16 Quinoa recipes to incorporate into your diet

We’ve all heard of it, but what is quinoa? And what do you do with it?

It’s been touted as the new superfood, going from almost unknown to super-trendy seemingly overnight. So what’s all the fuss about? Quinoa is a tiny little grain, stuffed with tons of things your body needs. It’s packed with protein, calcium, fiber, iron, lysine, magnesium and more.

So we know it’s good for us, but does it taste good? Believe it or not, it does. Quinoa tastes a bit like rice, but with a nuttier taste and creamy, crunchy and fluffy texture (depending on how it’s cooked, of course). It’s also ultra-versatile. Once you jump on the quinoa bandwagon, you’ll be blown away by all the things you can do with it. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some of our favorite quinoa recipes. Which one will you try first?

Start your day off right. Skip the oatmeal and try a hot bowl of quinoa topped with berries.

Get the recipe for Cinnamon breakfast quinoa with berries and nuts >>

Parfaits make for a healthy breakfast or a stellar snack. Change yours up by switching the granola for quinoa.

Get the recipe for Apple quinoa parfait >>

This quinoa-filled muffin helps you start your day off with a bang. Make a batch ahead of time, and grab one for on-the-go to beat the morning rush.

Get the recipe for Quinoa carrot cake breakfast muffins >>

This super-healthy smoothie is great for a healthy snack, but filling enough to serve for breakfast or lunch. Try adding different fruit to change up the flavor.

Get the recipe for Strawberry, chamomile and quinoa smoothie >>

Save a trip (and a few bucks) by creating your own version of this tasty sandwich alternative.

Get the recipe for Copycat Starbucks black bean quinoa wrap >>

This light spring salad is made more filling with a sprinkling of hearty quinoa.

Get the recipe for Strawberry basil quinoa salad with Champagne vinaigrette >>

Breaded chicken is so delicious… and so bad for you. Quinoa gives us a guiltless option for that same great taste.

Get the recipe for Quinoa-crusted chicken >>

We like to think of white rice as a healthy food, but it’s not so much — especially when it’s fried. Try your favorite Asian-inspired side dish with quinoa, instead.

Get the recipe for Quinoa veggie “fried rice” >>

Chicken, veggie and quinoa-filled zucchini boats are hearty enough for dinner at home, and cute enough to serve to company.

Get the recipe for Quinoa and chicken-stuffed zucchini boats >>

Traditional sausage and peppers is a classic meal. Let quinoa bring it up to speed with a healthy twist.

Get the recipe for Quinoa, green bean and sausage bake >>

Quinoa goes Southwestern in this spicy meatless casserole.

Get the recipe for Southwestern quinoa and mixed-bean casserole >>

Let your slow cooker do all the work with this one. Come home to the delicious aroma of this unforgettable soup, and serve up a bowl right away.

Get the recipe for Slow cooker chicken quinoa soup >>

Lunch, dinner, snack? This dish works for all three. Quinoa mixes with cheese, pepperoni, eggs and seasoning to form the crust of this pizza, cutting out the crust — and tons of the fat.

Get the recipe for Quinoa pizza bites >>

Got a picky eater on your hands? Sometimes you have to hide the healthy stuff from the kids (and the husband). Mix it in with turkey meatballs for a nutritious meal, and no one will be the wiser.

Get the recipe for Baked turkey quinoa meatballs >>

Risotto is classic side dish — perfect for when you want to feel classy. Use quinoa instead of rice for a little more texture and a lot more flavor.

Get the recipe for Roasted mushroom quinoa risotto >>

Did someone say bacon? These classic tastes come together in a dish made with no pasta, thanks to quinoa’s magical powers. And with all that bacon and cheese, you’ll never know the difference (and if you do, you won’t care).

Get the recipe for Bacon quinoa mac and cheese bake >>

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