Our best healthy quinoa recipes

Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wa") is an historic cereal grain that originated in the Andes of South America. It was a staple for the Incas, who called it the "mother grain." A balanced set of amino acids makes quinoa a good source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. It’s also gluten free, easy to cook and a perfect substitute for rice, barley or almost any grain.

Quinoa with Grilled Eggplant

Quinoa, a nutritious grain from South America, has a texture similar to split lentils when cooked. It contains more protein than any other grain and is also lower in carbohydrate content. Here it is combined with grilled zucchini, peppers, cherry tomatoes and onions, then baked with tangy goat cheese on top. Serve with a mixed leaf salad.

Warm Shiitake Walnut Salad with Quinoa

Garlic, olive oil, shiitake mushrooms and walnuts’what could be a more perfect blend for a side dish? Add to that the combination of two superfoods in one salad ‘ quinoa and walnuts ‘ and the side dish becomes a star on its own.

Quinoa Salad with Mango and Walnuts

Quick-cooking quinoa is combined with mango, red pepper and walnuts for a tasty, healthful salad.

Vegetarian Quinoa Stew

This quick one-pot meal is high in protein, low in fat’and easy to make.

Quinoa Porridge

Bring variety to breakfast by skipping the oats and cooking up some healthy, protein-rich quinoa instead.

Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad

A great salad to tote to a potluck or dish up at a summer barbecue.

Quinoa and Chicken in Lettuce Cups
These are convenient appetizers at a party or buffet, as the lettuce leaf acts as a small cup that can be easily picked up and eaten from the hand’no need for utensils.

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