Posted (last updated February 23, 2024) by Wendy Polisi
Every mom wants to know that her kids are eating a healthy balanced diet, but sometimes that is easier said than done. No worries, I've got you covered with these 44 Quinoa Recipes for Kids! These tried and true recipes, with everything from Quinoa Pancakes, to Fritters, and even Chocolate Bars make getting your kids to embrace quality nutrition a breeze.
Very few things in my life have been as challenging as getting my kids to eat a healthy diet.
I wouldn't call any of my three kids difficult in any other area of their lives, but when it comes to food, they are about as picky as it comes.
I supposed they come by it honestly because I am pretty picky too. But that didn't make it any easier when they were little, and I was continually stressing their nutrition needs.
Since back then, my website focused solely on quinoa (you can check out one of my quinoa cookbooks here), it was a food that I worked hard to get them to embrace.
If you face the same challenge, here are 44 Quinoa Recipes for Kids that you don't want to miss.
Is Quinoa Healthy For Kids?
Absolutely! With 8 grams of protein per serving, it is an excellent way to add plant-based protein to anyone's diet. Not only is is a good source of protein, but the quality of protein is exceptional. It is a complete protein because it contains all 9 of the amino acids that we need for health.
More Than Just Protein
The health benefits of quinoa go way beyond just exceptional protein content. It is rich in enzymes, phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
When you compare quinoa to corn, wheat, or barley, it is higher in calcium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron.
1. Quinoa Breakfast Pudding
This simple recipe is quick to make and loved by kids and adults alike. Substitute in their favorite fruit for a nutritious start of the day.
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2. Quinoa Banana Bread
This delicious banana bread has added quinoa right into the batter. The quinoa adds extra protein and a slight crunch, but otherwise you'd never know it was there!
3. Quinoa Pancakes with Blueberries
Sometimes when my boys were little I had to get a little sneaky. These Quinoa Pancakes with Blueberries are so good that kids don't even know they are made with healthier ingredients.
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4. Quinoa Potato Pancakes
These Potato Pancakes have all the flavors of hashbrowns with an additional punch of nutrition.
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5. Quinoa Egg Muffins
Perfect for meal prep, these delicious little nibbles are the perfect way to fuel your morning.
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6. Blueberry Quinoa Muffins
Another nod to the sneaky route, these delicious Blueberry Quinoa Muffins are delicious, healthy, and loved by all.
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This breakfast bowl is quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
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8. Apple Pie Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
Cookies for breakfast? Yes, please! These delicious breakfast cookies have the flavor of your favorite pie in a delicious cookie they will love.
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9. Quinoa Chia Seed Protein Bars
Breakfast or snack? Either way, these protein bars are sure to fuel your day.
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10. Strawberry Quinoa Muffins
These Strawberry Muffins are gluten-free and such a fun way to switch up breakfast.
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11. Quinoa Baby Cereal with Carrot & Apple - Easy to make
An alternative to traditional baby cereal, this homemade quinoa apple and carrot baby cereal is a nourishing meal for little tummies.
12. Quinoa Energy Bars with Chocolate Chips
With crispy quinoa and chocolate chips, these energy bars are always a hit at my house.
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13. Puffed Quinoa Breakfast
These puffed quinoa breakfast jars are made with quinoa pops, Greek yogurt and berries. It’s a healthy breakfast, easy to prepare and delicious. These quinoa breakfast jars are high in protein because of the Greek yogurt & quinoa. Both kids and adults love them. Added bonus, they’re gluten free.
14. Healthy pumpkin, ricotta and quinoa muffins
These muffins are not only tasty but also good for your toddlers. Made with healthy ingredients, they are the ideal morning or afternoon breakfast for the whole family.
15. Mexican Quinoa
Easy healthy vegetarian quinoa recipe made with Mexican seasoning, beans and vegetables to create a deliciously healthy protein and fiber rich dish. This is one of my children's most requested lunch dishes.
16. Black Bean Quinoa Casserole (Vegan)
Black Bean Quinoa Casserole is comforting and easy to make in an hour. The Mexican-inspired flavors of this vegan and gluten-free dish make it a family favorite.
17. Kid Friendly Quinoa Fritters
The only problem with these quinoa fritters is that they tend to disappear just as quickly as you can make them.
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18. Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
These Stuffed Peppers are cheesy and the perfect easy vegetarian meal for busy weeknights.
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19. Quinoa Fried Rice
Kids love fried rice, and this version made with quinoa is just as good as the original.
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20. Quinoa Bacon Club Wrap
This club wrap is a great lunch or easy weeknight dinner. Sometimes I'll skip the lettuce, add more cheese, and cook it in a skillet for a deliciously cheesy wrap that kids can't resist.
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21. Quinoa Crusted Chicken
Just say not to boxed chicken tenders. This Quinoa Crusted Chicken is one that never fails to satisfy.
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22. Quinoa Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Looking for a healthy vegetarian option to traditional meatballs? You are going to love this recipe. With a creamy sauce and served with quinoa pasta, this is one that kids ask for time and again.
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23. Quinoa Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is pure comfort food, and this version with quinoa sacrifices nothing.
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24. Quinoa Taco Salad Bowl
This Taco Salad is always a winner at my house! This version is vegetarian, but feel free to add ground beef or shredded chicken for an extra punch of protein.
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25. Quinoa Patties
Quinoa Patties never get old! This delicious recipe begs to be played with, so feel free to adjust the cheese and veggies according to what you have on hand.
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26. Quinoa Turkey Burgers with Sun Dried Tomato Aioli
I'll be honest - I was never a fan of ground turkey until I created this recipe. These burgers are so moist and full of flavor that you won't believe it.
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27. Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bars
These Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bars are toddler tested and loved. They are filled with tons of broccoli, protein, and fiber rich quinoa so they’re Mom approved, too!
28. Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
Cheese Broccoli Casserole is always a welcome addition to the dinner table. This one works well as a vegetarian main, or a hearty side served alongside meat.
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29. Turkey Quinoa Meatballs
Thes Turkey Meatballs are full of flavor! Toss them in your favorite BBQ Sauce for a meal kids can't resist.
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30. Slow Cooker Mexican Quinoa Chicken Casserole
This chicken quinoa crockpot recipe is a healthy crockpot recipe your family is sure to love. Bright Mexican flavors blend perfectly together forming a delicious family-friendly crockpot casserole.
31. Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with Quinoa Flakes
These wholesome oatmeal cookies are made with bananas (no eggs), quinoa flakes, and brown rice flour. Add in your favorite ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruit!
32. Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake
This high protein, lightly sweet quinoa cake is healthy enough for breakfast. Use leftover quinoa to make it super quick and easy.
33. Quinoa Peanut Butter Cup Protein Balls
These peanut butter cup quinoa energy bites make a delicious snack that is easy and full of healthy fats and plant protein!
34. Quinoa Coconut Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These cookies are hearty and delicious, and they are full of good-for-you ingredients without lacking in flavor.
35. Quinoa Raisin Cookies
Quinoa Raisin Cookies are a fun healthy twist on a classic you love!
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36. Quinoa Crispy Treats
Made with crispy quinoa, these delicious treats are always a hit at my house.
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37. Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios
This Chocolate Bark is one we make time and again! Feel free to play with it, adding in different nuts, dried fruit, and other toppings.
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38. Blueberry Quinoa Crumble
This Blueberry Crumble is a delicious gluten free treat that is great served over ice cream or yogurt.
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Filed Under:
Main Dish RecipesRecipe Round Ups
More Main Dish Recipes
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About Wendy Polisi
Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 18 & 19 and my late life princess is 10.
