Whether you’re a seasoned quinoa enthusiast or new to this superfood, this collection of 10 easy quinoa recipes will inspire you to make it a regular part of your meals.
Quinoa is a nutrient–packed pseudocereal that is gluten–free, high in protein, and incredibly versatile.
From a refreshing black bean salad to a hearty lentil quinoa dish, we’ll guide you through creating nutritious meals perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
We’ll also share tips on how to cook quinoa perfectly every time, ensuring fluffy, tender grains that form the ideal base for countless dishes.
Ready to elevate your quinoa game? Let’s explore these simple, satisfying recipes, which will have you reach for quinoa repeatedly.
1. Quinoa chickpea salad
Our first quinoa recipe contains protein-rich chickpeas, crunchy veggies, and a heavenly honey-mustard dressing.
Enjoy this easy salad as a quick lunch or a healthy dinner for a lunchbox meal, potlucks, or picnics.
2. Kale quinoa salad
Protein-rich quinoa meets vitamin-packed kale—a bold, creamy mustard dressing with sweet, tangy, and citrusy flavors.
Kale quinoa salad is excellent for a light dinner, keeps well for several days, and is suitable for meal prep.
3. Easy quinoa salad
This easy quinoa salad with black beans and corn offers color and Southwestern flair.
Our tangy cilantro lime dressing adds a refreshing lift and fresh herbs to this lunch-box-friendly grain bowl.
4. Black bean quinoa salad
Black bean salad with corn is inspired by southwestern cooking. It is a playful combination of sweet, tangy, zesty, fresh, and herby flavors.
You can serve it as a side or main dish with added quinoa or romaine lettuce. It is excellent for meatless meals, barbecues, potlucks, and meal prep.
5. Mango quinoa salad
Black bean mango salad is a tasty and fulfilling meal with juicy mango, avocado, bell peppers, nutty black beans, and nourishing quinoa.
Seasoned with cilantro lime dressing, this Mexican-inspired salad is the perfect companion for barbecues, cookouts, and plant-based meals.
6. Quinoa tabbouleh
Quinoa tabbouleh offers a protein–rich twist on the classic Middle Eastern salad.
This light yet satisfying dish captures Mediterranean flavors while providing a gluten–free alternative to traditional bulgur wheat.
7. Lentil quinoa salad
The following quinoa recipe is an easy, nourishing grain bowl with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Our lentil sweet potato salad inspires this recipe, which uses bite-size sweet potatoes roasted in the oven or air-fried until beautifully tender.
8. How to cook quinoa
Cooking fluffy and airy quinoa on the stovetop takes only 15 minutes.
Once cooked, this gluten–free grain can be used for breakfast bowls, salads, and rice alternatives.
9. Microwave sweet potato
Tender sweet potato stuffed with a tasty quinoa filling and tangy pickled red onions.
You’ll love how easy this is; it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner.
10. Lentil salad
This quinoa recipe is satisfying, colorful, and packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Make lentil salad with boiled quinoa for a delicious and nutritious lunch and dinner.
How to store these quinoa recipes
Here’s how to store quinoa recipes with fresh vegetables:
Fridge:
- Cool the entirely before storing
- Place in an airtight container
- Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days
- Reheat thoroughly before serving
Freezer: we don’t recommend freezing these quinoa recipes.
Easy Quinoa Recipes: Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
For the Quinoa
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa or about 3 cups cooked quinoa
- 1½ cups water or vegetable broth
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
For the Salad
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1½ cup cucumber diced
- ¾ cup corn kernels
- ¾ cup olives halved
- ½ red onion chopped
- ⅓ cup parsley chopped
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- ¾ cup feta cheese diced or crumbled
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil add 1 more tablespoon for a richer dressing
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mustard American or Dijon
- 1½ tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- COOK QUINOA: Rinse and drain 1 cup uncooked quinoa, then add it to a pot with 1½ cups water and ⅓ teaspoon salt.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. Fluff it up with a fork and set aside.
- MARINADE: To a medium bowl, add 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons mustard, 1½ tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.Whisk until well combined.Drain and rinse 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas and add them to the bowl with the dressing.Stir and let them marinate for a few minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- CHOP VEGGIES: To a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved), 1½ cup cucumber (diced), ¾ cup corn kernels, ¾ cup olives (halved), ½ red onion (chopped), ⅓ cup parsley (chopped), and 1 ripe avocado (diced).Tip: Only add the avocado if you are serving the salad within the next two hours.
- MIX AND SERVE: Add cooked quinoa, ¾ cup feta cheese (diced or crumbled), and the marinated chickpeas to the bowl.Mix until well combined, then taste and adjust for salt and lemon juice.
Notes
Nutrition
If you liked these quinoa recipes, you might also enjoy:
Collections
20+ Lentil Recipes (easy meals)
Collections
40 Chickpea Recipes (easy meals)
Collections
20 Bean Recipes (easy meals)
Hi! We are Nico & Louise
Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.
Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.
Easy right?
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