9 Healthy Quinoa Recipes for Nutritious Meals in a Pinch

Quinoa is one of those pantry staples that you likely always have on hand…but never know what exactly to cook with it. Sure, it’s an easy swap for rice or pasta when you’re looking for a healthy carb with your dinner, or it can be tossed into any salad to give your meal an extra plant-based punch. But what about making quinoa the star of the show? With these healthy quinoa recipes, you can make the most of your breakfast, lunches, and dinners and never have to waste a bag of quinoa from your pantry ever again.

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1. Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole

Looking for a comforting casserole that still provides on the nutrition? This cheesy casserole is stuffed with protein thanks to the quinoa and chicken, as well as fiber from the broccoli. Great for the family or even as a meal prep if you need dinners for yourself throughout the week.

Try the recipe from Pinch of Yum.

2. Zesty Quinoa Salad with Mint

If you’re looking for something cool and refreshing for the summertime, this quinoa salad provides all of that plant-based goodness and flavor—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side at your next outdoor barbecue.

Try the recipe from Monica Nedeff.

3. Enchilada Chicken & Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers make for easy weeknight dinner meals, especially when they’re packed with all kinds of nutrient goodness. These stuffed bell peppers keep it lean thanks to the ground turkey but still pack in the flavor thanks to a mixture of spices, enchilada sauce, and of course, a few slices of spicy jalapeños.

Try the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

4. 7-Ingredient Quinoa Granola

Give your morning granola a plant-based protein boost by adding quinoa! It’s one of the simplest healthy quinoa recipes you can make for the morning, and great to meal prep if you need something quick and filling when you’re constantly on the go.

Try the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

5. Quinoa Vegetable Soup with Kale

For something comforting and soothing after a long day, this quinoa vegetable soup is stuffed with good-for-you nutrients to keep you full and satisfied for the rest of the night. Plus, this recipe will use up any of the seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini? Yellow squash? Bell peppers? Sweet potatoes? Butternut squash? It works with any combination!

Try the recipe from Cookie and Kate.

6. Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa

If you’re craving a lemony, garlicky shrimp for dinner but want something a little lighter than the usual bed of pasta, this recipe is here to save the meal. It’s tasty, simple, and surely one of those healthy quinoa recipes that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Try the recipe from Well Plated.

7. Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

If you tend to have a sweet tooth first thing in the morning, this quinoa breakfast bowl will satisfy that craving for chocolate while also giving you that plant-based goodness you need! Think of it as a grown-up bowl of cereal with all of your favorite fruits, creamy plant-based milk, and of course, chocolate.

Try the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

8. Balsamic Chicken Berry Salad in a Jar

Who doesn’t love a good Mason jar salad for lunch? This salad is packed with all kinds of nutritious goodness, and will certainly be one of your go-to healthy quinoa recipes when it’s time to meal prep lunches for the week.

Try the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

9. Herbed Quinoa with Grilled Eggplant

For a unique spin on your usual go-to grilling favorites, this plant-based quinoa recipe includes slices of grilled eggplant, topped with a colorful homemade quinoa salad — including feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty dill herbed quinoa.

Try the recipe from A Couple Cooks.

Read next: 7 Healthy Brown Rice Recipes to Use Up This Pantry Staple