8 Delicious Quinoa Recipes For Kids

Quinoa, often hailed as a superfood, is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It’s packed with essential nutrients, high-quality protein, and is gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for kids. However, getting kids to embrace this nutritious grain can be a challenge. To make the process easier and more enjoyable, we’ve curated a list of 08 delicious quinoa recipes that are not only packed with flavor but also appeal to children’s palates. These recipes will have your kids asking for more, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing they are eating something wholesome.

8 Delicious Quinoa Recipes For Kids

1.Cheesy Quinoa Bites

Cheesy quinoa bites are an excellent way to introduce quinoa to your kids. These bite-sized snacks are a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and quinoa’s nutty flavor. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients until well combined.
Scoop the mixture into the mini muffin tin.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bites turn golden brown.
Let them cool slightly before serving.
Quinoa Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are a kid-favorite, and by adding quinoa to the mix, you can boost the nutritional content of this classic comfort food. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup grated zucchini
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated vegetables, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Shape the mixture into nugget-sized pieces and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Serve with your kids’ favorite dipping sauce.
Veggie-Packed Quinoa Fried Rice

Kids often enjoy fried rice, and this version sneaks in quinoa for added nutrition. It’s a colorful and tasty way to introduce quinoa to your children.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)
1/2 cup diced chicken (optional)
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken (if using) and cook until it’s no longer pink.
Push the chicken to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs.
Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until they’re tender.
Stir in the cooked quinoa and soy sauce.
Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry until everything is well combined.
Serve hot and watch your kids enjoy this nutritious twist on a classic favorite.
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and healthy meal for kids. By incorporating quinoa, you’re making it even more nutritious.

Ingredients

4 bell peppers (any color)
1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup black beans
1/4 cup corn kernels
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes.
Stir in the cooked quinoa, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them in a baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Let them cool slightly before serving.
Quinoa Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a beloved classic for kids, and this quinoa version adds a healthy twist to this comfort food.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens.
Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cooked macaroni, and the cheese sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Quinoa Banana Pancakes

Pancakes are a breakfast favorite for kids, and these quinoa banana pancakes are a delicious and nutritious way to start the day.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple syrup and sliced bananas for topping

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mashed bananas, eggs, milk, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Mix until the batter is smooth.
Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
Pour pancake-sized portions of the batter onto the griddle.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
Serve with maple syrup and sliced bananas.
Quinoa Pizza Bites

Pizza is a universally loved dish, and these quinoa pizza bites are a creative twist that kids will adore.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sliced pepperoni (optional)
Chopped bell peppers, olives, or other favorite pizza toppings
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Place a spoonful of the mixture into each muffin cup.
Add your choice of pizza toppings on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bites are golden brown.
Let them cool slightly before serving.
Quinoa Peanut Butter Energy Balls

These energy balls are a perfect snack for kids, combining the goodness of quinoa with the deliciousness of peanut butter.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, apricots, or dates)
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, dried fruit, ground flaxseed, and vanilla extract.
Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Roll the mixture into small balls.
Place the energy balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate until they firm up.
Store in an airtight container and enjoy as a nutritious snack.

Conclusion

Introducing quinoa into your child’s diet need not be a daunting task. These 8 delicious quinoa recipes offer a variety of options that appeal to children’s taste buds. From cheesy quinoa bites to quinoa banana pancakes, these recipes make it easy to incorporate this superfood into your child’s meals. By making quinoa a regular part of their diet, you’ll be ensuring that they receive essential nutrients and develop a lifelong love for healthy eating. So, go ahead, whip up these quinoa creations, and watch your kids relish every bite while you enjoy the satisfaction of providing them with a nutritious meal.