The Best Easy Vegan Quinoa Recipes ~ Veggie Inspired

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Quinoa is rich in nutrients, tasty, and versatile. It can be used in place of rice, couscous, barley, or any other grains. Get more of this healthy superfood in your life by trying some of these easy and delicious Vegan Quinoa Recipes!

Two small jars of quinoa salad with a fork sticking out of each one.

Quinoa cooks in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for getting lunch or dinner on the table quickly. It can also be used to make breakfast, snacks, and even dessert!

I’ve rounded up the best Vegan Quinoa Recipes for all times of the day that the whole family will love!

Table of Contents show

What is quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is the edible seed of the flowering Chenopodium plant, related to spinach, chard and beets. Though technically it is a seed, it is classified as a grain or sometimes called a pseudograin. [source]

Naturally gluten-free, it’s a great alternative to more common grains for those with Celiac disease or gluten-intolerance.

Types of quinoa

4 wooden spoon with quinoa positioned vertically on a background.

While there are surprisingly more than 120 varieties of quinoa, there are 4 common varieties sold in grocery stores today: white, red, black, and tri-color. You may also find quinoa flakes and quinoa flour. Following is a quick summary of each .

White ~ White quinoa is the most common variety. It cooks up soft and fluffy with a mild nutty flavor.

Red ~ Red quinoa, which cooks up to be more brown than red, is hearty and chewy and holds its shape quite well.

Black ~ Black quinoa tends to retain a bit more crunch than white quinoa quinoa and is just a tad sweeter.

Tri-color ~ Tri-color quinoa isn’t a variety of its own, but simply a combination of white, red, and black quinoa. It is my go-to for most vegan quinoa recipes because of the rainbow of colors.

Flakes ~ Similar to how rolled oats are made, quinoa flakes are created by steam-rolling whole quinoa. They cook super quickly and can be used like oats for breakfast, in baking, or as a breading.

Flour ~ Quinoa flour is produced by finely grinding quinoa seeds. It can be used in baking to replace other flours in varying amounts, though it is not a 1:1 substitute for wheat flour. To experiment with quinoa flour, I suggest finding a recipe that specifically uses it, like the cupcake recipe in the list of vegan quinoa recipes below.

Nutritional benefits

Quinoa is often referred to as a superfood due to its impressive nutritional profile.

It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in fiber, healthy fats, and boasts many key vitamins and minerals.

How to cook

Adult hands holding the handle of a pot on the stove while stirring with a wooden spoon.

Regardless of which cooking method you choose, be sure to rinse the quinoa really well under cold water first. This will remove any bitterness caused by the saponin coating on the seeds.

While most quinoa purchased in grocery stores today has been rinsed before packing, it’s a good idea to rinse it again yourself just in case and to also remove any dust or debris from the packaging itself.

Since quinoa seeds are quite small, I find a fine mesh sieve to work best for rinsing. The seeds will fall through holes of a traditional colander.

Below are guidelines for cooking white quinoa. Red and black quinoa may take a few minutes longer to cook. Check your package directions for more specifics.

Stove top: This is my preferred method of cooking quinoa. It cooks in just 12 to 15 minutes and is mostly hands off.

Most packages will tell you to use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to liquid. Personally, I find this to be too much liquid and the quinoa turns out mushy. I prefer a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 1 ¼ cups liquid.

Add the rinsed quinoa and water (or broth) to a pot with a sprinkle of salt, if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer 12 to 15 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed. Turn off the heat and let it sit untouched for another 5 to 10 minutes before using a fork to fluff it up.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker: 1 cup quinoa to 1 ½ cups liquid and a sprinkle of salt, if desired. Seal the valve and cook for 1 minute under high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then carefully vent the valve to release any remaining pressure. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.

Because the Instant Pot takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to come to pressure and another 10 minutes to release, this 1-minute cooking method actually takes longer than cooking it on the stove!

You can also cook quinoa in the microwave, oven, or slow-cooker, but with two super easy methods above, I suggest you just go with one of those!

Storage/Freezing

Tall glass storage jar of tri-color quinoa.

Pantry: Store uncooked, dry quinoa in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place for up to one year. I like using mason jars in the pantry.

Fridge: Cooked quinoa can be kept in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: You can also freeze cooked quinoa. Let it cool completely. Spreading it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet will speed up the cooling process. Once cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. It should keep well for up to 6 months.

Pro tip: Freeze quinoa in 1 or 2 cup portions to easily thaw and add to your favorite vegan quinoa recipes!

Pro tips and tricks

~ Rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove any bitterness.

~ Do not stir while cooking!

~ Cook the quinoa in broth instead of water for added flavor. Note: Do not do this if you plan to use the quinoa in a sweet dish.

~ Once the liquid has absorbed, turn off the heat and let the quinoa sit untouched for another 5 to 10 minutes.

~ Use a fork to fluff up the quinoa. Do not stir with a spoon or spatula!

~ Make a big batch and freeze in 1 to 2 cup portions to easily add to your favorite vegan quinoa recipes on the fly!

FAQs

Is quinoa a protein or a carb?

It’s both! Quinoa is classified as a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate as well as a complete protein.

Is quinoa healthy?

Yes! Quinoa contains protein, fiber, manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, zinc, and more! [source]

What does quinoa taste like?

Quinoa has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It works well in both savory and sweet applications.

Do you need to rinse quinoa?

Yes, quinoa should be rinsed well under cold water before cooking. This will remove any of the bitter tasting compounds, called saponins, that coat the seeds.

Do you stir quinoa while cooking?

NO! Bring the liquid to a boil, stir in the grains, then cover and let simmer until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Turn off the heat and let it sit with the cover on for another 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing it up with a fork.
Stirring during the cooking process will cause the quinoa to clump up and become mushy.
And, be sure to use a fork to fluff it up, not a spoon or spatula which will again make it clumpy.

How do you make quinoa more flavorful?

To make quinoa more flavorful, try cooking it in broth instead of water. You can also add sauté aromatics, like onion and garlic, in a pot, and add spices or herbs, then add the dry quinoa and liquid to the same pot and cook until tender. Only do this for savory vegan quinoa recipes, however, as you don’t want those added flavors in sweet dishes.

More vegan recipe ideas

I hope you love these recipes as much as we do! If you try any of them, please leave a comment below with your feedback.

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For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!

Vegan Quinoa Recipes

Packed with healthy plant protein, these vegan quinoa recipes are sure to satisfy! Find recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even dessert!

Salads and Bowls

Quinoa Veggie Bowl

The bright and fresh flavors of spring abound in this easy Pesto Quinoa Veggie Bowl.

Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls

Sweet, heat, spice, texture, flavor, and nutrients come together in this gorgeous bowl drizzled with a creamy cashew curry sauce.

Massaged Kale Quinoa Salad

My favorite salad! Simple to make, yet bursting with flavor and texture. Try it. You'll love it!

Quinoa Spinach Salad w/ Butternut Squash & Apples

A delicious fall salad that's fancy enough for entertaining, yet easy enough for any day of the week.

Lentil Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Citrus

This easy salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but makes a great side for a larger menu, too.

Curry Quinoa Salad

An energizing salad perfect for lunch. Delicious warm, cold or room temperature. Travels well in a lunchbox!

Green Vegan Quinoa Salad

I make this quick salad for picnics and potlucks a lot. It's light and refreshing and holds up really well.

Quinoa with Garden Vegetables

Pair quinoa with a bounty of fresh vegetables for an easy and versatile meal.

Tricolour Quinoa Salad with Roast Vegetables

Photo Credit: thedevilwearssalad.com

The flavors of the Mediterranean mingle with tri-color quinoa in this gorgeous dish.

Soups and Chilis

Quinoa Vegetable Soup

This soup tastes light, but is surprisingly filling thanks to the protein and fiber packed quinoa.

Lentil Quinoa Soup

Using pantry and fridge staples, this comforting soup comes together easily.

Black Bean Quinoa Chili

Top this satisfying one-pot meal with your favorite chili garnishes for a dish that's sure to please the whole family.

Quinoa Corn Bean Chowder

Photo Credit: sharonpalmer.com

This rustic chowder is powered by the plant-based staples: quinoa, beans, and corn.

Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Quinoa Soup

Photo Credit: shortgirltallorder.com

This warming soup is creamy with a bit of smoky from the roasted red pepper. Delightful!

Main Dishes

Thai Quinoa Meatballs

Bite sized and bursting with flavor, these Thai-inspired meatballs are delicious as appetizers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal with noodles or rice.