19 Easy Vegan Quinoa Recipes for Simple Meals

I started keeping cooked quinoa in my fridge a few years ago, and it changed my weeknight dinners. Having it ready to go means I can throw a meal together in minutes.

I like that it’s not just a side dish—it can be the base for a hearty bowl, a filling for vegetables, or even a breakfast porridge.

These recipes are my solution for fast, nutritious meals that don’t take a lot of effort. Here are 19 easy vegan quinoa recipes I turn to for simple, satisfying food.

1. Basic Lemon Herb Quinoa

Quinoa cooked in vegetable broth, then fluffed with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s my standard side for almost anything.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 4g

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2. Southwest Quinoa Salad

Cooked quinoa mixed with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and cilantro, dressed in a lime cumin vinaigrette. It’s great cold for lunches.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 260
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 46g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 10g

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3. Creamy Coconut Curry Quinoa

Quinoa simmered in coconut milk with curry powder and peas. It turns out rich and creamy, almost like a risotto.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 7g

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4. Quinoa Fried “Rice”

Leftover quinoa stir-fried with peas, carrots, and onions with a little soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a quick, low-fuss dinner.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 6g

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5. Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers filled with a mixture of cooked quinoa, lentils, and marinara sauce, then baked until the peppers are tender.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 13g

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6. Breakfast Quinoa Porridge

Quinoa cooked with almond milk and cinnamon, then topped with berries and maple syrup. It’s a warm, protein-packed way to start the day.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 7g

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7. Greek Quinoa Bowl

A bowl of quinoa topped with cucumber, tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, and a dollop of vegan tzatziki.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 7g

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8. Quinoa Veggie Soup

A light, brothy soup with quinoa, carrots, celery, and kale. It’s simple, comforting, and easy to digest.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 6g

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9. Spicy Peanut Quinoa Bowl

Quinoa topped with steamed broccoli and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. I sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for crunch.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 9g

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10. Quinoa Tabbouleh

A twist on the classic, using quinoa instead of bulgur, with lots of parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 34g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 6g

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11. Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa

Quinoa stirred with steamed broccoli and a simple, creamy sauce made from nutritional yeast and non-dairy milk.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 11g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 8g

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12. Quinoa Sushi Bowls

A deconstructed sushi bowl with quinoa, sliced avocado, cucumber, shredded carrot, and a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame seeds.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 300
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 9g

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13. Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers

Mashed black beans and quinoa formed into patties and pan-fried. I serve them on a bun or over a salad.

Nutrition per serving (1 patty):

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 10g

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14. Quinoa Pilaf with Mushrooms

Quinoa cooked with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and thyme. It’s a savory, earthy side dish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 6g

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15. Quinoa Chocolate Pudding

A surprisingly rich pudding made by blending cooked quinoa with cocoa powder, dates, and almond milk until smooth.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 42g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 7g

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16. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

A hearty salad with quinoa, chickpeas, diced apple, and celery in a light lemon vinaigrette. It’s very filling.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 52g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 11g

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17. One-Pot Quinoa Chili

A thick, hearty chili with quinoa, kidney beans, corn, and tomatoes all cooked together in one pot.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 52g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 15g

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18. Quinoa “Meatball” Bowl

Baked quinoa and lentil meatballs served over a bed of quinoa with marinara sauce and steamed greens.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 55g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 12g

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19. Cinnamon Apple Quinoa

A warm, sweet dish of quinoa cooked with diced apples, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. It works for breakfast or dessert.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 7g

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