Quinoa is one of my favorite foods – with its nutty flavor, fluffy texture, and impressive protein & fiber content! It’s the ultimate ingredient for healthy, satisfying meals. Here are 11 delicious high protein quinoa recipes, breakfast included!
Switch up your typical rice or pasta by adding quinoa into the mix. Not only does that add some variety to your weekly lunches or dinners, but some extra protein, fiber and antioxidants.
Personally, I love the taste and texture of quinoa, too. I highly recommend batch cooking – cook a whole pot of quinoa and freeze in family-sized portions for up to 3 months! This makes it so easy to use it and throw together healthy meals.
What is so Great About Quinoa?
Quinoa is essentially a seed but often considered a gluten-free whole grain and complete protein. This means that it has adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids.
Therefore, it stands out as a superior plant-based protein. Here are some of my favorite reasons to eat quinoa:
- Lower in net carbs due to the fiber content.
- Nutritious grain option for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Double the protein and carbs compared to rice.
- A grain that does not trigger an anti-inflammatory response, often considered an “anti-inflammatory” food.
- Quinoa contains phenolic compounds which can help prevent cancer.
It’s not just great for dinner, either – quinoa can be a delicious alternative to oatmeal in the morning!
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Breakfast Recipes
Rinsing quinoa can be a little bit annoying if you don’t have a fine mesh strainer – cab always spend a little bit more money on already rinsed quinoa, like Bob’s Red Mill Pre-Rinsed Organic Quinoa.
Creamy Coconut Milk Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
This creamy quinoa is made with coconut milk so it tastes amazing and is packed with ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, and immune-boosting. Take 25 minutes out of your day to meal prep for the week for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast. Each serving provides 21 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
Protein powder is added to increase the protein content. Then, I love to top it with berries and chopped nuts! It’s a coconut creamy bowl of goodness.
Savory Quinoa Breakfast Bake
I love this quinoa breakfast bake because it is hearty, filling and relatively easy to make. This recipe makes 4 large servings with 27 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber and just 383 calories!
Black beans are a good source of protein and fiber, and work perfectly with this Mexican-inspired breakfast dish. This recipe is so simple with just 5 minutes of prep. It takes even better the next day! I love to top each slice with salsa, Greek yogurt, and avocado.
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
The nuttiness of the quinoa combined with the comforting flavors of tender apples and cinnamon make this a super cozy and comforting breakfast! The best part is the creamy Greek yogurt and maple syrup combo on top! Then, add some sliced almonds for texture and crunch – it’s the perfect bite. This recipe has 9 grams of fiber and 15.5 grams of protein. Stir in some protein powder or increase the yogurt topping to increase to 20+ grams.
Lunch and Dinner Recipes
Have fun with different colors of quinoa, too, they are all very nutrient-dense.
Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Casserole
Everything bakes together in one pan for a high-protein, gluten-free dinner that is low prep and makes delicious leftovers!
I mean, it’s buffalo chicken – a classic, delicious flavor combination. Like a healthier buffalo chicken dip but as a well-balanced meal.
A delicious, easy casserole that combines comfort and nutrition! Casseroles are the best because they’re full, well-balanced meals all in one pan. No need to cook anything else to go with it! 34 grams of protein per serving.
Mexican Quinoa Casserole
On that same note, this is a Mexican-inspired casserole with quinoa and ground beef or turkey. Easily customizable, very filling and high in both protein and fiber! This recipe makes 6 servings – so it is great for leftovers the next day or two. It does require an extra step (browning the meat) but it can be prepped ahead of time, too!
Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl with Honey Sriracha Sauce
This power bowl is really quite simple with just a few ingredients but the combination of sweet potatoes, chicken, quinoa, chopped walnuts and the honey sriracha sauce makes for the perfect bite! The base is just 5 ingredients plus a tasty, sweety and spicy sauce that is drizzled on top. It is quick and on the table in less than 35 minutes. {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free}
Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl
Another fun bowl idea that features salty bacon, sweet honey and butternut squash, and savory parmesan cheese. It screams comfort – perfect for fall and winter (or any time of year).
The combination of these 7 ingredients together is so simple, yet flavorful. A macro-friendly meal with 4 grams of fiber from the whole grains and 39 grams of protein – this bowl will definitely keep you full and satisfied. A good source of iron and potassium.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl
One of my favorite recipes is this Mediterranean grain bowl with 30 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving. The combination of nutty quinoa, cruncyh fresh vegetables, the chopped walnuts, the savory chicken and the creamy feta cheese is to die for.
It’s a well-balanced meal with a lot of veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats! This healthy power bowl has all of the principles of the Mediterranean diet – which is known for reducing inflammation, weight management, lowering risk of many chronic diseases and improving overall health. Eat it warm or cold, either way, it’s a fresh and delicious high protein meal prep idea.
Tofu and Edamame Power Bowl
The tofu is baked until golden brown and crispy – the only way to eat it, in my opinion. It all comes together with an Asian-inspired sweet and spicy stir-fry sauce!
Finding high protein vegan and vegetarian recipes, ideally with at least 20 grams of protein, is difficult in my experience. Tofu has just 9 grams of protein per serving. This recipe adds shelled edamame and quinoa to the mix, which brings it to about 22 grams of protein per bowl.
High in fiber, too! Each bowl has about 7 grams of fiber to help increase overall fiber consumption.
Viral Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad Recipe with Chickpeas (Haute and Healthy Living)
This is the viral Jennifer Aniston quinoa salad that can be made quickly and eaten all week long! It’s a great meal prep option with crunchy pistachios, briny feta, and fresh parsley and mint, plus a simple and refreshing lemon dressing. It tastes even better after the flavors develop overnight! To increase the protein, add diced grilled chicken breast or shrimp.
Southwest Quinoa Salad
A flavorful, Mexican-inspired southwest bowl featuring a combination of pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Another great meal prep idea! The black beans provide fiber and protein content but add in some ground beef, shrimp or chicken if you’re looking to consume 20+ grams of protein per meal.
Ground turkey Taco Quinoa Skillet (Bucket List Tummy)
Another Mexican inspired, versatile dish! This ground turkey quinoa bowl is packed with veggies, protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
Again, another combination of both fresh ingredients and pantry staples. It’s ready in 20 minutes and makes a delicious and healthy meal! I love Mexican dishes because they can be easily customized.
Essentially, quinoa can replace any grain in the majority of recipes as a gluten-free, nutrient-packed alternative. It is nice to add some variety to breakfasts and dinners. I hope you enjoy these recipe ideas & follow along for more evidence-based nutrition content and healthy recipes!