This small but mighty seed is going to be your new favourite pantry staple. Because it’s flavourless, kids love it and you can use it to make sweet breakfastsor savoury lunches and dinners packed with protein, iron and amino acids. Here are some of our favourite healthy quinoa recipes.
Quinoa-stuff peppers
Photo: Erik Putz
This cozy and colourful dish is perfect for chilly winter nights and is packed with protein, iron and amino acids. Get the recipe: Quinoa-stuffed peppers
Overnight maple-almond quinoa oats
Photo: Erik Putz
Get a jumpstart on breakfast by prepping these tasty quinoa oats the night before. Not only will your kids love the taste, but you'll love the time it shaves off your morning routine. Get the recipe: Overnight maple-almond quinoa oats
Quinoa sushi
Photo: Erik Putz
Make tonight sushi night! Let kids customize their own rolls with this small but mighty seed that's packed with protein, iron and amino acids. Get the recipe: Quinoa sushi
Rancheros Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Photo: Erik Putz
Here’s your fave brunch order, bowled. Quinoa is the base, with chopped avocado, cherry tomatoes, black beans, cheddar cheese and, of course, a fried egg. Get the recipe: Rancheros Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Rainbow Veggie Quinoa Bowl
Photo: Erik Putz
Listen up kids, grain bowls are the new thing. Not only are they trendy and easy to make, they’re delicious and healthy, too. This veg variation features quinoa, grated veggies, a yogurt-herb dressing and a boiled egg on top. Get the recipe: Rainbow Veggie Quinoa Bowl
Magic Quinoa
What’s so magic about this quinoa, you ask? Well friend, you’ll soon see. Add raw quinoa to a pre-heated Thermos with a dash of olive oil, a pinch of salt and a bit of boiling water. Seal it, shake it and place in the lunchbag. By the time their stomach starts rumbling, that quinoa is fluffy and ready to eat. Pack veggies—raw or frozen (defrosted in a bit of boiling water while you preheat the Thermos)—for your kid to add when it’s time to eat. Get the recipe: Magic Quinoa
Thai Tofu-Quinoa Bowl
This fluffy bowl of quinoa is topped with marinated tofu, edamame and cabbage. Prep all the ingredients separately and you could legitimately take this for lunch all week. Get the recipe: Thai Tofu-Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa, Corn & Lentil Salad
This simple salad is destined to become a standard. Sweet corn adds a perfect crunch, while lentils bring the protein. Get the recipe: Quinoa, Corn & Lentil Salad
Quinoa Banana Bread
We’ve added a quinoa twist to classic banana bread, you can’t even tell this old-school loaf packs a protein punch. Make it for breakfast, snacks or bake sales. Get the recipe: Quinoa Banana Bread
Chickpea Burgers
Photo: Maya Visnyei
Every barbecue should have a vegetarian option and this is it. Behold, the chickpea burger. It takes only 10 minutes to prep. Individually wrap and freeze uncooked patties for an easy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe: Chickpea Burgers
Sautéed Squash and Quinoa Salad
Photo: Maya Visnyei
Sautéed cubes of squash are candy sweet and delicious when teamed up with the creamy tahini dressing in this healthy salad. Don’t be smug when your child declares his love of arugula. Get the recipe:Sautéed Squash and Quinoa Salad
Hearty Sausage and Quinoa Minestrone
Photo: Maya Visnyei
Meet the new minestrone. Same rich tomato-y base, but with the addition of quinoa, kale and Italian sausage. Get the recipe: Hearty Sausage and Quinoa Minestrone
Grilled Portobellos with Quinoa Salad
Photo: Robert Caruso
Quinoa salad is a quick and easy side. In this case, we stuffed it into a grilled portobello cap with ribbons of zucchini—it’s the perfect summer meal. Get the recipe:Grilled Portobellos with Quinoa Salad
Salad in a Jar
Lunch in a jar! Start with a base of healthy red quinoa, then add your favourite greens for a quick and easy meal on the fly. Get the recipe: Salad in a Jar
Mexican Quinoa
This flavourful quinoa is great on its own or used as a filling in a burrito or wrap. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder. We like that. Get the recipe:Mexican Quinoa
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine,Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.
