Looking for a mason jar salad substitution? Tired of Taco Tuesday? Maybe you just need a breakfast refresh? Regardless (or even if you just want to try something new), meet your new go-to: The quinoa bowl. By using the gluten-free,vitamin B-rich grain pseudo-cereal as a base, you can mix in all kinds of proteins, fruits or veggies for and array of dishes that’ll never leave you bored. From flavors that are spicy and bold to ones that are fresh and sweet, get ready to whip up one of these 10 delicious recipes.
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Pro tip: Make a giant batch of quinoa ahead of time, since it can take about 20 minutes to cook — even after you’ve gotten your water boiled. (That means more time to sleep in — or fit in your morning workout!)
10 Quinoa Bowl Recipes to Cook Up Now
1. Persimmon-Pomegranate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Consider this breakfast a serious upgrade from your usual a.m. fare. Made with coconut milk, the dairy-free stuff is your best bet when it comes to developing a creamy texture, while also adding a boost of fiber, selenium and calcium. It’s all topped with antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds and persimmon, along with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, which add flavor without any extra calories. Recipe and photo: Renee Blair / Life by DailyBurn
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2.Quinoa Kale Pesto Bowls With Poached Eggs
Poached eggs are a top-notch (and super impressive) way of adding protein to a vegetarian meal. By making a twist on traditional basil pesto by using kale instead, your vitamin K intake skyrockets — but the taste is just as delicious. Lemon juice cuts through the garlic; crunchy walnuts add a hit of omega-3s. Photo and recipe: Mike / The Iron You
3. Crunchy Quinoa Power Bowl With Almond Ginger Dressing
Give that tired salad a facelift with this on-the-go lunch. The brightly-colored quinoa bowl is vegetarian-friendly and nutrient-packed, too. Shredded red and green cabbage add texture, while vitamin A- and fiber-rich sweet potatoes will keep you full. And before you reach for the packaged stuff, be sure to try the homemade dressing. Its base is made from almond butter, giving you a solid dose of healthy, unsaturated fats. Photo and recipe: Sarah Cook / Making Thyme For Health
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4.Coconut Almond Quinoa Bowl
Just because you’re not eating a Danish or a giant muffin doesn’t mean you can’t have something sublimely sweet in the a.m. Proof: This quinoa bowl, ideal for breakfast or split in half for a snack. Thanks to a combo of coconut milk, maple syrup and almond butter, you get creaminess and sweetness but without any of the guilt. Sprinkle on toasted coconut and chopped almonds for a bit of texture. Photo and recipe: Kristin Rosenau / Pastry Affair
5.Brazilian Steak and Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl With Spicy Coconut Tomato Sauce
Brazilian steak is cooked churrasco-style, which roughly translates from Portuguese to “barbecued.” Since the majority of this dish is cooked on the grill, you know your meal won’t be soaked in unhealthy fats like butter or vegetable oil. If you’re not feeling the heat, eliminate the peppers as well as the hot paprika, subbing in bell peppers and regular paprika instead. Photo and recipe: Tieghan Gerard / Half Baked Harvest
6. Caribbean Salmon Quinoa Bowl
Still savoring the very last bits of summer? Then you’ve got to try this quinoa bowl, featuring an omega-3 rich piece of salmon that’s seasoned with chili powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and cayenne. The result? A Caribbean-flavored dish that’s both rich and spicy. Cook the salmon on your grill, then add it to your cooked quinoa and top with fresh mango salsa and black beans. Now close your eyes and pretend you’re somewhere tropical when you eat it. Photo and recipe: Danae Halliday / Recipe Runner
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7. Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Cooking quinoa in almond milk, rather than water, adds a bit of extra nutty flavor to the ancient grain. Toss in whole cinnamon sticks and you’ll get maximum flavor (or try vanilla beans or nutmeg sticks instead). Top your creation with sliced almonds, toasted coconut flakes, peaches, raspberries or just about any other fruit. Although we think mini dark chocolate chips would be a nice addition, too. Photo and recipe: Jeanine Donofrio / Love and Lemons
8.Savory Breakfast Quinoa BowlOD’ed on sweet quinoa bowls? Feel free to move onto this bowl of savory goodness. If you’re a titan of meal-planning, you’ll know that having pre-cooked quinoa, as well as a stash of hard-boiled eggs, on hand will make this well-rounded breakfast ready in a matter of minutes. Slice up an avocado, your favorite veggie or two and you’re good to go. Photo and recipe: Renee Blair / Life by DailyBurn
9.Corn, Black Beans and Quinoa Salad Bowl
OK, we’ll admit it: Even after eating salads on a regular basis, we still get a midday hankering for veggiespretty much everyday. But since this dish has the protein-heavy quinoa base — as well as fiber-rich black beans — we’re going to add this “salad” to our regular leafy green rotation. It’s perfect to serve right now, thanks to the influx of fresh, end-of-summer corn. (Out of season? Frozen kernels work just as well — and can save some extra cash.) Recipe and photo: Perry Santanachote / Life by DailyBurn
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10.Thai Chicken Quinoa Bowls With Peanut Sauce
In terms of convenience, the crockpot (aka slow cooker) can’t be beat. Dump ingredients in, adjust temperature to its low setting, go about your day, come home — and dinner’s waiting. Remember when you had that cravingfor Thai food? Yup, here you have it. And with a homemade (but totally restaurant-worthy) peanut sauce to boot. Photo and recipe: Taylor Kiser / Food Faith Fitness
