Quinoa

What is quinoa? Quinoa is a grain-like seed that is cultivated primarily for its edible seeds. It is native to the Andean region of South America and has been a staple food for thousands of years. Quinoa is often categorized as a pseudocereal, similar to amaranth and buckwheat.

In culinary uses, quinoa is versatile and can be used in salads, soups, and grain bowls. It can be served as a side dish or a base for various dishes. There are different types of quinoa, including white, red, and black, each offering a slightly different flavor and texture.

Quinoa nutrition is notable as it is high in protein compared to other grains, providing all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Additionally, it contains dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.

To cook quinoa, rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any bitterness before boiling them in a pot with a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the seeds become translucent and the germ separates. For storage, cooked quinoa can be kept in the refrigerator for about 5 days and can be frozen for longer preservation.

Quinoa nutrition per 100g

Energy
Calories 120kcal 6%
Protein
Protein 4.40g 3%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 22g 6%
Fiber 2.80g 7%
Sugar 0.87g 1%
Fat
Fat 1.92g 2%
Saturated 0.23g 1%
Cholesterol 0.00mg -
Vitamins
Vitamin A 0.00ug 0%
Choline 24mg 4%
Vitamin B1 0.11mg 9%
Vitamin B2 0.11mg 8%
Vitamin B3 0.41mg 3%
Vitamin B6 0.12mg 7%
Vitamin B9 40ug 10%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug 0%
Vitamin C 0.00mg 0%
Vitamin E 0.63mg 4%
Vitamin K 0.00ug 0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 16mg 1%
Copper, Cu 0.19mg 21%
Iron, Fe 1.49mg 14%
Magnesium, Mg 66mg 15%
Phosphorus, P 150mg 12%
Potassium, K 170mg 5%
Selenium, Se 2.80ug 5%
Sodium, Na 7mg 0%
Zinc, Zn 1.09mg 10%
Water
Water 70g -
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Quinoa recipes

Quinoa chicken schnitzel with pumpkin

Nutritious quinoa chicken schnitzel served with honey pumpkin and broccoli.

07 Jan 2026

Fresh green quinoa bowl

A nutritious green quinoa bowl with kale and avocado.

28 Dec 2025

Quinoa pilaf

Nutty quinoa pilaf with fresh vegetables and herbs.

08 Feb 2026

Shrimp and quinoa stir-fry

A quick and healthy shrimp and quinoa stir-fry enriched with soy sauce.

14 Jan 2026

Quinoa banana oat cookies

Nutritious quinoa banana oat cookies with peanut butter and coconut.

30 Dec 2025

Black bean & corn quinoa

A nutritious Black Bean & Corn Quinoa dish that's easy to make.

01 Dec 2025

Berry-pecan quinoa bowl with honey almond milk

A nutritious berry-pecan quinoa bowl with honey almond milk.

23 Jan 2026

Fresh quinoa spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette

A refreshing quinoa and spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette.

28 Dec 2025

Nutrient-packed quinoa superfood breakfast bowl

Fuel your morning with a quinoa superfood breakfast bowl.

26 Dec 2025

Creamy cardamom & raisin quinoa pudding

Enjoy a creamy cardamom and raisin quinoa pudding for dessert.

17 Feb 2026

Gluten-free almond and quinoa cakes

Healthy gluten-free almond and quinoa cakes, baked until golden.

26 Dec 2025

Mediterranean quinoa salad with olives, cucumber and herbs

A refreshing Mediterranean quinoa salad with olives and herbs.

16 Nov 2025

Curried quinoa with cauliflower, greens & raisins

A wholesome curried quinoa dish with cauliflower, spinach, and raisins.

15 Mar 2026

Roasted vegetable & quinoa harvest bowls

A comforting roasted vegetable and quinoa bowl with sesame dressing.

29 Jan 2026

Black bean-quinoa burgers with spicy mayo, avocado and mango

Nutritious black bean-quinoa burgers with spicy mayo and fresh toppings.

26 Jan 2026

Overnight raspberry, chia and quinoa pots

Healthy overnight raspberry, chia, and quinoa pots.

16 Dec 2025

Crispy pumpkin and quinoa croquettes

Enjoy crispy pumpkin and quinoa croquettes, perfect as a snack or main dish.

18 Feb 2026

Fresh quinoa tabbouleh with feta and herbs

A refreshing quinoa tabbouleh salad with feta and herbs.

21 Mar 2026

Cucumber and quinoa salad

A refreshing cucumber and quinoa salad with dill and lemon.

21 Feb 2026

Coconut granola-topped roasted blueberry quinoa parfaits

Enjoy a nutritious quinoa parfait with roasted blueberries and coconut granola.

15 Jan 2026

Coconut quinoa curry with veggies

A nourishing coconut quinoa curry packed with vegetables.

31 Dec 2025

Vegetarian quinoa chili

Enjoy a hearty Vegetarian Quinoa Chili packed with nutrients.

16 Nov 2025

Blueberry crumble cake

Enjoy a moist blueberry crumble cake with a crunchy topping.

03 Feb 2026

Fresh quinoa tabbouleh salad

A refreshing Fresh Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad with zesty flavors.

01 Dec 2025

Vegetable quinoa pilaf

A vibrant vegetable quinoa pilaf with lemon and fresh veggies.

05 Feb 2026

Quinoa, prosciutto and mushroom pizza

A healthy quinoa pizza topped with prosciutto and mushrooms.

12 Nov 2025

Protein breakfast bowl

A nutritious protein-packed breakfast bowl with quinoa and eggs.

06 Jan 2026

Curried quinoa chickpea stew with fennel

Hearty curried quinoa chickpea stew with fennel and raisins.

12 Nov 2025

Gluten-free quinoa pancakes

Nutritious gluten-free quinoa pancakes for a tasty breakfast.

23 Dec 2025

Quinoa and sweet potato fritter

Nutritious quinoa and sweet potato fritters, perfect for any meal.

19 Dec 2025

Gluten-free quinoa anzac biscuits

Delicious gluten-free quinoa ANZAC biscuits with coconut and almonds.

14 Nov 2025

Broccoli, cheddar & quinoa gratin

A wholesome broccoli, cheddar, and quinoa gratin perfect for any meal.

28 Nov 2025

Choc coconut quinoa porridge

Enjoy Choc Coconut Quinoa Porridge topped with raspberries and almonds.

11 Dec 2025

Quinoa and broccoli patties

Nutritious quinoa and broccoli patties, perfect for a snack.

07 Feb 2026

Roasted broccoli salad with brown rice and quinoa

A nutritious roasted broccoli salad with quinoa and feta cheese.

13 Feb 2026

Vegetarian mushroom ‘meatballs’

Baked vegetarian mushroom meatballs made with quinoa and herbs.

18 Feb 2026

Quick and easy mexican quinoa bowl

A vibrant Mexican quinoa bowl with corn, beans, and salsa.

07 Dec 2025

Quinoa porridge

A nutritious quinoa porridge with banana and almond milk.

28 Dec 2025

Almond milk quinoa porridge

Nutritious almond milk quinoa porridge topped with yogurt and berries.

18 Nov 2025

Quinoa patties with spinach and red pepper

Make delicious quinoa patties with spinach and red pepper.

19 Nov 2025