Quinoa has been on the health food scene for so long now, it's become a bit of a watch word for 'clean eating', even starting to lose some of its health appeal.
With all the big names, such as Deliciously Ella, Madeleine Shaw and the Hemsley sisters, advocating the abundant health benefits, talk of quinoa has become unavoidable.
But don't write it off just yet.
Easy to digest and gluten-free, quinoa is a fantastic 'free-from' food. Containing nine essential amino acids, it is a source of complete protein, so is especially good for vegetarians or vegans. Throw in some calcium, vitamin E and fibre, and you've got yourself a nutritional powerhouse on your dinner plate.
Whether you're looking for some healthy dinner inspiration or whether you're just a bit skeptical about the Peruvian superfood, these delicious recipes will bring quinoa to the top of your shopping list.
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1
Salmon quinoa cakes
You'll love this healthy alternative to the fish 'n' chip shop fish cake. It shows just how versatile quinoa can be!
Try these salmon quinoa cakes recipe
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2
Beetroot and quinoa burger
A quick, easy introductory recipe to quinoa. These burgers are a great meat-free option and have a rich, earthy taste.
Try this quinoa burger recipe
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3
Quinoa, grapefruit and golden beet salad
Want to incorporate more superfoods into your meals? Alongside the quinoa, this flavourful, healthy salad features kale, coconut oil, and honey for a nutritious, nourishing dish.
Try this quinoa salad recipe
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4
Quinoa and vegetable chorizo salad
Vegetarian chorizo is an unusual concept but works really well with this mix of quinoa and vegetables. The mustard dressing in the salad compliments the chorizos perfectly but you can of course vary the salad or chorizo to your own tastes.
Try this quinoa and vegetable chorizo salad recipe
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5
Quinoa and tahini falafel
This is a delicious vegetarian recipe perfect for a family dinner. These are a healthier version of the usual deep-fried falafel. Serve with some warm pitta bread, green leaves and juicy tomatoes.
Try this quinoa and tahini falafels recipe
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6
Butter beans with avocado and quinoa
A classic Peruvian recipes from the brilliant team at Ceviche, this is the prettiest quinoa dish on the block, and guaranteed to instantly turn any skeptic into a true fan.
Try this Ceviche recipe
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7
Quinoa, black lentil, mango and smoked chicken salad
This dish is such a fantastic array of strong colours. Use regular chicken if you don’t like smoked, or flaked cooked salmon, or even sliced raw salmon that you’ve marinated in the juice of two limes for five minutes. Avocado, black lentils and a few spring onions make the perfect vegetarian choice.
Try Diana Henry’s quinoa, lentil and smoked chicken salad recipe
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8
Deliciously Ella's Mexican quinoa bowl
Just one of Ella Woodward, aka Deliciously Ella's delicious yet super healthy recipes, this Mexican bowl is full of goodness. Packed with protein, vitamins and masses of flavour, this will fast become your favourite, go-to quinoa dish.
Try this Deliciously Ella recipe
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9
Ratatouille with quinoa
Fresh, vibrant and ever so good for you, this easy ratatouille is a real taste of the summer. Packed full of colourful peppers, aubergine and courgettes, the quinoa provides the perfect bed to soak up all of the delicious tomato juices.
Try this ratatouille with quinoa recipe
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10
Watercress, quinoa, feta and broccoli salad
This beautifully vibrant quinoa and watercress salad is packed full of fresh flavours. The addition of hazelnuts gives it that much needed crunch, while the combination of sweet tomatoes and salty feta cheese makes this a deliciously balanced dish. Perfect for a vegetarian lunch.
Try this quinoa and watercress salad recipe
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11
Mushroom and stilton quinoa risotto
If it's from the gurus of delicious, healthy eating Hemsley + Hemsley, you know it's going to be good. This creamy, rich recipe is guaranteed to spark an instant love affair with this super seed.
Try this Hemsley + Hemsley recipe
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12
Parmesan quinoa chicken
This tasty Parmesan cheese chicken served with courgettes, quinoa and a fresh tomato sauce is ideal for dinner parties or even as an easy mid-week dinner.
Try this Parmesan chicken with courgettes and quinoa recipe
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13
Quinoa maki rolls
Gluten-free and suitable for vegans, these quinoa sushi rolls can please any dinner guest.
Try this quinoa rolls recipe
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14
Goat's cheese quinoa and beetroot risotto with parsley lemon oil
Another delicious dish from the Hemsley sisters and another quinoa + beetroot pairing, you can't go wrong with this tangy, melt-in-the-mouth 'risotto'. A great beginner's dish and still tasty for a packed lunch the following day.
Try this Hemsley + Hemsley recipe
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15
Fruitcake with quinoa and almonds
This gluten-free cake is moist and delicious and benefits from the nutty taste of almonds and quinoa. Great for a classic afternoon tea, this is a lovely twist on a traditional recipe.
Try this fruit cake recipe
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16
Vegetarian Korean bibimbap quinoa
With lots of different flavours from the veg and the soft egg bringing it all together, we challenge you not to come back to this quinoa recipe again and again.
Try this bibimbap recipe
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17
Quinoa tabbouleh
Tabouleh is traditionally made with bulgur wheat, but quinoa gives it a lovely texture and flavour, as well as being a great gluten-free alternative and high in protein and iron. This salad is delicious served with fish, chicken or lamb too.
Try this quinoa tabouleh recipe
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18
Roast duck breasts with South African plums and quinoa
The tartness of the fresh fruit goes wonderfully with the succulent, rich duck and nutty quinoa salad. The perfect dinner party dish or romantic meal
Try this duck breasts with plum recipe
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19
Tuna, green bean and peanut salad
Quick and easy, this tuna and green bean salad is the perfect healthy dinner option. Packed full of green vegetables, quinoa and fresh mint, and drizzled with a peanut and chilli dressing, it will also make a great dinner party side dish.
Try this tuna and green bean salad recipe