52 Healthy Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes (+ quinoa tips)
- Updated on Feb 23, 2023
Do you have any vegetarian quinoa recipes in your repertoire of healthy meals? Because quinoa is too good to ignore, especially for plant-based eaters.
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This simple, nourishing superfood contains so much good stuff that it can top any other whole grain while technically being a seed.
One of the several reasons to love quinoa is that it’s a complete protein and has all of the essential amino acids. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 grams of protein which is beneficial for weight loss, muscle development and health.
It’s also very high in fiber (5 grams per cup) which contributes to its superiority over most grains!
So I couldn’t let it slip by without collecting the best quinoa recipes to try.
Let’s dig in to the versatility of vegetarian quinoa recipes!
I love quinoa’s nutty flavor and fluffy texture. It’s a super versatile ingredient that works both in cold salads and warm comforting dishes. See for yourself!
Quinoa salads
1. Brussel Sprouts Salad with Quinoa
Bonus: full of fiber and protein
Try our quinoa & Brussel sprouts salad this festive season. Christmas’s most infamous vegetable has never tasted so good!
2. Lentil Quinoa Salad
Bonus: super simple dressing
In this superfood salad, red lentils and quinoa are jazzed up with crunchy almonds, tangy olives and creamy avocado.
3. Thai Quinoa Salad
Bonus: tropical taste with a refreshing kick
Thai quinoa salad – tropical vibes. A refreshingly light, tasty Asian super-dish with lots of protein, fiber and tropical flavour. Heaven for your taste buds!
4. Healthy Egg Salad
Bonus: lovely flavours, textures and colours
Looking to up your salad game? Try this healthy egg salad recipe with quinoa and beets – the perfect weight loss lunch (try these other veggie lunch ideas for weight loss if you like the sound of this!)!
5. Chickpea Salad with Quinoa
Bonus: space to experiment
This chickpea salad with quinoa is a deliciously versatile mix of superfoods with a sweet and zesty dressing. Packed with protein, fiber, folate, zinc and iron!
6. White Bean Salad with Quinoa
Bonus: easy and quick to make
High protein white bean salad is high in fiber, vitamins A, C, E, B2 and B6 as well as iron and calcium. Healthy and vegan!
7. Avocado Chickpea Salad with Quinoa
Bonus: easy and delicious
Supercharge your lunch with this avocado chickpea salad with quinoa: high in protein, fiber and put together in 5 minutes before you go to work.
8. Kale and Quinoa Salad
Protein: 11.3g
Calories: 554kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: TheLastFoodBlog
Bonus: easy to make and very versatile
This hearty kale quinoa salad is a really tasty salad. Loaded with tasty veggies, kale and quinoa all tossed in a tangy mustard dressing.
9. Vegan Quinoa Salad
Protein: 5g
Calories: 188kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: VeggieInspired
Bonus: light summery recipe
This healthy vegan quinoa salad with fresh dill & lime vinaigrette is light and refreshing, yet high in protein (try these vegan protein salads too if you like this). It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for BBQs and picnics.
10. Coconut Quinoa
Protein: 3g
Calories: 203kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: OhSoDelicioso
Bonus: fast and easy to make, pairs perfect with fruit
Light, fresh and sweet coconut quinoa salad. It’s fun to use classically savory items in a sweet way.
11. Quinoa Kale Salad with Vegetables
Protein: 11g
Calories: 441kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: RunningOnRealFood
Bonus: great for meal prep, easy to customize
This warm quinoa kale salad with cranberries, roasted vegetables and balsamic dressing with maple syrup is filling enough for a meal but also makes a wonderful side dish, especially during the autumn months.
12. Quinoa Cranberry Salad
Protein: 3.5g
Calories: 171kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: AVirtualVegan
Bonus: easy to make ahead and packs up really well
This quinoa cranberry salad is full of fresh, feel good flavours that everyone will love!
With nutrient rich spinach, sweet dried cranberries and a zippy lemon dressing, it is able to stand alone as a protein packed, healthy meal, or can be served as a side.
13. Peanut Crunch Salad in a Jar
Protein: 20g
Calories: 438kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: AVirtualVegan
Bonus: super quick and easy to make
Make healthy, protein packed, super tasty peanut crunch salad in a Jar as part of your meal prep and you’ll have grab-and-go lunches all ready for the entire week!
14. Mango Lime Summer Quinoa Salad
Protein: 6g
Calories: 243kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: BucketListTummy
Bonus: great recipe for lunch or dinner, quick to prep
Mango quinoa salad is gluten free and a fun spin on pasta salad. Dill, lime zest, lime juice, apple cider vinegar and oil make an incredible dressing!
15. Quinoa Tabbouleh
Protein: 7g
Calories: 326kcal
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: TheMatbakh
Bonus: full of natural ingredients and vitamins
This gluten-free quinoa tabbouleh salad blends authentic Lebanese taste with gluten-free eating by using quinoa in lieu of bulgar wheat.
16. Indian Tofu Red Quinoa Salad
Protein: 12g
Calories: 197kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: MyPlantifulCooking
Bonus: both Instant pot and stovetop versions
Flavorful and refreshing, this spicy Indian red quinoa salad is paired with crispy tofu and a delicious zesty curry dressing! Ready in 30 minutes and only simple wholesome ingredients needed.
17. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Protein: 10g
Calories: 254kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: TheCleanEatingCouple
Bonus: low calorie, veggie loaded and filling
A Mediterranean quinoa salad with vegetables, chickpeas and feta cheese! Healthy and delicious greek quinoa salad that can be served warm or cold.
Quinoa breakfasts
18. Fruity Quinoa Porridge
Bonus: high protein breakfast full of flavour
After a high-protein alternative to traditional oatmeal? This vegan noatmeal recipe has 19g protein serving! Try it now!
19. Quinoa with Hot Blueberry Drizzle
Bonus: Indian spices, crunchy nuts and almost-like-jam sweet blueberries
Quinoa breakfast porridge with hot blueberry drizzle. A beautiful union of delicious but easy to find spices and fruits in a simple and satisfying breakfast.
20. Fluffy Quinoa Egg Muffins
Bonus: quick, tasty and super nutritious
These quinoa egg muffins are incredibly high in protein – and super-quick, too! Perfect any time of the day.
21. Quinoa Breakfast Bake
Protein: 6g
Calories: 142kcal
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: DebraKlein
Bonus: great taste, texture and nutrition
Baked quinoa is a simple vegan breakfast that can be made ahead. This easy recipe is loaded with apples and cinnamon and is absolutely delicious.
22. Peruvian Quinoa Porridge with Peaches
Protein: 17g
Calories: 353kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 22 minutes (just 10 mins prep)
Recipe by: BeyondMereSustenance
Bonus: super nutritious and infused with flavour
A healthy, new way to start your day, peruvian quinoa porridge with peaches combines nutrient-rich quinoa with fresh (or dried) fruit, milk, and spices, and served up drinkable style.
23. Quinoa with Eggs and Vegetables
Protein: 19g
Calories: 422kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: Cooktoria
Bonus: packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals
This quinoa with eggs and vegetables is so healthy and tasty. You’ll love this delicious and versatile dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Quinoa main dishes
24. Asparagus and Tomato with Halloumi
Bonus: delicious, low effort meal
After a healthy, quick to make meal? Try our roasted asparagus and tomatoes with halloumi and quinoa. Ready in 30 minutes!
25. Quinoa Chickpea Buddha Bowl
Bonus: needs very little effort to make
This easy (and animal-friendly) lunch and dinner bowl hits all the right spots – grains, greens and a legume! What’s not to like?
26. Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Bonus: packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals
Red bell peppers packed with quinoa, sweetcorn, tempeh – and loads of flavour. Full of protein and with clear instructions in easy steps.
27. Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Bonus: great to whip up on a busy day
In this healthy burrito bowl we’ve got quinoa, avocado, pineapple, tofu, black beans and Adobo sauce for a sizzling taste bud fiesta!
Ingredients
- ½ cup low fat Greek Yogurt (or soy yogurt to make it vegan)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ ripe avocado (sliced)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced or julienned)
- ¼ cup quinoa
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup black beans (canned)
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 7 oz firm tofu (cut in 1 inch cubes)
- ¾ cup pineapple (cut into ½ inch cubes)
- 2 sprigs cilantro/coriander, fresh
- lemon
Adobo sauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ tsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ tsp chipotle or Tabasco sauce
- ½ tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp apple vinegar
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- ¼ tsp cumin, ground
- ½ tsp oregano, dried
Instructions
- In a small pot over medium heat add the quinoa and broth. Once it begins to boil lower heat to a simmer and cook following the package instructions, until the grains have opened and are cooked. During the final 3 minutes, add black beans to heat them with the quinoa.¼ cup quinoa, ½ cup vegetable broth, 1 cup black beans
- In a medium sized non-stick pan add the oil and set to medium-high heat. Add finger sized tofu cubes and pineapple cubes and let them brown. Season with a little salt. Toss occasionally.7 oz firm tofu, ¾ cup pineapple, 1 tsp vegetable oil
- Meanwhile prepare yogurt sauce in a small bowl mixing yogurt, garlic powder and salt/pepper to taste, and have ready your sliced avocado, sliced onions, cilantro leaves and lemon wedges. Reserve until needed.½ cup low fat Greek Yogurt, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ ripe avocado, ¼ cup red onion, ½ tsp salt, 2 sprigs cilantro/coriander, fresh, lemon
Adobo sauce
- In a bowl mix together cold water with cornstarch, chipotle sauce, paprika, garlic powder, honey, salt, apple vinegar, tomato paste, cumin and oregano.½ cup water, 1 ½ tsp cornstarch, 1 ½ tsp chipotle or Tabasco sauce, ½ tsp paprika powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp apple vinegar, 1 tsp tomato paste, ¼ tsp cumin, ground, ½ tsp oregano, dried
- Set the pan to low heat and add the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and mix with the tofu and pineapple. Note: if you don't want to coat the pineapple with the sauce, remove it from the pan.
- Plate burrito bowl in a deep dish with the tofu, black beans, quinoa, pineapple, onions, avocado and cilantro. Serve with yogurt sauce and lemon wedges.
NOTES
Nutrition
28. Quinoa Burgers
Bonus: quinoa patties that don’t fall apart
The BEST quinoa burgers EVER! Just follow our easy instructions and you’ll be chowing down in no time! These are the future, and they’re here to stay.
29. Sweet Potato & Broccoli Salad Bake
Bonus: full of all the good stuff
This time-saving traybake with sweet potatoes, broccoli, and quinoa is big on superfood nutrition and even bigger on taste.
30. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa
Protein: 10g
Calories: 382kcal
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: TheForkedSpoon
Bonus: perfect as a light dinner, side dish or holiday appetizer
These vegetarian stuffed acorn squash are filled with cooked apples, dried cranberries, spinach, quinoa and drizzled with a creamy tahini garlic dressing. Colorful, festive, and easy to prepare!
31. Greek Collard Wraps with Tzatziki
Protein: 17g
Calories: 529kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: EvergreenKitchen
Bonus: the perfect amount of crunch, creaminess, saltiness
These healthy wraps are made with crisp collard greens, lemon herb quinoa, and creamy vegan tzatziki. The wraps stay crisp in the fridge, so you can enjoy them for dinner – and tomorrow’s lunch.
32. Korean Chickpeas & Potatoes Over Quinoa
Protein: 16g
Calories: 455kcal
Ready in: 5 hours 15 minutes (just 15 mins prep)
Recipe by: VeggiesDon’tBite
Bonus: a very delicious and flavourful sauce
A vegan twist on a Korean dish that will leave you wanting more. Full of protein and flavor, this is one you won’t want to miss!
33. Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
Protein: 15g
Calories: 321kcal
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: TheRusticFoodie
Bonus: much healthier than traditional enchiladas
This quinoa enchilada casserole recipe is a healthy gluten free meal! This vegetarian enchilada bake is made with black beans and cheese.
34. Quinoa Wrap with Italian Dressing
Protein: 8g
Calories: 411kcal
Ready in: 2 hours 30 minutes (just 15 mins prep)
Recipe by: FitAsAMamaBear
Bonus: great meal prep recipe, tasty lunch or gluten-free dinner recipe
Enjoy a flavorful lunch with this homemade veggie wrap! Loaded with protein-packed quinoa and colorful veggies all dressed in a homemade Italian dressing.
35. Zesty Bean Quinoa
Protein: 18g
Calories: 399kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: AMummyToo
Bonus: full of protein, fiber and iron
This tasty, zesty bean quinoa is packed with protein, bursting with fresh citrus flavour and suitable for vegetarians and vegans!
36. Quinoa Pilaf with Miso Dressing
Protein: 14g
Calories: 452kcal
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: DailyDish
Bonus: few simple ingredients
This quinoa pilaf is packed with garlicky roasted chickpeas and cauliflower, grated carrots and loads of fresh herbs. It’s protein-rich, gluten free and packed full of nutrition.
37. Quinoa & Mushroom Stuffed Peppers
Protein: 22.7g
Calories: 393kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 40 minutes (just 20 mins prep)
Recipe by: YummyAddiction
Bonus: great dinner idea
These easy mushroom and quinoa stuffed peppers are healthy, gluten-free and vegetarian – not to mention very comforting and absolutely delicious (if you need gluten free, try our collection of 100 gluten free veggie recipes now!). Dark red peppers will be the most flavourful for this one!
38. Vegan Quinoa Fried Rice
Protein: 17g
Calories: 396kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: HappyKitchen.Rocks
Bonus: an extremely healthy and delicious meal
Simple vegan quinoa fried rice recipe is the healthy and easy alternative to the take-out classic, featuring flavorful vegetables and protein-packed quinoa!
39. Mexican Baked Tofu Quinoa Bowl
Protein: 23g
Calories: 449kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: vegan and gluten-free
Mexican Baked Tofu Quinoa Bowl is easy to prepare, perfect for meal prepping and is packed with healthy plant-powered protein.
Ancho, chilli and cumin give it that Mexican flavour and the tofu, beans and quinoa deliver the filling, protein-packed meal.
40. Golden Cauliflower Quinoa Curry
Protein: 6g
Calories: 203kcal
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: ASaucyKitchen
Bonus: pretty basic ingredients, warm and filling
Golden Cauliflower Quinoa Curry – creamy turmeric spiced cauliflower and quinoa stewed together with crushed tomatoes, coconut milk and spinach. This hearty dish comes together all in one pot in about 30 minutes!
Quinoa soups and stews
41. Spicy Veggie Stew with Quinoa
Protein: 12g
Calories: 394kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: TheCookReport
Bonus: a filling one pot comfort food
This spicy veggie stew has a rich curry sauce and plenty of healthy vegetables, spices and quinoa. It’s so easy to make and takes just 30 minutes!
42. Easy Quinoa Chili
Protein: 23g
Calories: 478kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: JarOfLemons
Bonus: great as leftovers or a freezer meal
Need an easy pantry recipe that’s delicious and healthy? This quinoa chili is easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for a quick dinner.
43. Quinoa Vegetable Soup
Protein: 15g
Calories: 336kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: It’sNotComplicatedRecipes
Bonus: hearty and satisfying, great for batch cooking
Packed with vegetables, beans and quinoa, this quinoa vegetable soup makes a comforting and healthy lunch or dinner. It is full of delicious flavours and spices and is vegan, gluten-free and nut-free.
44. Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup
Protein: 18g
Calories: 387kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: PlantingsAndPairings
Bonus: deliciously creamy and flavorful
This creamy Italian quinoa soup is not only amazingly delicious but it’s also packed with protein, fiber and essential vitamins and antioxidants (try some vegetarian weight loss soup recipes for more inspo like this!).
45. Vegetarian Chili with Quinoa
Protein: 11g
Calories: 237kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: PipingPotCurry
Bonus: dump-and-go recipe made in minutes
This instant pot vegetarian chili is an easy comforting weeknight dinner for those cold rainy or snowy days. Made with black beans, quinoa and veggies, it is healthy with lots of protein and fiber.
Quinoa appetizers, sides and snacks
46. Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Protein: 3g
Calories: 89kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: ThroughTheFibroFog
Bonus: super healthy, versatile and kid-friendly
These quinoa stuffed zucchini boats are a fun and healthy vegetarian main course or side dish. An easy weeknight dinner that is vegetarian, gluten free and low histamine.
47. Quinoa Dosa
Protein: 4g
Calories: 110kcal
Ready in: 4 hours 45 minutes (just 15 mins prep)
Recipe by: EasyIndianCookbook
Bonus: healthy and delicious
Crispy quinoa dosa is a delicious alternative to regular dosas and is made using quinoa, lentils, and oats. This healthy recipe does not use rice (or poha) and the batter can be used with or without fermentation.
48. Quinoa Beet Burger
Protein: 3.3g
Calories: 81kcal
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: GoodFoodBaddie
Bonus: beautiful, deep color and tons of flavor and nutrients
Are you looking for a healthy vegan burger recipe? These delicious, veggie-packed quinoa beet burgers are easy to make and filled with plant-based protein.
49. Buffalo Quinoa Bites
Protein: 14.5g
Calories: 257kcal
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: Jillian’sHealthfulEats
Bonus: different ideas to change up the recipe
These buffalo quinoa bites are vegetarian with a crunchy outside and a cheesy, moist inside with a flavor that bursts in your mouth.
They are also super easy to make and when served with this healthy homemade ranch dip (or one of our other simple dip recipes) you’ve got yourself the best appetizer in the house!
50. Quinoa Nut Snack Bars
Protein: 5g
Calories: 186kcal
Ready in: 3 hours (just 20 mins prep)
Recipe by: TheNessyKitchen
Bonus: easily customizable and healthy go to snack
Easy to make and healthier than a lot of pre-packaged options, these crunchy snack bars are irresistible!
51. Quinoa Veggie Patties
Protein: 0.9g
Calories: 12kcal
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: Jillian’sHealthfulEats
Bonus: healthy and satisfying
Flavorful patties that are made super crispy and filled with cheese and broccoli. With their crispy outside and hearty, cheesy, flavorful inside you might just be making these weekly!
52. Vegetarian Croquettes with Potato & Quinoa
Protein: 6g
Calories: 279kcal
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: CookEatLiveLove
Bonus: many serving ideas
Easy and healthy potato quinoa croquettes work great as appetisers or party food. Packed full of tons of healthy ingredients and taste great too.
How to make fluffy quinoa?
Time needed: 20 minutes.
Quinoa is way easier and quicker to make than I originally thought. While it’s often used in place of rice, cooking perfect quinoa takes much less effort! The secret to fluffy quinoa is the right amount of water – twice as much as quinoa.
- Prep time:
Don’t forget to rinse the quinoa with cold water before cooking to get rid of any bitterness!
- Cook time:
All you need to do is combine quinoa and water, bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Steam time:
After all the water is absorbed, you should let the quinoa steam, away from the heat. So cover it and wait 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff time:
Fluff it with a fork and make your favorite quinoa recipes!
Vegetarian quinoa recipes FAQ
Want to know more about healthy quinoa recipes? Read on!
One cup (185 g) of cooked quinoa has 222 kcal. It’s not advised to eat it raw, but if you’re interested in uncooked quinoa’s energy value, a 1-cup serving provides about 626 kcal.
Absolutely! Quinoa is vegan, protein-rich and gluten-free. It’s a great option for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
Quinoa is such a fabulous food it tastes great with almost everything. You can add it to salads, soups, buddha bowls and even sweet treats.
If you’re looking for a vegan meat alternative, quinoa is perfect for making burgers and chili.
My favourite combo is quinoa with roasted asparagus, tomatoes and halloumi. Check out the recipe here.
To make quinoa more interesting you can drizzle it with olive oil, and add herbs, spices, cheese, onion or garlic.
Whatever works for you! I like sauteeing quinoa with red onion and garlic before cooking it for an extra touch of flavour.
You can store uncooked quinoa in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 3 years.
Cooked quinoa should be refrigerated in an airtight container and eaten within a week. If you’re looking for longer-term storage, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Which category of these plant-based recipes was your favourite? As much as I love comforting soups, I thought all the quinoa breakfasts were a real hit.
If you’re looking for more ways to get some extra protein into your vegetarian recipes, check out our 7-day free high protein meal plan.
Dave Bell
I’m not a foodie, although I do love eating. I believe food should serve us and our goals, not hinder. Taking control and responsibility for what I eat is important to me. Lots of veggie protein is my way forward.
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