What to Serve with Quinoa – 15+ Incredible Side Dishes

While scrolling through Pinterest the other day, I came across a list of quinoa side dishes that looked amazing. Since pairing quinoa with anything is quite a task, I immediately knew this was one post that I had to screenshot and save with me.

And last night, when I was cooking quinoa and, like always struggling with the side dishes, that screenshot instantly came to my mind. I opened it up and since most of the recipes were fairly easy, I decided to give some of them a try. To my astonishment, they were delicious!

So then I decided to not limit this precious knowledge to only myself and now here I am to talk about some of my favorite side dishes to try with quinoa!

List of side dishes with quinoa

1. Roasted Beets
2. Rice and Beans
3. Vegetarian Chili
4. Eggs with Veggies
5. Vegetable Soup
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes
7. Steamed Kale
8. Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Roasted Beets

One particularly delicious way to enjoy quinoa is to pair it with roasted beets. Beets are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and roasting brings out their natural sweetness. Combined with the nutty flavor of quinoa, roasted beets make for a wonderfully flavorful and healthy side dish.

And because both quinoa and beets are relatively quick cooking, this dish can be easily prepared on a busy weeknight. So if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy quinoa, give roasted beets a try. You just might find that it’s your new favorite way to eat this nutritious grain.

Quick Recipe: Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Average Cook Time:

45 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes or until tender.
4. Top with crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts before serving.

Rice and Beans

Rice and beans is a classic pairing that can be easily adapted to include quinoa. The nutty flavor of the quinoa pairs perfectly with the hearty beans, while the rice helps to round out the dish and add a bit of bulk.

Plus, this dish is packed with nutrients and is sure to leave you feeling satisfied. The next time you’re looking for a new and exciting side dish, be sure to give rice and beans with quinoa a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Quick Recipe: Rice and Beans with Avocado Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

20 minutes

Instructions:

1. Heat black beans in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, mix avocado, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make salsa.
3. Serve hot rice and beans topped with avocado salsa.

Vegetarian Chili

I always like to have a few hearty, yet healthy side dishes on hand. One of my personal favorites is vegetarian chili. This dish is not only packed with nutrients, but it is also extremely versatile, as it can be served as a side dish or even used as an ingredient in other recipes.

Health-wise, vegetarian chili is a great option for those looking to increase their intake of vegetables, as it is a good source of protein and fiber. In terms of taste, vegetarian chili can be mild or spicy, depending on your preferences. And because it is so easy to make, it is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

To get the most flavor out of your vegetarian chili, be sure to use fresh ingredients wherever possible. And if you are looking for an extra boost of flavor, try topping your chili with shredded cheese or diced avocado. No matter how you enjoy it, vegetarian chili is a delicious and nutritious option that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe: Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread Topping

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet cornbread mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Average Cook Time:

30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a large pot until soft.
2. Add kidney beans and diced tomatoes, simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions, then stir in cheddar cheese.
4. Spoon cornbread mixture over chili and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until cornbread is golden.

Eggs with Veggies

Eggs and veggies make a great side dish for quinoa. The eggs add protein and nutrients, while the veggies provide fiber and vitamins. Plus, the combination is delicious and can be easily customized to your taste.

Here are some suggestions for pairing eggs and veggies with quinoa:

• For a light and healthy option, try scrambled eggs with sauteed spinach and mushrooms.
• For a hearty and filling dish, try an omelet with potatoes, onions, and peppers.
• For a fun and colorful dish, try fried eggs with tomatoes, carrots, and peas.

There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing this side dish. First, make sure to cook the eggs thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness. Second, if you are using fresh veggies, you’ll need to blanch them before adding them to the dish. This will help to preserve their color and texture.

Third, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. You may be surprised at how well certain ingredients go together. With a little practice, you’ll be an eggs and veggies pro in no time!

Quick Recipe: Eggs with Veggies and Feta

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

15 minutes

Instructions:

1. Sauté bell pepper and zucchini in a skillet over medium heat until soft.
2. Crack eggs into the skillet and scramble.
3. Stir in crumbled feta cheese, salt, and pepper before serving.

Vegetable Soup

When paired with vegetable soup, quinoa makes an excellent and nutritious meal. The soup provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, while the quinoa adds protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. Together, these nutrients make for a well-rounded and healthy meal.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when pairing quinoa with vegetable soup. First, the soup should be flavorful but not overly salty or spicy. Second, the quinoa should be cooked properly – it should be fluffy and light, not mushy or overcooked.

Finally, the vegetables in the soup should be cut into small pieces so that they are easy to eat with the quinoa. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that is sure to satisfy your hunger.

Quick Recipe: Vegetable Soup with Pesto Swirl

Ingredients:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add carrots, celery, and zucchini. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot with a swirl of pesto sauce on top.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

One of my favorite ways to enjoy quinoa is with baked sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness to the quinoa, and their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the nutty grain. Plus, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

However, be sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft enough to mash. Otherwise, they will compete with the quinoa for texture and flavor. Secondly, if you find that the quinoa is too sweet for your taste, simply add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of salt to balance out the flavors.

Finally, if you’re looking for extra crunch, top the dish with roasted pecans or sunflower seeds.

Quick Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Topping

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Average Cook Time:

1 hour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, chopped pecans, and cinnamon.
4. Slice open the baked sweet potatoes and drizzle with the maple pecan topping.

Steamed Kale

Kale is one of those love it or hate it ingredients. Some people find its bitterness to be off-putting, while others can’t get enough of its unique flavor. Personally, I think kale is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. And one of my favorite ways to enjoy kale is by steaming it and using it as a side dish for quinoa.

When kale is steamed, it retains all of its nutrients and provides a healthy dose of vitamins. It also pairs well with quinoa, which is a complete protein and contains essential amino acids. Together, these two ingredients make for a delicious and nutritious meal.

However, add acidity to balance out the bitterness of the kale. I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar before serving. Also, don’t forget to season your dish with salt and pepper.

Quick Recipe: Steamed Kale with Lemon Zest and Pine Nuts

Ingredients:

• 4 cups kale leaves, stems removed
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

10 minutes

Instructions:

1. Steam kale leaves until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a skillet, toast pine nuts until golden.
3. Toss steamed kale with lemon zest, toasted pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with quinoa. This dish is packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron and manganese. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can protect against cell damage and help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. When paired together, roasted brussels sprouts and quinoa make a powerhouse meal that is perfect for any time of day.

The brussels sprouts can be roasted with a variety of herbs and spices to suit your taste, and the quinoa can be flavored with fresh lemon juice or a vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or fish to the quinoa, as it is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with many different types of cuisine. So go ahead and give them a try!

Quick Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Aioli

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup garlic aioli
• Salt and pepper to taste

Average Cook Time:

25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy.
4. Serve hot with a side of garlic aioli for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is quinoa?

Quinoa is a protein-rich, gluten-free, healthy grain that has become popular in recent years. It’s versatile and can be used in many different dishes, as it has a nutty flavor. Also, it is a good source of fiber and magnesium and is high in iron.

Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is gluten-free. It is a good choice for people who have gluten sensitivities.

How do I cook quinoa?

Cooking quinoa is easy. You can cook it in a pot on the stove, or you can cook it in a rice cooker.

To cook quinoa on the stove, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup of quinoa and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

How much protein is in quinoa?

A cup of cooked quinoa has 8 grams of protein.

Conclusion

If you are someone who thinks quinoa has little to no variety in it, I am sure you must have changed your mind after going through all the above delicious side dishes you can try with quinoa. We hope this blog post has given you an idea of what to cook for dinner!