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Quinoa

Searching for a dish that has just a little more of everything? Quick-cooking quinoa has you covered.

Related Recipe Collection

Quinoa Recipes

A Better Breakfast

Time-Saving Tip

Turn to your rice cooker for a no-fuss way to make quinoa. Usually, using twice as much water as quinoa gives you the light, fluffy side you want after about 15 minutes in the cooker. And don’t forget the flavorings--this is a perfect time to add your favorite herbs, spices, and fresh veggies for an easy quinoa pilaf.

Related Advice Collection

Healthy Cooking Tips & Advice

What Is It?

Often referred to as a “wonder food,” quinoa is a versatile and healthy addition to your table. It’s most often treated like a grain (in fact, it’s a seed), but, unlike grains or rice, it’s a complete protein, making it a smart choice for any meal.

Top 20 Quinoa Recipes

Back to Basics

Cooked by itself, quinoa is just like rice, if rice had a toasty, nutty flavor and was even easier to make. Add in your favorite spices and seasonings for a super simple side.

Keep It Cold

Quinoa is perfect as a cold salad. Whether you’re using up last night’s leftovers or starting a salad from scratch, a quinoa salad is a no-brainer!

The Main Event

Want more than a simple side dish? Then turn quinoa into dinner’s main event.

Comments

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Hag

Apr. 4, 2011 4:45 am

You never really explained what it is

Donna

Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)

Apr. 4, 2011 6:39 am

Sure they did- in the first paragraph: it's a seed.

Lyraquist

Apr. 5, 2011 3:41 pm

I host a weekly dinner party with a group of friends, we usually have anywhere from 6-15 participants depending on schedules, who's in town, etc. Each week is a different theme and we try to be unique. For instance last week was cereal week so recipes that have cereal or oats. I had hosted one week where we did salad and a girlfriend brought over a quinoa avocado salad. It was light refreshing and zesty. The quinoa had like a grain/rice like texture but a little more like a lentil and smaller. It's high protein and a very good choice ingredient for a variety of dishes. Just as it stated in the very brief description, is a seed. My friend served her salad slightly warmed, but I had the leftovers from the fridge and it was just as good cold!

Imawhollyterra

Apr. 6, 2011 5:25 am

I have always wanted to try Quinoa but can/t seem to find it in our stores. Where do you buy it?

Brenda V.

Apr. 6, 2011 7:12 am

I have seen it in my local Wal-Mart Supercenter. I believe it was in the aisle with the rice.

chikalin

Apr. 6, 2011 8:02 am

every time i've had quinoa, it was kind of mushy. is this because of overcooking or is that just how the texture of quinoa is?

icyone

Apr. 6, 2011 10:06 am

"every time i've had quinoa, it was kind of mushy" Did you cook it or someone else? I use it a lot & would not describe it as mushy. In fact I would call it more like bulgur or couscous, less like brown rice. Some quinoa I believe requires soaking; I get mine at Costco & just cook it.

Joanie

Apr. 6, 2011 11:06 am

Just an FYI - for anyone who celebrates Passover: quinoa is permissable to eat on the holiday, so it can be a good replacement for pasta & rice, which are not allowed to be eaten during the 8 day holiday.

Kathy

Apr. 6, 2011 11:06 am

For a first timer, not knowing how Quinoa tasts, what recipe would you suggest I try first?

Gensmom

Apr. 6, 2011 12:02 pm

Kathy - I would start with Quinoa Side Dish. Just make sure to use fresh herbs.

Tiger28

Apr. 6, 2011 8:43 pm

I've started eating quinoa for breakfast instead of oatmeal. It keeps me full until lunch, and it's gluten free.

Ruby Homemaker

Apr. 7, 2011 6:34 am

We love quinoa! It has a texture like nothing else and I love the feel in my mouth when I eat it - kind of a little crunch/pop when the seeds burst. We will be trying the Mediterranean Quinoa salad (without the chicken) tonight with grilled Salmon. That's a great idea to use it as a breakfast food!! I hate making/eating breakfast, but if I had cold quinoa maybe with cream and berries I think I'd actually look forward to breakfast!

Momma P.

Apr. 7, 2011 7:15 pm

My Hannaford store carrys it in the health food isle. I let mine soak in hot water for an hour, then rinse it like crazy. Cuts down on the actual cook time and is not bitter, which my brand tends to be if not soaked. Love this stuff. I keep some in my fridge almost all the time. I use it like rice, barley, macaroni, cereal. Put soy sauce on it or maple syrup! Put it in soup, put sauce on it, use it as a zucchini or eggplant stuffing. I'm going to make Quinoa baked pudding....instead of rice pudding. More protein, nicer texture. If it seems mushy, yes, try cooking it a little less.

lboosmommy

Apr. 7, 2011 7:21 pm

You do definitely want to rinse quinoa before cooking it. Put it in a fine colander / sieve and rinse, rinse, rinse, until the water doesn't bubble anymore. Kind of like rinsing canned beans. When you don't get bubbles as you rinse anymore, it's well rinsed and ready to cook. If you want a simple dish to get the initial flavour of it, try just cooking it as directed on the package and using chicken bouillon or vegetable bouillon instead of plain water. If you can't find it by the rice, try by the 'special' flours. Bob's Red Mill is a popular brand that distributes it. Here's what the package looks like: http://www.bobsredmill.com/organic-quinoa-grain.html

Joyousfreee

Apr. 8, 2011 4:14 am

Around here, quinoa is sold for up to $8/lb. in health food aisles of groceries, but Whole Foods sells it in bulk for $3.39/lb. My favorite recipes from this site are Robin's Quinoa with Mushrooms and Spinach, and Quinoa Salad with Dried Fruit and Nuts. I love the idea of using it for breakfast - great suggestion! Quinoa is healthy and versatile and has become one of my favorite foods.

KrazyKristi

Apr. 8, 2011 10:03 am

I LOVE Quinoa! This stuff is great if you are pregnant! Had everything you need! Also great for diabetics and vegetarians that love rice but need something more substantial. I've been making it for years. My sister-in-law is a doctor and from Peru and recommended it to me when I was pregnant with my first child. She said it is a MUST eat for all pregnant women! :)

Jessicat36

Apr. 8, 2011 1:25 pm

Very good as a replacement for oatmeal. I like to serve it with maple syrup or agave syrup, nuts and thawed frozen berries.

veggiegirl222

Apr. 8, 2011 2:52 pm

You can usually find Quinoa in the "international" food isle, next to the difference rices and dried beans (the one I buy comes in a flat orange box). It's delicious and good for you!

Alicia

Apr. 8, 2011 8:23 pm

I bought quinoa at Costco. It was not expensive at all!

wevans

Apr. 9, 2011 6:15 am

You can also find quinoa in the gluten free section of numerous stores. There are some places that have quinoa premixed with various herbs and spices.

Joanne Neubauer

Apr. 9, 2011 9:59 am

I have never had it before, but after reading all of the comments/reviews I am certainly going to try it. It sounds so versatile. I sure hope our local Safeway store carries it. Otherwise maybe I can order it somewhere of the internet.

Rick

Apr. 10, 2011 10:10 am

Anytime I have a big dinner party I include Quinoa and Black Beans! Everyone loves it. Sometimes I'll add it to soups as a thickener. 

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Quinoa-and-Black-Beans/Detail.aspx

Cathy Myers

Apr. 10, 2011 11:08 am

One of my favorite quinoa recipes is AR Southwestern Quinoa salad. I also added sliced black olives. So yummy and so versatile!

PhotoMom

Apr. 10, 2011 1:38 pm

Can you cook it in the rice cooker. A girl at the supermarket said to try it but I see no reference to this type of preparation. Thanks.

mckinnli

Apr. 10, 2011 3:31 pm

"Can you cook it in the rice cooker. A girl at the supermarket said to try it but I see no reference to this type of preparation. Thanks." On my package I bought from Costco, it says, "For Rice cooker, follow instructions for white rice." HTH. :D

Karin

Apr. 26, 2011 12:23 pm

I cook my quinoa and keep a container in the fridge, then I can use it in many different recipes from salads to my favorite, in a turkey meatloaf!

maximumjoys1

May 9, 2011 9:02 pm

I love to make quinoa in my rice cooker, with broth I(i.e., chicken broth, or broth flavor dependent on what my main dish is)in place of water. When cooking quinoa in a rice cooker, follow directons for white rice. Love it!

MesaMa

May 12, 2011 12:02 am

I've found Quinoa at Trader Joe's and recently my local Costco started carrying it. My kids like it better than rice and thank you Maximumjoys1, I never thought to cook it in a rice cooker!!!

mamaof3

May 14, 2011 12:31 pm

should quinoa have a "musty" odor to it? Does this mean I should rinse it further?

CharlotteCarpenter

May 14, 2011 12:47 pm

"should quinoa have a "musty" odor to it? Does this mean I should rinse it further?" Yes, quinoa does have a musty/bitter odor to it, and I would definitely recommend soaking the quinoa longer and rinsing it a bit more. Interestingly, it seems some people taste the bitterness more than others. I'm pretty sensitive to the bitter taste, it seems, and I always soak and rinse any quinoa, even the kinds that claim this is not necessary, otherwise I can taste the bitterness.

Bon

May 14, 2011 3:13 pm

Can I cook it in a rice cooker? Will it take the same amount of time?

GRC

May 15, 2011 5:43 pm

Does anyone know the carbohydrates per serving of Quinoa? I'm on very carb' restrictive diet for health reasons so accurate information is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Bon

May 17, 2011 4:38 pm

I found this web site for carb counts.

http://www.atkins.com/program/fourphases/CarbCounter/Details29/Cereal-Grains.aspx

teafortwo

May 26, 2011 3:11 pm

Is it necessary to rinse quinoa? I bought it out of a bin (no instructions)

justinF

May 26, 2011 4:49 pm

Quinoa is a nutrient rich grain which has nearly twice the protein content of corn or rice and has also been shown to possess some beneficial antioxidant properties. These food products could be consumed by people with celiac disease as a substitute for wheat products since quinoa is also gluten-free. It is also lower in carbs than all other common grains. The grain can be bitter if it is not rinsed with water.

fawn-z

Jun. 8, 2011 10:34 am

My daughter came up with a delicious recipe called "quinoa a la Raiden". It's quinoa boiled with adobo and sazon completa. Black beans, avocado, tomatoes, & sour cream, all rolled up (including the boiled/seasoned quinoa) in a flour tortilla. (kind of like a vegetarian taco). It was DELICIOUS!!!!

ec87

Jul. 17, 2011 6:22 pm

Look forward to using quinoa as I hear from my son that it is very healthy.

dar

Jul. 24, 2011 5:37 pm

Where I live finding healthy foods like this is not an easy thing. Even if you can find quinoa it's usually too pricey. However, I discovered a new way to shop for a lot of orgainic,healthy, unusual foods from around the world. A lot of local clearance outlet stores have been popping up around here. They foods stuffs usually are organic, unusual and healthy. I don't know why, lol. Yesterday we went to my favorite one about half an hour's drive from my home. And they had quinoa! YAY! And it was ridiculously cheap. I'm going back in a few days and buy more because I don't know if they'll ever get it back in again. Do you know the shelf life of quinoa...or how long can I store and what would be the best container for long storage. Believe this or not I got a 16 oz bag of Eden Organic quinoa for 1 dollar! I looked on Eden's website and it sells retail for about six dollars a bag.

SusanMarie

Jul. 31, 2011 5:07 pm

I love to use Quinoa instead of bulgur wheat for a great gluten-free Tabbouleh.

Nina Hansen

Aug. 13, 2011 5:56 am

All grains are seeds, so the grain or seed question is a moot point. That being said, I have just discovered quinoa and it is a wonderful addition to my pantry. I love the texture. So far I've only used it in salads (try the Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad), but will be trying it as breakfast with blueberries and maple syrup.

cnelly

Sep. 1, 2011 7:41 am

I have never tried Quinoa. But my son has found out he needs to be gluten free. He is really missing his frogeye salad. Would quinoa be a good substitute for the acini de pepe macaroni or is it to nutty & bitter tasting?

Sinn

Sep. 12, 2011 2:06 am

If you rinse it well and use milk and or cream to replace a portion of the water(as you do to make rice pudding) the nuttiness will compliment the frog eye salad well. It is how we have or quinoa for breakfast.

McCrearyacres

Sep. 12, 2011 10:07 am

I have made quinoa for my family a few times & never even thought about rinsing it. No one has mentioned it being bitter, either.

Steph

Sep. 12, 2011 9:00 pm

My husband is from Bolivia, where Quinua (original spelling) is grown. It's used in soups a lot there, or as tortillas (small, thick round cakes), and even as chips. Quinua has been around for hundreds of years, but only recently has gained popularity in the US in the past decade or so.

erikamc

Sep. 13, 2011 12:26 am

can quinona be cooked in an electric rice cooker?

ANNE49R

Sep. 13, 2011 1:04 pm

Quinoa is soooo good! One way I really like it is to make it like you would fried rice. Another is my favorite salad. I take 2 c. cooked quinoa and add olive salad (in my deli it comes with black and kalamata olives and cubes of feta in this wonderful olive oil),including the oil, sundried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, about 1/2 shredded parmesean and a squeeze of fresh lemon, salt and pepper. Everything is added to taste, the way you like it. I keep a large bowl in the frig and take for lunch or throw some cooked chicken in for dinner. This is best served at room temperature. You won't be able to stop eating it! Yum!

ANNE49R

Sep. 13, 2011 1:14 pm

In my previous post, I incorrectly wrote "black and kalamata olives" when I meant to say "green and kalamata olives". Also meant to say "1/2 cup" shredded parm. I, too, rinse mine for a couple of minutes in a small sieve before cooking. If you soak it first, it becomes too mushy. Usual way of cooking is 1 c. quinoa to 2 c. water - bring to boil, cover and simmer approx. 15 min.

paulaj

Sep. 13, 2011 3:50 pm

I guess it depends on the brand, for rinsing. I buy Ancient Harvest brand at Wal-Mart, and cook it straight out of the package. It's fine.

perla

Sep. 13, 2011 6:44 pm

Trader Joes carries a baby spinach, curried chicken, diced mango, and red quinoa salad with a spicy coconut milk dressing. If you are near a Joes, look for it. It's what hooked me on the stuff.

Michaelc

Sep. 15, 2011 7:28 pm

I swapped it for the Orzo and it worked pretty good. Orzo is still better but. 

http://allrecipes.com/personalrecipe/62845605/orzo-with-feta-cucumber-and-tomato/detail.aspx

ksed36

Sep. 15, 2011 8:21 pm

I love quinoa! It's a great protein source for vegetarians especially since it's a complete protein, and most non-meat sources are incomplete. It also tastes great and can be used in some many ways. Thanks for all the new recipe ideas!

KathalinaFina

Sep. 16, 2011 3:36 pm

I LOVE the Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf! Everyone must try that recipe, it will change your mind if you don't like ground turkey. I'm going to have to try quinoa for breakfast next. A bulk food store near me sells Quinoa Flakes (looks like thin oatmeal flakes). Does anyone have any ideas on how to use that?

Katie

Sep. 17, 2011 1:08 pm

I find the best way to get the fluffy texture for quinoa is the cook it and let it cool (like you would the rice for fried rice recipes). I often serve it at room temp with hot curry or chilli spooned on top. There are always left overs for salad. So versatile!

jamama3

Sep. 30, 2011 8:04 am

I currently live in Bolivia where this is grown. So I buy mine at the large markets. I use it in soup, mixed with oatmeal, rice, cut up cooked potatoes and as a salad with lots of fresh or grilled vegs's, olive oil & lemon juice. Quinoa is also available at Trader Joe's in the USA.

lumberwoman

Oct. 10, 2011 6:54 pm

what is Tradeer Joe's website? I've recently just heard of it.

lumberwoman

Oct. 10, 2011 6:56 pm

i miss spelled Trader Sorry

Sonflower

Oct. 23, 2011 4:53 pm

After checking around on the internet, i found Cosco has the best prices. Some of the sites will offer free shipping, however you need to buy quite a bit. Bob's Red Mill is what i use.

KarenT

Oct. 24, 2011 11:58 am

Thank you to everyone for all the information you provided about Quinoa. My boyfriend just bought a huge quantity and we are very eager to try it.

Julia Grace

Oct. 30, 2011 7:16 am

We just started using quinoa from Costco. Thanks for suggestion to rinse. I tried rinsing briefly in a sieve once. There is a distinctive odor, whether dry or cooked, that I don't mind but must figure out how to reduce or eliminate for Husband's benefit. I haven't rinsed for a long time, or through a clean bowl to observe bubbles. Has anybody tried treating it like pilaf: putting into hot oil or butter before adding boiling liquid?

Imaginette

Dec. 21, 2011 12:53 pm

The big bag @ COSTCO is around $9.50 for ALOT of Quinoa. I think it's 4 pounds... I could be off. But it's in a big zippered bag. Be sure to rinse it just like you would rice, and just cook it 2/1 (liquid/quinoa). Saute some diced garlic and onions in a bit of olive oil, toss it in a rice cooker with Quinoa, and try a broth like chicken or veggie. You'll enjoy it as much as rice :-)

Lucy

Dec. 27, 2011 9:30 pm

I am new to this, and I love to use Quinoa. I was introduced to Quinoa by a friend from the U.S. and have found Quinoa in my local Safeway/Woolworths/Coles supermarket, in the healthfood aisle, 500grams for about $8 but if you go to Costco in Melbourne you get 1.8kg fot $11. I use it for Tabbouleh and have just printed up some of this sites salad recipes. Love to try the out for our summer.

aimlu22

Jan. 8, 2012 10:04 am

My most recent quinoa favorite is cold quinoa salad with cucumber, mint, satsuma orange sections, green onion, and lemon and olive oil. So fresh and healthy!

Claire

Jan. 10, 2012 9:03 pm

Quinoa is gluten free!

Claire

Jan. 10, 2012 9:04 pm

quinoa is gluten free and wheat free!

maryann

Jan. 11, 2012 6:18 am

I love quinoa. It's like eating teeny tiny bubblewrap! I use it in soups, salads and as a base instead of rice or pasta. Made the Quinoa side dish and some butternut squash I had baked and mixed it together. Yum!

Heather

Jan. 11, 2012 8:37 am

I have used Quinoa for years. I rarely use rice at all anymore. I use it in Meatloaf like you might use oats. I use it as a hot breakfast, a side dish or main course ingredient. It is an amazing food and being a complete protein makes it great for weight loss or body builder recipes. I just used it last night on a Salmon Phylo roll. I put the salmon in with some seasoning and cooked quinoa (included thawed and drained chopped spinach for adults with wasabe sauce) The addition of the quinoa made the dish more filling and stretched the meal.

JWhidbey

Jan. 11, 2012 11:04 am

...and we all know there's nothing so tasty as bubble wrap! Seriously, lots of good ideas in the previous comments. I've tried quinoa, but I think I've been to tentative.

JWhidbey

Jan. 11, 2012 11:28 am

Oops! " too" tentative.

rockstar_rabbit

Jan. 12, 2012 7:54 am

I cook quinoa in a rick cooker. Follow the rice directions and check it once and awhile to see if you need more water.

I'mabakernotacook

Jan. 13, 2012 4:22 am

I like quinoa, and I'd like to use it more, but I just can't afford it, unfortunately. Not at $8.00 a bag. (And that's the Bob's Red Mill brand at Ocean State Job Lot! Those of you who live in southern New England will know where I'm talking about.) The nutrition nuts out there conveniently neglect to tell us that healthy eating is also EXPENSIVE eating. So, no quinoa for me. I'll have to stick with brown rice. It's too bad, but you can either eat cheaply or you can eat healthy, you can't do both, and, unfortunately, I usually have to do the former.

Bonnie

Jan. 22, 2012 7:13 pm

I am definitely trying this stuff. the reviews are wonderful and this looks so versatile.

debra

Jan. 26, 2012 8:58 am

xcellent as a hot breakfast.......some apple chopped up with cinny and a touch of sugar and milk and its good for you

AndreaC

Jan. 26, 2012 1:58 pm

I notice many of the recipes ask to boil the quinoa with salt. Something I learned while being raised in La Paz, Bolivia was to NEVER boil quinoa with salt. If you boil it with the quinoa will not pop or cook very well or it takes a very long time, and becomes hard. Its better to boil it without salt add oil if you want. When the quinoa pops open and its done cooking, dizzolve a bit of salt in water and add to pot (let the quinoa absorb the salt). Grab some oven mitts and gently shake the pot, DO NOT stir it because you will squish it and it will be really mushy. I hope this helps if there were some troubles with cooking the quinoa. And here is a link that explains What Quinoa really is. :) Enjoy!

KMD

Feb. 6, 2012 6:00 am

Quinoa is NOT "great for diabetics." It has a glycemic index of 53, and 27 net carbs per TABLESPOON. Unfortunate, because it is very tasty.

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