A World of Ways to Cook with Quinoa

This easy whole foods recipe for quinoa, corn, and black bean salad is a great way to use up leftover grains, beans, and/or corn. A light, lemony, cumin vinaigrette adds zesty flavor to this high-protein mini-meal. The salad presents a complete amino acid profile and makes a fantastic summer lunch or supper dish.

This gluten-free quinoa tabbouleh is an adaptation of the classic Lebanese salad, and is perfect for entertaining, as it can be made ahead. Quinoa lends itself beautifully to salads, and this one is no exception.

This delicious, high protein recipe for quinoa and bean salad can be made with red, white or black quinoa and whatever cooked bean suits your fancy. Some favorite combinations are red quinoa with red or black beans; white quinoa with lentils, red, or navy beans; or black quinoa with black or white beans. Whatever combination you choose, this salad presents a complete amino acid profile and makes a fantastic summer lunch or supper dish.

It is worth the extra time to prepare this savory, aromatic recipe for quinoa and roasted corn pilaf. Quinoa, roasted red onion and corn combine with herbs and olives for a high-protein, delicious side dish.

This fresh, light, zesty quinoa and corn salad recipe is a perfect late summer side dish. Corn and tomatillos are at their peak in the farmer’s market during late July, August and September. Serve this salad as a side or topper for a bed of greens; it is excellent with seafood entrees and grilled tofu.

Use either red or white quinoa for this assertive salad with mustard seeds, toasted walnuts and tarragon. This dish is equally good warm, room temperature or even chilled, but I like it best the day it's made, when the nuts are still crisp.

This quinoa pilaf is one of my very favorite side dishes. Quinoa is very high in protein and calcium, with a strong amino acid profile. This dish has an additional benefit: mushrooms bolster immunity, cleanse the blood, and remove toxins from the body. The assertive flavors of this dish match nicely with sweet winter squash and tofu or white beans. Add steamed or braised greens for a complete meal.

These delicious, nutrient rich quinoa and apricot muffins have a nest of apricot preserves in the center. They can be frozen without losing their quality, and are a nice treat to have on hand for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Try raspberry or strawberry jam for a different flavor.

Quinoa is a cousin to amaranth, and is one of the ancient staple foods of the Incas. It is strengthening for the whole body, and for the kidneys in particular. Quinoa is high in protein, calcium, iron, and B vitamins. This simple porridge is a great meal to start the day with.

At once creamy and textured, and packed with nutrients, this recipe for pumpkin and quinoa pudding with apple and figs is a family favorite and especially wonderful because it’s healthy. It can be served as a not-too-sweet dessert, snack, or even breakfast food.