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  4. Quinoa Recipes That Make Eating Healthy Easy and Delicious

Quinoa Recipes That Make Eating Healthy Easy and Delicious

Mary Shannon Hodes, Associate Digital Editor at Southern Living
By Mary Shannon Wells June 17, 2021
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Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs

For decades, diet culture has given carbs a bad rap that they don't (always) deserve. Sure, chili cheese-covered fries and a giant bowl of tortellini drenched in sauce and meatballs aren't great for the waistline, but carbs are good, people! Of course, they taste amazing. But carbs can actually be amazing for you, too. Carbs are literally fuel for your body; that morning cup of coffee has nothing on the energy some post-workout carbs will give your muscles and nervous system, honey! With that being said, healthful carb choices make all the difference. You're going to get tons of vitamin A and good-for-you fiber if you choose to roast some sweet potatoes at dinner, but you won't get any nutrient wins from say, a piece of garlic bread. All this carby chat brings us here, to quinoa. To our keto readers, quinoa is up there on the carbohydrate scale, sorry. But it's high in protein to keep you fuller longer between meals, full of fiber to keep your digestive system happy, and it has all nine essential amino acids. Essential is a word that isn't thrown around lightly! We haven't even mentioned the vitamins and antioxidants it packs as well. These nutritional benefits are proof positive that you should be adding a scoop of quinoa to your plate. It's versatile enough that you can enjoy it as a side dish with any main, or it can be the star of the show in a quinoa salad or breakfast quinoa bowl. We're sharing some of our favorite quinoa recipes, whether you want to enjoy a quinoa salad with chicken at lunch or even a fruit crisp with a sweet quinoa granola topping. It's time to fill up the tank, y'all. These are the best quinoa recipes to get your body going.

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Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing

Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing

This salad is full of hearty, good-for-you ingredients like rotisserie chicken, quinoa, sugar snap peas, and radishes, but we have to admit: The pepper jelly dressing is the true star of the show.

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Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Katie Jacobs

Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa

This easy fall side dish can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to four days to add to lunches and dinners all week. When stored in an airtight container like a Mason jar, this flavorful salad is a great portable option for picnics.

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Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Granola

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp with Sweet-and-Savory Granola
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Mary Claire Britton

Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Granola

Ian Rynecki, the executive chef at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Virginia, created this elegant crisp recipe that's perfect for spring gatherings. Unsure how quinoa fits into this? It's hidden in the healthy granola topping!

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Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas

Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas
Credit: Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

Recipe: Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas

This simple 20-minute recipe makes a fabulous dinner or leftover lunch for the next day. Feel free to add chicken, shrimp, salmon, or steak for a boost in protein.

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Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Quinoa

Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Quinoa Recipe
Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Quinoa

This seasonal recipe proves chili doesn't have to be super unhealthy. We love any meal that comes together with the help of our slow cooker, and this lightened-up recipe uses ground turkey instead of ground beef.

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Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

This simple salad is the least boring sack lunch you'll ever bring to work. Since the recipe calls for store-bought rotisserie chicken, prep time is minimal.

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Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad

Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad
Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad

Pork chops are a budget-friendly weeknight favorite, and this recipe is a healthier way to serve than frying. A light quinoa salad is the perfect pairing for them.

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Quinoa Porridge With Crispy Fried Egg

Quinoa Porridge With Crispy Fried Egg
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Quinoa Porridge With Crispy Fried Egg

Quinoa isn't just for suppertime. It's a delicious base for this easy, savory bowl that will keep you full until lunch.

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    1 of 8 Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing
    2 of 8 Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa
    3 of 8 Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Granola
    4 of 8 Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas
    5 of 8 Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Quinoa
    6 of 8 Chicken-Quinoa Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
    7 of 8 Lemon Pork Chops with Quinoa Salad
    8 of 8 Quinoa Porridge With Crispy Fried Egg

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