Easy Quinoa Recipes

Kristie Collado|March 6, 2015 6:21 pm EST

Quinoa is a tiny seed with big health benefits. If you're looking for easy ways to eat healthy, try cooking up some quinoa.

Quinoa can be cooked (and served) like rice. Use a 2:1 ration of liquid to quinoa — that means if you want cook 1 cup of dry quinoa, use 2 cups of water or stock. Put the quinoa and the liquid into a saucepan and bring the liquid to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer the quinoa until fully cooked, about 15 minutes. You'll know that the quinoa is done when the seeds become slightly translucent and have a thin ring around them. When the quinoa is done cooking, leave the lid on the pan and let the quinoa steam for another 3 to 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve.

If you're looking for a few easy quinoa recipes to get you started, read on.

Apricot Cilantro Quinoa PilafClick here for the recipe.

Dried apricots and toasted pumpkin seeds give this nutty quinoa pilaf lots of texture and flavor. This sweet and savory dish is so delicious you'll probably forget it's also good for you!

Crispy Quinoa BitesClick here for the recipe.

Perfect for a healthy meal on the go, these baked quinoa bites are cheesy and delicious. Plus, they're loaded with flavor thanks to the Vidalia onions, minced garlic, fresh basil, and chili powder.

Quinoa and Tomato SaladClick here for the recipe.

You can't talk about summer produce without talking about tomatoes and this easy-to-make salad is all about the tomatoes! They're paired with protein-packed quinoa and fresh chives for a light yet filling summer salad.

Kristie Collado is The Daily Meal's Cook Editor. Follow her on Twitter @KColladoCook.