How To Use Quinoa In Any Meal

Everyone has seen the word quinoa flying around, but what the heck is it? Like we’ve all heard, it is, in fact, a healthy food because it is a complete protein, and contains plenty of calcium, phosphorus, and iron. People often use it in place of rice or pasta because it has similar feel and performance, and because it is gluten free.

Where does it come from? In an attempt at not bore you with the scientific details, it is essentially an ancient grain that is similar to buckwheat and closely related to things like beetroots, spinach, and tumbleweeds, believe it or not. It’s been around forever, but it’s become more popular in the last few years because of the gluten free food trend, and because it can be used in an endless amount of dishes it can be transformed in many ways.

We carry both red and white quinoas from Roland Foods, which is going to be a great base for many dishes for your gluten free customers who have hopped on the quinoa train. Here are some ideas and inspiration for incorporating quinoa in any and every meal:

Breakfast

Breakfast Scramble

Make scrambled eggs unique and healthy with a few additions, including quinoa, avocado, and your favorite spices. Click for all info!

Cinnamon Apple Quinoa

With only 5 ingredients and about 30 minutes you can create a delicious breakfast bowl that is even better than traditional oatmeal. You can really add in fruits and flavors you’d like, but this one, with apples and cinnamon, is going to be an instant favorite! See recipe here.

Lunch

Mexican Salad

With beans, avocado, and veggies, this is a great meal for someone who is looking for healthy, high protein dish on the go for lunch. See it all here.

Quinoa Wrap

Essentially you are replacing rice with quinoa here. Another Mexican type dish for the health nut who would appreciate this hearty lunch. Details here!

Snacks

Chocolate Quinoa Bites

Form and wrap up these no-bake quinoa bites and sell them at your counter for a healthy treat. Stamp on the words “gluten free” and “home made” so customers see the love you put into these. These are just 2 snack ideas, but along these lines you can create millions of yummy concoctions for a nice healthy treat. Click for details!

Banana Granola Bars

Another easy no-bake snack that health nuts won’t be able to resist. These are made with healthy ingredients, like chai seeds, almonds, and honey, and will keep you full in between meals. Click here for details!

Appetizer/Small Dish:

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Again you are putting quinoa where rice would normally for these stuffed bell peppers. These are perfect for a starter or for a small group of people to share. Click for info!

Quinoa Chili

Thicken up your chili this fall with quinoa! Chili can be made in many ways, vegetarian or not, thick or soupy, with cornbread or with cheese on top, but adding quinoa gives it a unique twist without altering the flavor. See full recipe here!

Entrees

Healthy Quinoa Chicken Parm

This is a great way to hide quinoa in a normal chicken dish and to replace pasta with something better for you. They won’t even know it’s healthy! Quinoa can easily be added into any casserole type dish like this and won’t taste any different. Find full recipe here.

Healthy? Mac & Cheese

On the other hand, this mac and cheese is much different than typical mac and cheese and your guests will notice a difference, but this is a perfect combination of a healthy choice and a comfort food in one. We’re all trying to cut back, and this mac and cheese makes that easy! Click for details!