It seems like, for many, quinoa is now a pantry staple. Though its popularity has risen over the last 10 years or so, the ancient seed (it’s nutritionally a grain, but botanically a seed) is far from new. According to Smithsonian Magazine, quinoa has existed for at least about 5,000 years and was sacred to the Incas, who called it the “mother grain.” It’s considered a “superfood” and, like just about every other ingredient featured so far in our non-boring recipes series, is incredibly versatile, in addition to being healthy.
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Quinoa works well as the base of a bowl or “grain” salad, packed into a patty, cooked like oatmeal, and more. Here are 30 non-boring recipes you can make with quinoa to serve as the inspiration for which we’re all looking.
1. Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry, and Quinoa Salad

Source: Gimme Some Oven
2. Black Bean and Quinoa Skillet Nachos

Source: Orchids + Sweet Tea
3. BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking
4. Greek Quinoa Salad with Avocado

Source: The Real Food Dietitians
5. One Pot Supreme Pizza Quinoa Casserole

Source: Recipe Runner
6. Easy Cracked Freekeh Porridge with Quinoa

Source: Sweet Potato Soul
7. Crunchy Peanut Butter Quinoa Granola

Source: As Easy As Apple Pie
8. Mexican Quinoa Casserole

Source: Eating Bird Food
9. Coconut Shrimp Quinoa Bowls with Mango Salsa and Lemongrass Sauce

Source: Spices in My DNA
10. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Quinoa Chili

Source: Jessica in the Kitchen
11. Cinnamon and Pecan Crusted Salmon

Source: Simply Quinoa
12. Vegan Quinoa Black Bean Tacos

Source: Foolproof Living
13. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Source: Isabel Eats
14. Red Cabbage Vegetable Quinoa Stew with Turmeric

Source: Abra’s Kitchen
15. Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Salad

Source: Recipe Runner
16. Savory Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

Source: As Easy As Apple Pie
17. Honey and Lime Quinoa Salad Bowl with Spicy BBQ Chickpeas

Source: A Classic Twist
18. Easy Superfood Quinoa Bowl

Source: Gimme Some Oven
19. Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

Source: Foolproof Living
20. Slow Cooker Coconut Quinoa Curry

Source: Simply Quinoa
21. Quinoa Taco Bowls with Tomatillo Avocado Salsa

Source: What’s Gaby Cooking
22. BBQ Cheddar Quinoa Burgers

Source: Spices in My DNA
23. Fluffy Vegan Quinoa Pancakes

Source: Orchids + Sweet Tea
24. Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad

Source: Eating Bird Food
25. Quinoa Crusted Schnitzel with Creamed Corn Gnocchi

Source: Half Baked Harvest
26. Crispy Quinoa Patties with Spinach and Tomatoes

Source: Jessica in the Kitchen
27. Kale, Edamame, and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Source: Ambitious Kitchen
28. Thai-Inspired Peanut Quinoa Salad

Source: The Real Food Dietitians
29. Crispy Quinoa Burgers Topped with Sweet Potato Fries and Beer Caramelized Onions

Source: Half Baked Harvest
30. Toasted Quinoa Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

Source: Ambitious Kitchen