You've Been Eating This Superfood All Wrong

Quinoa is a superfood that we all know and love and for good reason. The protein-rich grain is high in fiber, iron, potassium, and vitamin B2. It pairs perfectly with just about anything and can even help with bloating and weight loss. We love mixing it with salads and in standard quinoa dishes, but there's a whole other realm of recipes that this supergrain takes to the next level. See some of the most unexpected (and delicious) uses of quinoa below. Source: Jenny Sugar, Michele Foley, and Healthful Pursuit

01
Puffed or Popped
Healthful Pursuit

Puffed or Popped

One of the more surprising ways to eat quinoa is to puff up the healthy grain — much like popcorn — which gives it a nuttier flavor. Once it is popped and prepared, you can eat it like a snack or use it to make breakfast bars like these no-bake cinnamon-raisin granola bars.

You can even buy quinoa prepopped, then top your favorite dishes with the protein-rich puffs.

02
Granola Substitute

Granola Substitute

If you want to shake up your granola game, then try swapping out standard oats for your favorite type of quinoa. A nutty and sweet granola recipe with the grain is high in iron and cholesterol free. Photo: Lizzie Fuhr

03
Quinoa Sushi
Healthful Pursuit

Quinoa Sushi

Quinoa is the perfect texture to substitute for rice in any recipe but especially in a sushi roll. If you're craving sushi but want to steer clear of starches and carbs, simply swap in this supergrain to make vegetarian California rolls.

04
As a Dessert Option

As a Dessert Option

When you think quinoa, dessert is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind, but there are actually plenty of ways to add it in to a sweet and healthy treat. These strawberry bites are filled with a mashed banana and quinoa mixture and topped with chopped raw almonds, so they're protein-rich, full of fiber, and flavorful. Photo: Jenny Sugar

05
Quinoa Instead of Flour

Quinoa Instead of Flour

While quinoa can't be used as a full substitute for all-purpose flour, it can be cooked, processed, and blended in with flour or flour-free substitutes as a supplement. Dairy-free ginger cookies are a protein-filled (and guilt-free) quinoa dessert option.

You can also add whole quinoa to existing flour to pump up the nutritional content, like with these quinoa pancakes. Photo: Jenny Sugar

06
In a Smoothie

In a Smoothie

A lot of smoothie recipes call for the addition of protein powder to ramp up the drink, but if you mix in quinoa, you can skip the powder and still get this important nutrient. Blending the cooked grain in to smoothies can also give them a subtle nutty flavor that balances out any sweet fruit the smoothie contains.

For blending raw quinoa, you'll need a higher-powered blender, but it's easily mixed in if you cook it up first. Photo: Michele Foley

07
Quinoa Cereal
Bon Appétit

Quinoa Cereal

Start your day right with a dose of protein and amino acids in a savory overnight breakfast dish or a cold quinoa cereal with berries. Quinoa can also be used just like oats and made into a hot porridge to start your day with.