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What To Eat With Quinoa? 15 Best Side Dishes

Not sure what to eat with quinoa?

Don’t worry!

I’ve got 15 of the best side dishes that will be perfect complements to your quinoa creations.

Quinoa is a fantastic base for salads, entrees, and even snacks.

But it can also be an excellent addition to any meal – especially when served alongside some delicious sides!

These recipes have all been specifically chosen to go perfectly with your favorite grain.

Dig in and try out veggies medleys, succulent roasts, creamy soups, cheesy gratin dishes and plenty more.

Whether you’re looking for something hearty or light, these options won’t disappoint.

So put on your chef’s hat and check out this list of compliments-worthy side dishes for quinoa.

Quinoa
Source: loveandlemons.com

Why Consider Serving Sides with Quinoa?

  • Variety: Serving sides with quinoa adds variety to the meal, making it more interesting and enjoyable for everyone.
  • Nutrition: Quinoa is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants but can be low in certain nutrients like calcium and iron. Adding sides such as leafy greens or legumes can help boost the nutritional value of your meal by providing additional vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in quinoa alone.
  • Flavor: Sides can add flavor to your quinoa dish by introducing different herbs, spices or sauces into the mix. This will make your meal more flavorful and exciting!
  • Texture: Different textures are important when creating a balanced plate – adding crunchy vegetables or creamy beans to your quinoa will create contrast in texture which makes eating more enjoyable!
  • Color: A colorful plate is always appealing – adding brightly colored fruits or vegetables to your quinoa dish will make it look even more appetizing!

What To Eat With Quinoa? 15 Best Side Dishes

Quinoa is a nutritious and delicious grain that can be used in many different ways.

But what should you eat with quinoa?

Here are fifteen great side dishes that will add flavor, texture, and nutrition to your meal:

1 – Sautéed Kale

Kale sautéed in garlic, olive oil, and chile flakes is the ultimate simple side dish.

It pairs well with quinoa for a protein-packed meal.

Besides being delicious, kale is loaded with vitamins A and K as well as antioxidants.

The bright green color amps up your plate visually while delivering big flavor.

If you want to jazz it up even more, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or some roasted pine nuts on top.

Delicious!

2 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are the perfect side dish for just about anything.

They can be cooked to perfection in an oven in less time than it takes to cook any other vegetable.

Whether you serve them simply sprinkled with salt and pepper, tossed in a glaze of balsamic vinegar or honey, or flavored with bacon and garlic, these classic sprouts bring great flavor to any meal – especially when served alongside soup!

3 – Veggie Egg Scramble

A veggie egg scramble is a fantastic way to enjoy quinoa for breakfast.

Start by sautéing some diced peppers, onions, mushrooms and spinach with your favorite herbs and spices.

Then add some beaten eggs and cooked quinoa to the pan.

Stir it all together until lightly scrambled and heated through.

Top with a sprinkle of feta cheese or Parmesan, before serving warm with some toast or on its own!

4 – Vegetable Soup

Get your veggies in with a hearty, comforting bowl of soup.

This easily customizable vegetable-packed soup cooks up quickly to serve as the perfect side for grilled cheese sandwiches, crunchy baked fish sticks, or a simple salad.

Load it up with whatever vegetables you have on hand – from cauliflower to kale – and season it up with aromatics such as garlic and onion for optimal nutrition and flavor!

5 – Baked Sweet Potatoes

Give quinoa a hearty, vegan makeover with this baked sweet potato dish.

Be sure to get the fluffiest cooked quinoa, by rinsing it before boiling and adding some olive oil while cooking.

Then add vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers or onions and spinach leaves.

Bake up perfectly-cooked, tender sweet potatoes in a foil packet next to the quinoa for an easy but delicious meal that comes together quickly!

6 – Roasted Beets

Roasted beets are a wonderfully easy and tasty side dish.

Not only do they make any meal more special, but they can also add a beautiful, vibrant splash of colour to any plate.

To cook them perfectly every time, simply drizzle with oil or butter and bake at 400 degree Fahrenheit for 45 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Serve warm or cold with your choice of seasoning – coarse salt and freshly-ground pepper is always delicious!

7 – Spanish Rice and Beans (Mexican Rice)

Make this vibrant, flavorful Mexican rice side dish and sprinkle your quinoa with salty feta cheese or toasted sliced almonds.

This classic Spanish-style rice is the perfect pairing for any main course — it works beautifully in a complete meal of steak tacos, beans, and ricotta-stuffed peppers.

It’s also an ideal accompaniment to grilled shrimp fajitas or seared salmon fillets cooked in olive oil and lemon juice.

8 – Vegetarian Chili

Create a hearty, protein-rich chili good enough for even the most ardent carnivore.

This vegetarian chili is packed with savory mushrooms, succulent bell peppers, red kidney beans and sweet corn.

With an array of herbs and spices to add complexity to the heat — from smoky cumin and paprika to tart lime juice — it makes an ideal side dish for any soup or salad.

9 – Grilled Vegetables

Grill up an array of summer vegetables and you’ll have created a dish that is almost too pretty to eat.

Tender-crisp zucchini, asparagus and sweet peppers are just some of the vegetables that take beautifully to grilling, so plan ahead by thinking seasonal and selecting whatever looks best in your grocer’s case.

Finish off with a sprinkle of savory herbs or fresh lemon juice for flavor!

10 – Caprese Roasted Asparagus

Take your next quinoa bowl to the next level with some bright, flavorful roasted asparagus!

In this dish, springy asparagus spears are tossed in olive oil and sea salt, then oven-roasted until tender and slightly charred.

Next comes a sprinkling of fresh Mozzarella cheese chunks, ripped basil leaves, balsamic reduction, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese.

This is guaranteed to add color and texture – not to mention flavor! – that pairs perfectly with your tasty quinoa.

11 – Avocado and Tomato Salad

If you’re looking for an easy side salad that goes with grilled meat, this bright-tasting mix of diced avocado and juicy cherry tomatoes is just what you need.

Toss it all together in a simple vinaigrette and add some optional extras like zesty red onion or crumbled bacon cooked until crisp.

This colorful salad also makes a great accompaniment to tacos, soups, quesadillas, chili, veggie burgers – the possibilities are endless!

12 – Mashed Cauliflower

Enjoy quinoa’s protein-rich properties while taking advantage of its light texture and flavor when served alongside mashed cauliflower.

This healthy alternative to mashed potatoes boasts a savory, nutty taste and is a great vehicle for melted butter, garlic salt, tangy Parmesan cheese or rosemary.

It also allows you to kick up the amounts of other nutritional powerhouse ingredients like chives, parsley and cilantro.

Topping this dish off with roasted bell peppers or chopped green onions adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with quinoa dishes.

13 – Roasted Carrots with Honey and Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Roasted carrots are a delicious and versatile side dish, especially with a flavorful honey garlic yogurt sauce.

Toss the carrots in a little bit of oil, seasonings, and caramelized onions to bring out their natural sweetness while they roast in the oven.

Once golden on the outside and tender on the inside, drizzle over that luscious honey-ginger-garlic sauce!

14 – Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

Make a hearty, healthy quinoa-stuffed pepper meal with colorful bell peppers.

Stuffing each bell pepper with cooked quinoa, black beans and your favorite salsa adds texture and flavor to this filling vegetarian entrée.

Top with freshly grated cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, before baking in the oven until golden brown.

Enjoy alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced energizing meal.

15 – Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

This classic broccoli and cheese casserole is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

It’s a great way to up your veggie intake, while getting some cheesy coverage along the way.

Mix together steamed broccoli florets, some cheddar cheese, crushed cracker crumbs, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce before baking everything in one dish.

Serve with no-fuss roast chicken or pan-fried pork chops for an unforgettable meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quinoa is a nutritious and delicious grain that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

But what to serve with quinoa?

The best side dishes to serve with quinoa are steamed kale, roasted Brussels sprouts, eggs with veggies, vegetable soup, baked sweet potatoes, roasted beets, rice and beans, vegetarian chili, grilled vegetables, roasted asparagus, avocado and tomato salad, mashed cauliflower, and roasted carrots.

These sides are all easy to make and provide a great accompaniment to quinoa dishes.

With these options, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that your family and friends will love.

Quinoa

What To Eat With Quinoa (15 BEST Sides)

Knowing what to eat with quinoa can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be! In this article, I'm sharing 15 of my favorite sides to pair with quinoa. These recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. So if you're looking for the perfect accompaniment to your quinoa dish, you've come to the right place.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Sautéed Kale
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Veggie Egg Scramble
  • Vegetable Soup
  • Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • Roasted Beets
  • Spanish Rice and Beans (Mexican Rice)
  • Vegetarian Chili
  • Grilled Vegetables
  • Caprese Roasted Asparagus
  • Avocado and Tomato Salad
  • Mashed Cauliflower
  • Roasted Carrots with Honey and Garlic Yogurt Sauce
  • Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
  • Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite recipe from the article.
  • Organize your ingredients and utensils.
  • Follow the detailed instructions in the recipe to make your side dish.
  • Prepare and serve for delicious meal!
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.