Garlic Quinoa with Grilled Chicken

This dish combines zesty lemon and garlic with tender grilled chicken and fluffy quinoa. It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week. The bright flavors will make your taste buds happy.

Start by marinating the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. This adds a wonderful flavor boost. After marinating, grill the chicken until it’s cooked through.

Next, prepare the quinoa according to the package directions. You can add some lemon zest and herbs to enhance the flavor.

Combine the grilled chicken and quinoa for a delicious, healthy dinner that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
2. Grill chicken at 375°F (190°C) until it cooks through.
3. Rinse quinoa and cook according to package directions.
4. Fluff quinoa. Then, mix with lemon zest and herbs.
5. Serve grilled chicken over quinoa.