30+ Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes (Healthy & Delicious)

Name: 30+ Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; ½ medium onion (diced); 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced); 2 stalks celery (diced); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 4 cups bone broth (chicken broth or vegetable stock (use more for a more brothy soup)); 1 15- ounce can chickpeas (drained & rinsed); 1 1/4 cup quinoa (uncooked, rinsed well in a fine mesh colander); 1 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained); 1 8- ounce can tomato sauce; 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning; Pinch red pepper flakes; 2 cups fresh spinach (coarsely chopped); 1 ½ cups half and half (or heavy cream); Salt and pepper (to taste); Parmesan cheese (for topping)

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Here’s 30+ delicious vegetarian quinoa recipes to try out! Quinoa is a gluten-free whole grain that is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. It is a great alternative to rice or pasta, and it can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner.

PS – Be sure to check out these 35+ delicious quinoa recipes too!

The BEST Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes

This Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup is not only amazingly delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, fiber and essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Quinoa Soup

One bite of the viral Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad and you’ll be hooked! It was the actress’ top choice for lunch during her time on Friends for good reason – it’s easy to make, loaded with healthy grains and veggies, and perfect for meal prep.

Jennifer Aniston Salad

This Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing combines roasted cauliflower & chickpeas with fluffy quinoa and creamy avocados. It’s a healthy, protein-packed salad that can be made ahead of time.

Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa

Quinoa topped with burrito bowl ingredients in white bowl with spoon.

Quinoa Burrito Bowls with Guacamole make a quick and healthy vegetarian meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Quinoa Burrito Bowls

This Roasted Squash Salad with Creamy Maple Tahini Dressing combines roasted butternut squash & chickpeas with fluffy quinoa and a dreamy, creamy maple tahini dressing. It’s a delicious and fresh salad that can be made ahead of time.

Roasted Squash Salad with Quinoa

Overhead close up of baked zucchini boats.

Greek Stuffed Zucchini Boats come together in just 30-minutes. Stuffed with quinoa, feta, chickpeas, peppers and olives and flavored with lemon, garlic and oregano.

Greek Stuffed Zucchini

Overhead close up of quinoa salad in bowl.

Make this copycat Costco Quinoa Salad at home for a healthy, hearty, and delicious grain-based salad studded with fresh veggies and fresh lemon dressing.

Costco Quinoa Salad

With these easy tips, you’ll see it’s simple to cook perfect quinoa in the Instant Pot with minimal measuring. The result is fluffy and flavorful quinoa that’s super simple to prepare.

Instant Pot Quinoa

Close up of Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Dark Chocolate chunks

These Quinoa Breakfast Cookies with Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt are perfect for breakfasts on the go. Not only are they delicious, but they’re packed with protein, whole grains and fiber.

Quinoa Cookies

Black Bean Quinoa Tacos are a weeknight wonder! Easy vegan quinoa taco meat made entirely with pantry staples in 30 minutes or less.

Black Bean Quinoa Tacos – Plays Well with Butter

This vegan tabbouleh (tabouli) with quinoa is naturally gluten free. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meal prep salad!

Vegan Quinoa Tabbouleh – Crowded Kitchen

The best quinoa curry recipe! This healthy slow cooker coconut curry is one of the easiest meals ever. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and done!

Coconut Quinoa Curry Recipe – Simply Quinoa

This Strawberries and Cream Breakfast Quinoa is boasting with plant-based nutrition, protein, and fiber. Real strawberries are sautéed and then combined with coconut milk, maple syrup, quinoa, and chia seeds for an easy, one-pan, gluten-free, vegan, grain-free breakfast!

Strawberries and Cream Breakfast Quinoa – Healthy Little Vittles

This Crockpot Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup with Quinoa is just what every cold January day needs. It’s super easy, full of good for you ingredients, and so delicious. Just toss everything into your crockpot (or instant pot) and cook low and slow all day.

Crockpot Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup with Quinoa – Half Baked Harvest

This vegan quinoa burger recipe is easy, healthy and packed with protein. There’s no food processor required and it comes together in one bowl

Quinoa Burger – Feel Good Foodie

Grilled Jalapeño Peach Quinoa Salad: with a yummy herb dressing…a colorful, unique, flavorful, and beyond delicious summer salad!

Grilled Jalapeño Peach Quinoa Salad – Half Baked Harvest

A healthy and protein-pack breakfast, this quinoa breakfast cereal bowl can be made with your favorite fresh fruit and yogurt, and is perfect for on the go!

Quinoa Breakfast Cereal Bowls with Fruit & Yogurt – Simply Quinoa

The very best Crispy Quinoa Burgers Topped with Sweet Potato Fries and Beer Caramelized Onions. The ultimate quinoa burger that’s anything but boring!

Crispy Quinoa Burgers – Half Baked Harvest

This vegan Quinoa Buddha Bowl is filled with nourishing roasted sweet potatoes, kale, crispy chickpeas, avocado and a tangy tahini dressing!

Quinoa Buddha Bowl – Feel Good Foodie

You know I have a sweet tooth – and this puffed quinoa recipe is perfect for anyone who loves PB and chocolate.

Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars – FoodByMaria

Spicy Poblano, Black Bean, and Quinoa Enchiladas: Simple to make, uses pantry staple ingredients.

Spicy Poblano, Black Bean, and Quinoa Enchiladas – Half Baked Harvest

This Warm Quinoa & Roasted Veggie Salad combines the flavor of roasted veggies and nutty quinoa with a delicious homemade vinaigrette.

Warm Quinoa Roasted Veggie Salad with Vinaigrette – Dude that Cookz

A Southwest Quinoa Salad with black beans, avocado, tomatoes, queso fresco, & tossed in a simple lime dressing. Easily vegan or dairy-free!

Zesty Southwest Quinoa Salad with Black Beans & Avocado – Plays Well with Butter

This healthy and delicious Vegetarian Quinoa Chili features three types of beans, corn, and quinoa. It’s hearty, filling, and full of flavor!

Vegetarian Quinoa Chili – Chef Savvy

A light & bright quinoa salad with chickpeas & the fresh flavors of falafel. Naturally vegetarian & gluten-free. Easily vegan & dairy-free.

Falafel-Inspired Quinoa Salad – Plays Well with Butter

These Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are loaded with lots of plant-based protein and gluten-free quinoa and topped with melted cheese.

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers – Feel Good Foodie

Wonderful pesto quinoa salad with roasted vegetables & chickpeas. This flavorful roasted vegetable quinoa salad recipe is the perfect lunch!

Roasted Vegetable Pesto Quinoa Salad – Ambitious Kitchen

Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili, an easy, hearty, & healthy vegan chili made with quinoa, sweet pototoes, black beans, & plenty flavorful spices.

Hearty Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili – Plays Well with Butter

These quinoa fritters with healthy garlic aioli are a great way to use up any leftover quinoa. They are easy to make and make a perfect appetizer or you can serve with salad to make a meal.

Quinoa Fritters – Becoming Ness

The best ever quinoa pizza crust is vegan, gluten-free, and just 5 ingredients. Crispy, thin, easy to make and holds up to any topping!

The BEST Quinoa Pizza Crust – Simply Quinoa

A meatless Grilled Buffalo Cauliflower Salad complete with tangy-smoky grilled buffalo cauliflower, quinoa, & yogurt ranch dressing.

Grilled Buffalo Cauliflower Salad – Plays Well with Butter

Stuffed sweet potatoes with quinoa and spinach are a favorite fall dish. It’s colorful, healthy and packed with flavor.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Quinoa and Spinach – Green Valley Kitchen

How to Make Ahead and Store

Leftover quinoa will keep well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Or, you can freeze it for up to three months. I like to make a big batch and portion the quinoa into freezer bags to have on hand for when I’m needing some cooked quinoa.

Quinoa FAQs

How much water do I use for 1 cup of quinoa?

While I generally use 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water for stove top quinoa, in the Instant Pot, that ratio drops down to only 1 ½ cups of water for every cup of quinoa.

How do you make quinoa?

Bring quinoa and water to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit 5 minutes before fluffing & serving. Or, try my Instant Pot Quinoa for an even simpler method!

What are the health benefits of quinoa?

Quinoa is a complete protein that’s loaded with essential amino acids. It also has a low glycemic index.

Do you need to rinse quinoa?

Yes. This gets rid of the quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. And although boxed quinoa is generally pre-rinsed, it doesn’t hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse. Just place it in a fine mesh strainer and run it under water until the water is clear.

More Pantry Staple Recipes

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