Today, January 16, I’m reminding you of over 10 Gluten-Free Quinoa Recipes right here on gfe because it’s National Quinoa Day. Here you will find an assortment of recipes from breakfast treats to main dishes to side dishes to desserts.
If you’re not familiar with quinoa, it’s what’s known as a pseudocereal “grain” and it’s gluten free (as long as it’s free of gluten cross contact of course). Pseudocereal grains are seeds that are prepared and eaten similarly to grains. (Some other examples of pseudocereal grains include buckwheat and amaranth.)
Quinoa originated in the Andes region of South America. Today it is grown in more than 70 countries in high-altitude regions, including the United States (primarily in Idaho).
Many applaud quinoa as a super food, in part because of its high protein content. However, some in the paleo community still consider it to have the same negative health effects as they say traditional grains have, gluten free or not. It’s an interesting discussion and some who eat grain free have shared with me that they do better avoiding quinoa as well. Always use the ingredients that work for you personally and seek out the guidance of your personal healthcare professionals of course.
Quinoa not only comes in its seed form but you can also buy and use quinoa flour and quinoa flakes.
I do really enjoy quinoa from time to time. Usually in one of these recipes!
~ Flourless Gluten-Free Chocolate Quinoa Cake
Flourless Gluten-Free Chocolate Quinoa Cake
~ Gluten-Free Apple Quinoa Breakfast Muffins
Gluten-Free Apple Quinoa Breakfast Muffins
~ Gluten-Free Chewy Granola Bars
Gluten-Free Chewy Granola Bars
~ Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Banana Truffle Cookie Bites
Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Banana Truffle Cookie Bites
~ Gluten-Free Granola Cluster Cookie Bites
![You can make these gluten-free Granola Cluster Cookie Bites just about any way you like and then nibble away. Or drop a few in a bowl, cover them with milk, and enjoy some granola cereal! [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Gluten-Free-Dairy-Free-Granola-Cluster-Cookie-Bites.jpg)
Gluten-Free Granola Cluster Cookies Bites
Gluten-Free Magic Quinoa Bar ready to eat. They’re exceptionally chewy and amazing after cooling for an hour.
~ Gluten-Free Popeye Protein and Fruit Bars
Gluten-Free Popeye Protein and Fruit Bars
~ Gluten-Free Quinoa-Crusted Salmon Cakes
Gluten-Free Quinoa-Crusted Salmon Cakes
~ Gluten-Free No-Bake Almond Chocolate Double Coconut Cookies
Gluten-Free No-Bake Almond Chocolate Double Coconut Cookies
Quinoa Tabouli (Taboulleh)
~ Gluten-Free Tropical Mango-Coconut Muffins
![These delicious gluten-free Tropical Mango Coconut Muffins will take you on a trip to the islands with every single bite! No plane ticket needed. [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Tropical-Mango-Coconut-Muffins-Close-up-Broken-Muffin-Queen-of-Quinoa.jpg)
Gluten-Free Tropical Mango Coconut Muffins
Mini Sweet Bell Peppers Stuffed and Ready to Grill
Some More Great Gluten-Free Quinoa Recipes To Check Out
~ Nutty and Light Quinoa Bread
Originally published January 16, 2025; updated March 10, 2025.
Nancy says
Shirley, I just discovered this blog post. This gives me a few new ideas to check out. Though, for years, I avoided quinoa due to Paleo diet restrictions, I’ve found it is not something that I react to. I primarily use the seed. (I have about a dozen quinoa recipes on my blog). I love that it provides protein, vitamins, and fiber. It’s such a great ingredient to add when trying to incorporate more vegan or vegetarian meals into the weekly menus.
Thanks for another great roundup. Nancy
Shirley Braden says
Nancy–Thanks, dear. Admittedly, I was kind of phoning it in with this post. I hadn’t posted in a while as I was recovering from my first surgery and when I saw it was Quinoa Day, I thought ah ha! But I really need to go back and add more links and info on quinoa and different quinoa products. For a main dish, I especially love the salmon cakes in this roundup because they’re a great way to clean out one’s fridge and they make a complete and delicious meal by themselves. Now I need to go check out your quinoa recipes and more! I’m getting ready to have my second surgery with a six-week recovery and I’m tired of making my own stuff. 😉 Hope you’re all recovered from your surgeries now!
Shirley
Nancy says
Shirley, This roundup helped me rediscover the salmon quinoa cake. I made them a few times when you first posted the recipe, and then I had forgotten about them. They were so good! I’ve now purchased the ingredients, and they’ll be on the menu again this week. And next time I need to make a cake, I’m going to make the Chocolate Quinoa Cake! (I just hope I remember it! LOL)
I’ve recovered well from both surgeries, and I wish you a speedy recovery from your upcoming surgery!
Shirley Braden says
Aww, I love your re-discovery, Nancy! Thanks so much for the kind words on the Quinoa-Crusted Salmon Cakes. I love everything about that one! Remembering (ah, that word again!) our recent conversation, this is an instant where it pays to write things down. Now that I’ve said that, please don’t ask me about how many lists and notes I have to remember things (and yes, those sometimes get misplaced despite the fact that I have a designated folder!), including “make this, make that, try this, try that.” LOL I have enough of them to last forever. This morning I finally tried my Magic Oat Bars made with quinoa flakes instead of oats. They work and are yummy!! Yay!
I’m so glad you’ve recovered well, Nancy, and I so appreciate your good wishes for my next surgery!
Shirley
Nancy says
Shirley, I haven’t made Magic Bars in literally decades! I like the idea of the Quinoa Magic Bars, but I would want to wait until I have lots of folks around to help me eat them! Thanks, Nancy
Shirley Braden says
Nancy–You are so right! I hadn’t made the Magic Bars since I posted the Magic Oat Bars in 2010. I halved the recipe for the Magic Quinoa Bars (and used an 8 x 8 pan) but oh my word, are the Magic Quinoa Bars good!! Hoping I have the discipline to put the rest in the freezer for later. Although admittedly, that strategy doesn’t always work as I sort of like semi-frozen treats. LOL I’ve now tried them when they were cool enough to sample and then hours later when they’re totally set up and crispy/chewy. Oh, my, they are way too good!
Shirley