Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (2024)

By: AlyssaRating 39 Comments on Healthy Quinoa Stuffing

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This gluten-free, vegan Quinoa Stuffing recipe is healthier than traditional Thanksgiving stuffing and just as delicious, thanks to fresh herbs, sweet potato, and crunchy pecans.

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (1)

this recipe

One thing I am thankful for every year at Thanksgiving, in addition to my family and friends, is the abundance of healthy food at our table.

Every year, I like to bring some healthier options to lighten up the traditional Thanksgiving classics like mashed potatoes and pie. I always bring this nutty quinoa stuffing. If you have any vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian eaters at your holiday table, they're going to love this dish. And if not, they'll still love it just as much!

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (2)

Ingredients

This quinoa stuffing gets tons of seasonal flavor from some important ingredients, including:

  • Quinoa. Use any variety you like. I like the flavors of tri-color quinoa.
  • Vegetable broth
  • Sweet potato. Butternut squash also works
  • Shallot.You could also use diced onion or garlic.
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh herbs. I usethyme, rosemary, and sage.
  • Cinnamonfor a bit of warmth.
  • Chili pepper flakes. This is optional if you like some spice
  • Pecans. You can use any nut you like. Walnuts or hazelnuts are also delicious.

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (3)

Fresh vs. Dried Spices for Stuffing

I like using these dried, hearty spices in my stuffing recipe because you can add them to the oven and not worry about them getting burned. Simply Organic makes my favorite spices. To finish the dish, that's when I'll use fresh herbs to highlight their delicate flavors, aromas, and textures.

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (4)

Stuffing Mix-Ins

If you'd like to amp up the flavors and textures in this dish, try adding some simple mix-ins like:

  • Diced apples. I recommend a sturdy tart apple like Granny Smith.
  • Dried fruit. Dried cranberries, dates or golden raisins are great.
  • Fresh or frozen cranberries. Add them to the roasting pan with the squash.
  • Diced celery for added crunch.
  • Vegetarian sausage for protein.
  • Pepitas

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (5)

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Stuffing

For all you gluten-free eaters out there, this recipe is the perfect substitute for the classic Thanksgiving stuffing. It's light, flavorful, and packed with all the standard ingredients. But, you won't find any bread here. It's simply my dear friend quinoa.

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (6)

Make-Ahead Stuffing

There's a lot to do on Thanksgiving day, so make things a bit easier for yourself by prepping this dish ahead of time. You can assemble the entire dish (leave out the nuts) up to two days ahead of time. Keep the stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve. You can add the nuts at the last minute to keep them crunchy. Serve this dish cold or at room temperature.

More Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes For Your Menu

  • Green Bean & Almond Quinoa Salad
  • Fall Quinoa Salad with Butternut Squash and Apples
  • Roasted Brussels Sprout Quinoa Salad
  • Simple Fall Salad with Roasted Acorn Squash + Pomegranates
  • Kale + Shredded Brussels Sprout Quinoa Salad

If you make this Quinoa Stuffing Recipe, be sure to let me know what you think with a comment below!

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing

5 from 23 votes

This healthy gluten-free quinoa stuffing is loaded with butternut squash, pecans, dried cranberries and tons of fresh and dried herbs for a better-for-you Thanksgiving side dish.

yield: 10 Servings

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (7)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 30 minutes minutes

Total: 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add quinoa and broth to a large pot. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to simmer for 10 - 15 minutes until all the broth as been absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork and allow to cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

    Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (8)

  • While the quinoa is cooking, preheat the oven to 400ºF.

  • Toss your diced sweet potatoes (or squash), shallot and garlic in a large bowl. Add spices, salt and pepper, then drizzle with oil and toss to combine. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast for 15 - 20 minutes, flipping half way through.

    Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (9)

  • Assemble stuffing by combining cooked quinoa, potatoes and pecans in a large mixing bowl. Stir together and add apple cider vinegar, rosemary and thyme. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

    Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (10)

  • Serve cold or reheat slightly.

    Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (11)

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 658mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 11640IU | Vitamin C: 3.9mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2.9mg

cuisine: American

course: Side Dish

★★★★★

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Be sure to share a comment and rating to let us know!

Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (12)

Filed Under:

  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Recipes
  • Sides
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
Healthy Quinoa Stuffing Recipe (Gluten-Free & Vegan) - Simply Quinoa (2024)

FAQs

How much quinoa per person? ›

How to cook quinoa perfectly every time. You'll need about 50g of quinoa per person (make sure to rinse it first) and chicken or vegetable stock. We can't emphasise using stock enough. It really makes a difference to the flavour, yet is subtle enough not to distract from your final dish.

What to eat 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).

Can you eat quinoa flakes raw? ›

Organic Quinoa Flakes are made from white quinoa that has been rolled and flattened. After this process, the quinoa flakes can be eaten just like the puffed quinoa without any need for cooking.

How do you season quinoa so it tastes 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.

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.

Is 1 cup of quinoa too much? ›

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.

How much quinoa per day to lose weight? ›

This may promote weight loss. A 2017 study stated that consumption of 50 g of quinoa daily may lower triglycerides in obese individuals and may reduce the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes).

Is 1 cup of quinoa enough for 2 people? ›

Quinoa Serving Size

The recommended portion per person is ¼ cup of uncooked quinoa or ¾ cup of cooked quinoa if served as a side dish. If you need to make 2 cups of cooked quinoa for a recipe, cook ⅔ cup of dry quinoa with 1 cup of water.

Does quinoa burn belly fat? ›

It is very healthy due to its plant chemical contents that cause the secretion of appetite-suppressing hormones that curb your appetite. 25. Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

Can I eat quinoa everyday? ›

Quinoa is high in fiber, plus several vitamins and minerals that are low in many people's diets. Regularly eating quinoa can help you meet your needs for magnesium, potassium, iron, fiber, and folate, a vitamin that's especially important during pregnancy due to its role in fetal growth and development ( 14 ).

What is the best time to eat quinoa? ›

Quinoa can be consumed anytime – at breakfast, lunch or dinner. But it is best to eat healthy food like quinoa before going to bed. It induces sleep, because it relaxes the muscles, due to its high magnesium and protein content. “One can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day.

Is oatmeal or quinoa better for you? ›

Oats contain macronutrients such as total carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, total fat, proteins, saturated fats, iron, zinc, potassium, etc. Though both kinds of cereals are rich in nutrients, Quinoa is considered to be the healthier of the two.

What happens if you don't wash quinoa before eating? ›

The whole debate started thanks to saponin, a naturally occurring chemical that coats every tiny grain of quinoa. It's there for good reason—to ward off insects—but it has a strong, unpleasant taste. Rinsing the quinoa gets rid of the saponin and thus its bitter flavor—great.

Can dogs eat quinoa? ›

But, can dogs eat quinoa? The answer is generally yes. The edible seed is actually an ingredient in some high-quality dry dog foods. Its strong nutritional profile makes it a healthy alternative to corn, grains like wheat, and soy—all starches that are often used to make kibble.

How to flavor quinoa after it's cooked? ›

At the very least, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. To kick it up another notch, stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese, or use it in one of the quinoa recipes below!

How do you make quinoa not taste bad? ›

But what most people don't know is that it's possible to get rid of the bitterness. All you have to do is thoroughly rinse the raw quinoa under running cold water, dragging your fingers through it as you rinse to make sure the water gets to every grain.

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