Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones. This quinoa and black bean bowl comes together in just 5 minutes with a handful of wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a no-fuss lunch. Protein-packed black beans and fiber-rich quinoa form a satisfying base, while creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and fresh salsa bring color, texture, and bright flavor to every bite (1, 2).

Active time: 5 minutes | Total time: 5 minutes

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup low-sodium black beans
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
• 2 tbsp salsa
• 1/4 avocado, sliced

Directions

Combine the quinoa, black beans, lettuce, salsa, and avocado in a bowl. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Serves: 1 | Serving Size: 1 bowl

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 287; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 527mg; Carbohydrate: 44g; Dietary Fiber: 14g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 13g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 8%; Iron: 23%; Potassium: 847mg; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 18%

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Quinoa is a protein-packed, gluten-free whole grain that cooks quickly, which is ideal on busy weeknights. The quinoa salad and tomato-cumin dressing can be made up to two days in advance. 

Skirt steak is a long, thin cut that absorbs marinades quickly and is deliciously tender as long as you slice it against the grain and cook it until it’s just medium-rare; any longer and it can become tough. 

RD Tip: Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish entirely gluten-free.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes, plus marinating time

Peruvian Quinoa Salad with Grilled Skirt Steak

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 lb skirt steak, cut crosswise into 2 pieces
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 3/4 cup red quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 small (5-oz./142g) sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch (1.3cm) cubes
• 1 large ear corn, shucked 
• 2 cups baby spinach or arugula leaves, lightly packed

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Transfer 1/4 cup of the mixture to a zip-top bag, add the beef, and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Add the tomatoes and cilantro to the remaining lime juice mixture and set aside.

In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups water with the quinoa and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt; stir to combine. Place the sweet potatoes on top without stirring. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa and sweet potato are tender. Remove from heat, stir in the spinach, and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Discard the marinade and place the steak and corn on the grill. Grill the steak for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer to a cutting board, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Continue grilling the corn, turning every 3–5 minutes, until all sides are lightly charred.

Remove the corn from the grill, slice the kernels from the cob, and stir into the quinoa mixture. Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Divide the quinoa mixture among four plates, top with the steak, drizzle with the reserved lime-tomato dressing, and serve.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 3 oz. steak, 1 scant cup quinoa and 2 tbsp dressing

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 495; Total Fat: 27g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 14g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 73mg; Sodium: 707mg; Carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 30g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 1%; Calcium: 6%; Iron: 26%; Potassium: 899mg; Vitamin A: 16%; Vitamin C: 33%

Originally published: August 11, 2018; Updated June 2026

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The Instant Pot renders chicken thighs fall apart-tender and slender Japanese eggplant deliciously custard-like in just 12 minutes under high pressure. As an added bonus, quinoa, which is a complete protein, can be cooked at the same time using the “pot-in-pot” method (1). You’ll need a tall trivet and 6-cup (1.4L) baking dish that fits inside the pot to cook the quinoa above the chicken mixture.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Pressure Cooker Ginger Chicken and Eggplant

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, meat cut into 1/2-inch (1.3cm) strips
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) low sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp sambal oelek
• 1 large Japanese eggplant, cut crosswise into large (2-inch/5cm) lengths
• 3/4 cup (128g) dry quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (12g) basil leaves, torn

Directions

Select the sauté function on the electric pressure cooker and adjust to high heat. Season the chicken all over with salt. Add the olive oil to the pressure cooker and, when hot, add the chicken. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until browned. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 20 seconds, or until fragrant. Press cancel.

Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, and sambal oelek, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Arrange the eggplant on top of the chicken without stirring.

Place a tall trivet over the chicken and eggplant mixture. In a heatproof baking dish or bowl, combine the quinoa with 3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp water. Cover tightly with foil and place on the trivet.

Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Quick-release the pressure and remove the lid. Carefully remove the baking dish and trivet. Discard the foil and fluff the quinoa with a fork.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water. Select sauté and adjust to medium heat. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the pot and simmer for about 1 minute, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens. Top with basil and serve with the quinoa.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 cup (227g) chicken-eggplant mixture and 1/2 cup quinoa

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 334; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 106mg; Sodium: 854mg; Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 29g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 5%; Iron: 16%; Potassium: 713mg; Vitamin A: 3%; Vitamin C: 6%

Originally published: November 7, 2019; Updated May 2026

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The buttery, corn-like flavor of acorn squash marries well with maple syrup and quinoa in this autumnal showstopper. It makes a colorful side dish on your holiday table. To control portion sizes, slice the squash crosswise into smaller sections.

Active time: 15 minutes Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Acorn Squash With Cranberry, Quinoa and Goat Cheese Stuffing

Ingredients

• 2 (862g) acorn squash
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2/3 cup (120g) dry quinoa, rinsed 
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup (55g) toasted pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 oz. (57g) plain goat cheese, crumbled

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the squash in half lengthwise, trimming off the stem and base of the pointed end so they sit upright. Scoop out seeds and discard. Place the squash halves cut side up in a 9-by-13-inch (23cm-by-33cm) baking dish. Drizzle the squash with 1 tbsp of the oil and the maple syrup. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and the pepper. Cover baking dish and bake until squash are tender when pierced with a fork, about 40 minutes.

While the squash halves are baking, make the filling. Heat the remaining tbsp of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the quinoa and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant,about 1 minute. Remove from heat, add 1⅓ cups cold water and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Return to heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the grains have expanded and the water has been absorbed, 12-15 minutes. Stir in the cranberries, remove from heat, and let stand, covered for 10 minutes to finish cooking.

Stir the pecans, parsley and vinegar into the quinoa. Pour the maple syrup and oil pooled in the cavities of the squash into the quinoa mixture as well and stir to combine. Stuff quinoa mixture into the cavities of the squash, sprinkle with goat cheese and serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/2 squash, 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp stuffing 

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 468; Total Fat: 23g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 12g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Sodium: 651mg; Carbohydrate: 60g; Dietary Fiber: 11g; Sugar:14g; Protein: 10g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 15%; Iron: 20%; Potassium: 974mg; Vitamin A: 17%; Vitamin C: 33%

Originally Published November 23, 2019; Updated June 2026

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