Superfood: Quinoa
The supergrain quinoa offers a double punch of nutrition by being both high in fiber and in protein. See how to use it in a variety of recipes from breakfast cereal to salads and hearty main dishes.
Superfood: Quinoa
Often referred to as the supergrain, quinoa (KEEN-wah) is high in fiber and high-quality protein. In fact, it contains more protein than any other grain while also packing in iron and potassium. One half cup of quinoa has 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. This superfood is classified as a whole grain and is naturally gluten-free. Quinoa is a tiny grain that cooks up like rice and has a mild, nutty flavor and a light, fluffy texture similar to couscous. You can find it next to other grains in health-food stores and your supermarket.
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Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita
Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita Recipe
This Indian-inspired dish features quinoa, a high-protein grain that cooks relatively quickly. We like the heat that Madras curry powder brings, but use regular curry powder, if you prefer.
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Quinoa-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes with Romesco
Quinoa-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes with Romesco Recipe
Gorgeous heirloom tomatoes stuffed with quinoa make for a delightful meatless meal. The quick and easy pepper sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.
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Citrus, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad
Citrus, Quinoa, and Spinach Salad Recipe
Still-warm quinoa gives off just enough heat to barely wilt the spinach in this side-dish salad.
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Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad
Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad Recipe
This chilled salad is really refreshing on a hot day. Enjoy it as a meat-free meal or serve with grilled chicken.
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Hot Quinoa Cereal with Maple Syrup Apples
Hot Quinoa Cereal with Maple Syrup Apples Recipe
Once cooked, quinoa flakes are very similar in texture to cream of wheat.
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Quinoa Tabbouleh
Quinoa works just as well as the traditional bulgur, and it takes less time to cook. We prefer curly parsley here, but flat-leaf parsley or a mix of other herbs would also be delicious.
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Quinoa, Corn, and Tomato Salad with Chive-Infused Oil
Quinoa, Corn, and Tomato Salad with Chive-Infused Oil Recipe
This nutrient-dense, springtime salad pairs well with fish like salmon or tuna. If fresh corn is out of season, substitute with frozen kernels.
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Quinoa Salad with Artichokes and Parsley
Quinoa Salad with Artichokes and Parsley Recipe
Parsley has its own spot on the seder plate, representing spring. Although quinoa is considered a whole grain, it is, in fact, a seed—making it a welcome addition to a Passover meal.
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Quinoa-Stuffed Poblano Chiles
Quinoa-Stuffed Poblano Chiles Recipe
Protein-packed quinoa takes the place of ground beef in these meatless stuffed chiles. The bell peppers in the stuffing add an extra dose of vitamins A and C.
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Quinoa Tabbouleh
Bulgur is the traditional grain in most Tabbouleh recipes but this version uses quinoa for extra protein, iron, and other grain products.
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Quinoa and Potato Croquettes
Quinoa and Potato Croquettes Recipe
Save time making this recipe by preparing the potato while the quinoa cooks. Potatoes add additional vitamin C, fiber, and phytonutrients to the croquettes.
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Black Bean-Quinoa Salad with Basil-Lemon Dressing
Black Bean-Quinoa Salad with Basil-Lemon Dressing Recipe
This meatless salad is loaded with an array of fresh and tasty ingredients such as quinoa, tofu, black beans, carrots, and tomatoes that provide fiber, protein, soy, iron, and phytonutrients. It's a heart-healthy one-dish meal.
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Kale, Quinoa, and Cherry Salad
Kale, Quinoa, and Cherry Salad Recipe
Our superfood meets vitamin-rich kale and cherries in this easy salad. Packing a healthy lunch just got a whole lot easier!
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Tilapia with Quinoa & Black Beans
Tilapia with Quinoa & Black Beans Recipe
Pairing quinoa with fish gives you a double helping of heart-healthy protein. The light texture of the quinoa pared with hearty black beans and tart lemon juice complement the simplicity of the pan-seared fish.
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Colorful Quick Quinoa Grecian Salad
Colorful Quick Quinoa Grecian Salad Recipe
Crisp, colorful vegetables and high-protein quinoa serve as the base of this meatless Mediterranean dish.
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Tofu, Asparagus, and Red Pepper Stir-Fry with Quinoa
Tofu, Asparagus, and Red Pepper Stir-Fry with Quinoa Recipe
For added flavor, double the dressing and use half of it to marinate the tofu while the quinoa cooks. Feel free to throw in other low-calorie veggies like broccoli, water chestnuts, or tomatoes for added nutrients.