16 Delicious Leftover Quinoa Recipes - The Kitchen Chalkboard (2024)

Quinoa is a great side dish, packed with protein and easy to prepare. It’s frequently on our meal plans here at The Kitchen Chalkboard.

But like bolognese, corned beef, and hamburger buns, quinoa is almost better as leftovers. But how do you use it? We’ve rounded up the best leftover quinoa recipes to satisfy every eater.

16 Delicious Leftover Quinoa Recipes - The Kitchen Chalkboard (1)

Want to learn all about leftover quinoa?

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Is Quinoa Good As Leftovers?

Yes! Quinoa is excellent the day after you cook it. Since it has a firm texture, it holds its shape well and doesn’t get soggy.

I find it nearly better the next day — especially if it’s been dressed. The extra time helps the flavors absorb.

If you want to add a dressing the day after it’s been cooked, heat it first. Warm quinoa has a softer texture that takes flavor on better. You can make a large batch early in the week and customize it with different veggies and dressings for easy meal prep.

How Long Does Cooked Quinoa Last In The Fridge

Cooked quinoa is good for up to six days. This is just a guideline, so let your senses be your guide. If the food doesn’t look or smell good, it’s better to toss it.

Can I Eat Leftover Quinoa Cold?

Yes! Quinoa is excellent hot or cold. Lots of salads are better the next day since the flavors can develop more and soak into the quinoa.

How Do You Eat Leftover Quinoa – 15+ Of The BEST Leftover Quinoa Recipes

16 Delicious Leftover Quinoa Recipes - The Kitchen Chalkboard (3)

Quinoa Fritter

Similar to a veggie burger, these patties are packed with protein. Sally’s Baking Addiction’s version is filling — even meat eaters will love them.

Leftover Quinoa Recipes – Vegan

Gingerbread Muffins

Enjoy a taste of the holidays all year with these gingerbread quinoa muffins. Did I mention they are vegan?

Quinoa Fried Rice

The sauce is the star of Minimalist Baker’s Quinoa Fried Rice — sweet and spicy. Don’t let the ingredient list limit you. Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand. This dish is gluten-free and vegan.

Leftover Quinoa Muffin Recipes

16 Delicious Leftover Quinoa Recipes - The Kitchen Chalkboard (4)

Carrot Muffins

These muffins are protein-packed mini versions of a favorite carrot cake made with carrots, walnuts, and spices. They are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Quinoa Egg Muffins

A savory take on muffins, these are perfect for freezing. Then heat them for a portable breakfast on the go.

Blueberry Muffins

You may have all the ingredients for these blueberry muffins lurking in your pantry. They are best on the day they are made but freeze well.

Leftover Quinoa Fried Rice

Curry Fried Quinoa Rice

The mixture of brown rice and quinoa creates an exciting variety of textures in this Indian leftover quinoa recipe. Use frozen brown rice from Trader Joe’s to cut cooking time (it’s ready in three minutes).

Leftover Quinoa Fried Rice

Ham, peas, and eggs make this dish filling. Quinoa adds great nutrients and protein.

Leftover Quinoa Salad Recipes

16 Delicious Leftover Quinoa Recipes - The Kitchen Chalkboard (5)

Favorite Quinoa Salad

I have never made a bad dish from Cookie and Kate and this dish is no exception. It’s refreshing, crisp, and perfect for that leftover quinoa in your fridge.

Southwestern Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Black beans add some texture, cilantro and lime add freshness, and mango adds sweetness. This dish has it all.

Garlic Mushroom Quinoa

We often don’t equate healthy with comfort food but this recipe is an exception. The mushrooms and garlic really shine and create a warm hug in a bowl.

Leftover Quinoa Dessert Recipes

Who says quinoa is just for dinner? This protein powerhouse is great for dessert, too!

Quinoa Pudding

Why does rice get all of the love? Quinoa can do just as much, if not more. This pudding recipe proves it.

Quinoa Dessert Bites

Everyone from toddlers to adults will love these chocolate-coated dessert bites. They are straightforward to prepare, too. With all of the health benefits of this grain, you can easily justify eating them first thing in the morning.

No Bake Quinoa Oat Bars

You had me at no bake. These are the best on a hot day when you can’t bear the thought of firing up the oven.

Freestyle Quinoa Recipes —What To Mix With Cooked Quinoa

Here are some things you can mix with cooked quinoa:

  • Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Dressing
  • Cheese
  • Olives
  • Sundried Tomatoes
  • Carrots
  • Corn

What Do You Think?

Do you like cooked quinoa? What are your favorite leftover quinoa recipes? Let us know in the comments below; I’d love to hear.

Read More:

15 Easy Ways To Use Corned Beef Leftovers

Leftover Taco Meat Recipes —15 Easy Ways To Get Dinner On The Table Fast

23 Easy Ways To Make Leftover Bolognese Into A New Meal

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16 Delicious Leftover Quinoa Recipes - The Kitchen Chalkboard (6)
16 Delicious Leftover Quinoa Recipes - The Kitchen Chalkboard (2024)

FAQs

How long will cooked quinoa last in the fridge? ›

For a healthier twist on pasta or potato salad, toss cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, vinegar and olive oil. Add cooked quinoa to soups, stews and casseroles. Store cooked and cooled quinoa in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What to add to quinoa to make it taste good? ›

I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper. I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.

Why is my quinoa soggy and not fluffy? ›

One Part Quinoa to Two Parts Water

It all comes down to texture. Add too little water and your grains may burn on the bottom of the pot before they cook through. Add too much water and you'll end up with soggy, overcooked, and mushy grains.

What is the best way to eat quinoa? ›

We tend to think of quinoa as a savory food to be eaten at lunch or dinner. That doesn't have to be the case. Top your quinoa with fresh berries, peanut butter, shredded coconut and honey for a sweet yet healthy breakfast option. You can also make overnight quinoa as an alternative to overnight oats.

Is quinoa healthier than rice? ›

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

How to tell if quinoa has gone bad? ›

The most obvious indication that quinoa is spoiled is the smell. In the fridge, it won't smell like much unless it's begun to spoil. Then, it will take on a rotten aroma, letting you know it needs to be tossed. It may also start to change texture, emitting a milky liquid or turning overly soft, rubbery, or tough.

What happens if you don't rinse quinoa? ›

It wasn't a huge difference in texture, but definitely noticeable. Rinsing quinoa definitely starts to hydrate the seeds. Flavor – In terms of flavor, the unrinsed quinoa definitely had a nuttier, earthier flavor, but I didn't find it bitter at all. The rinsed quinoa was definitely milder and the flavors more muted.

How much quinoa does 1 cup make? ›

For 1 cup of uncooked quinoa, you'll want to use 2 cups of water—this will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa.

What color quinoa is best? ›

White, red, or black? They're pretty much all the same nutritionally—so go with what tastes best to you, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, owner of Nutrition Starring You, LCC. White quinoa is the least bitter of the three, while red and black have a chewier texture that holds up better in cold dishes like salads.

What pairs well with quinoa? ›

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

How does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

How Quinoa Helps In Weight Loss? Rich dietary fibre and protein increase metabolism, and that makes quinoa good for weight loss. Cooked Quinoa contains five grams of dietary fibre per cup. Eating high fibre foods is often the missing piece when a person is trying to shed weight.

How many times a week should I eat quinoa? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Can I eat quinoa after 5 days? ›

Just make sure to consume it within five days of cooking and don't eat it if there are any obvious signs of spoilage such as an off smell or the appearance of mold. Cold you can add it to salads or eat it alone. Does quinoa need to be soaked before cooking?

Can you refrigerate and reheat quinoa? ›

Quinoa is packed with healthy protein, vitamins and minerals, and a batch takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook. For convenient and fast meals, cook up an extra batch, store it in the refrigerator for as long as four days and reheat it in the microwave as needed.

Can I freeze cooked quinoa? ›

How long can you store cooked quinoa? Frozen cooked quinoa will last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Be sure to store it in tightly sealed containers or bags, with as much air as possible squeezed out, for best results and to prevent freezer burn.

How long are cooked grains good for in the fridge? ›

Once the grains have been fanned and are cool, transfer them to the refrigerator to cool completely. Store in tightly-sealed containers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days at 40°F (4°C) or lower. They can also be frozen for a few months.

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