4 Different Meals Using Quinoa

Quinoa is a fantastic whole grain to add as a pantry staple!  Chock-full of fiber and protein, this is a healthy and versatile meal base.  Here are some quinoa recipes to give you some inspiration to get started.

Quinoa Zucchini Fritters

• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp chives, chopped
• 1 tsp paprika or Old Bay
• ½ cup Bread Crumbs
• ¼ cup Avocado Oil (could sub olive oil)

Directions:  Shred zucchini and carrots.  Set aside for 10-15 mins.  Wrap in cloth or paper towel and wring out excess moisture.  Mix zucchini, carrot, quinoa, eggs, and spices in a bowl.  Fold in bread crumbs once mixed.  Portion fritters and flatten into patties.  Heat skillet and coat with avocado oil.  Place fritters in pan, fry until golden brown on both sides (about 3 minutes).  Repeat until all the fritters are done and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe from: https://thekitchengirl.com/crabless-cakes-zucchini-quinoa-fritters/ 

Shrimp Avocado Quinoa Bowl

• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime juice
• 2 cups lettuce or other greens
• ½ cup tomato, diced
• ¼ cup onion, diced
• 2 cups quinoa, cooked
• ½ pound shrimp
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• ¼ tsp each of salt, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper

Directions: Combine shrimp, garlic, oil, and spices.  Heat a pan over medium-high until hot.  Coat with a light drizzle of oil and cook shrimp until charred.  Divide greens into two bowls, top with half of quinoa, shrimp, avocado, tomato, and onion. Drizzle with lime juice & serve.

Recipe from: https://gimmedelicious.com/avocado-shrimp-quinoa-salad-bowls/ 

Mexican Chicken Quinoa Casserole

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 cup cheese
• 1 cup water

Directions: Preheat oven to 350.  Line 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.  Add all ingredients into a bowl and mix.  Spread into a prepared pan and bake for 28 minutes.  Turn off the oven and let it sit in an unopened oven for another 25 minutes.

Recipe from: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/09/19/quinoa-casserole-mexican-black-bean/ 


Mediterranian Quinoa Salad

• 3 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1 large cucumber, chopped
• 1 jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
• ½ cup coarsely chopped parsley
• 4 oz garlic and herb goat cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

Directions: Make the dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.  Whisk to combine.  Add in veggies and quinoa.  Toss to coat in dressing.  Top with goat cheese and parsley.

Recipe from: https://www.thekitchn.com/quinoa-salad-22955988 ​