What Pairs Well With Quinoa?

Picture of a Quinoa

Category: Grain

Quinoa is a grain-like seed that is often used as a substitute for grains in cooking. It is a highly nutritious food that is gluten-free and rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor and a fluffy texture when cooked. It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stir-fries, and as a side dish. Quinoa is considered a superfood due to its many health benefits and versatility in cooking.

Flavor Profiles:

  • Nutty
  • Earthy
  • Slightly Bitter

What goes with Quinoa:

  • Cranberries – The tartness of cranberries complements the earthy flavor of quinoa, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
  • Almonds – Almonds pair well with quinoa due to their complementary flavors and textures, as well as their shared health benefits, making them a popular combination in salads, grain bowls, and other dishes.
  • Arugula –
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette –
  • Chicken –
  • Garlic – Garlic’s pungent and savory flavor complements quinoa’s mild and nutty taste, creating a harmonious combination that is commonly used in various dishes for added depth and richness.
  • Olive Oil – Olive oil’s fruity and slightly peppery flavors complement the nutty taste of quinoa, while its richness enhances quinoa’s texture and provides a harmonious balance in taste and mouthfeel.
  • Dill – Dill’s light, refreshing taste complements the mild, nutty flavor of quinoa, making them a great pair for salads, side dishes, and grain bowls.
  • Pomegranate Seeds – Pomegranate seeds provide a burst of tart sweetness that complements the nutty, earthy flavor of quinoa, while their juicy texture adds a pleasant contrast to quinoa’s fluffy consistency.
  • Feta Cheese – Feta cheese pairs well with quinoa due to its tangy, salty flavor and crumbly texture, which complements quinoa’s mild, nutty taste and tender, slightly crunchy texture.
  • Cucumber – Cucumber and quinoa complement each other well in a dish as they both have a mild, subtle flavor and can be combined to create a refreshing and nutritious salad, with the crunchy texture of cucumber and the satisfying bite of quinoa.
  • Red Onion – Red onion’s mildly sweet and pungent flavor complements the nutty and slightly earthy taste of quinoa, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination in various dishes.
  • Mint – Mint’s refreshing and vibrant flavor complements quinoa’s mild and nutty taste, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination in various dishes.
  • Lemon Vinaigrette – Lemon vinaigrette pairs well with quinoa because its tart and tangy flavor profile complements quinoa’s mild, nutty taste, while the acidity helps to enhance the natural flavors and tenderize the grain.
  • Dried Cranberries –
  • Sauteed Mushrooms – Adds a rich, earthy flavor that complements the nutty taste of quinoa.
  • Sweet Potatoes –
  • Black Beans – Black beans and quinoa complement each other well in terms of nutrition, as black beans provide complete protein and quinoa provides essential amino acids, creating a balanced and nutritious plant-based meal.
  • Cayenne Pepper –
  • Coconut Milk –
  • Corn – Corn and quinoa complement each other well in a dish because corn provides a sweet and starchy flavor and texture, while quinoa adds a nutty and slightly crunchy contrast, creating a balanced and satisfying taste and mouthfeel.
  • Lime Juice – Lime juice’s tangy and bright flavor complements quinoa’s mild and nutty taste, enhancing its overall flavor profile while adding a refreshing twist.
  • Kale – Kale and quinoa pair well together because their flavors and textures complement each other, with the mildly bitter and earthy taste of kale contrasting the nutty and slightly sweet flavor of quinoa, while the tender leaves of kale balance the chewy texture of cooked quinoa seeds.
  • Spinach – Spinach and quinoa pair well together because the mild, nutty flavor of quinoa complements the slightly bitter, earthy taste of spinach, while their contrasting textures provide an interesting mix of soft and crisp in each bite.
  • Cilantro – Cilantro’s bright, citrusy flavor complements quinoa’s nutty taste, while its delicate leaves provide a refreshing contrast to quinoa’s texture.
  • Chickpeas – Chickpeas and quinoa pair well together because chickpeas provide a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture, while quinoa offers a light, nutty taste and a fluffy, slightly crunchy texture, creating a balanced and complementary contrast in a meal.
  • Herbs –
  • Lemon – Lemon pairs well with quinoa because its citrusy acidity complements quinoa’s nutty, earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste and refreshing each bite.
  • Bell Peppers – Bell peppers and quinoa both have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and crisp texture, making them a satisfying and complementary pairing in dishes like stir-fries, salads, and grain bowls.
  • Grilled Chicken – Provides a good source of protein and complements the texture of quinoa.
  • Balsamic Vinegar – Balsamic vinegar pairs well with quinoa because its sweet and tangy flavor profile complements the mild, nutty taste of quinoa, adding depth and complexity to dishes.
  • Vegetables – Vegetables pair well with quinoa because of their complementary textures and flavors, as well as quinoa’s ability to absorb the flavors of accompanying ingredients while providing a source of complete protein.
  • Broccoli –
  • Roasted Vegetables – Adds flavor, color, and nutrients, and pairs well with the mild, nutty flavor of quinoa.
  • Coriander –
  • Soy Sauce – Soy sauce enhances the nutty flavor of quinoa while providing saltiness that balances quinoa’s earthy taste, making it a perfect combination for various dishes.
  • Lemon Juice – Lemon juice’s tangy and bright flavor complements quinoa’s mild and nutty taste, creating a refreshing and flavorful dish.
  • Green Onions – Green onions and quinoa both have mild, subtle flavors that complement each other well, and the crisp texture and slight pungency of green onions adds contrast and interest to the nutty, tender quinoa.
  • Beans –
  • Salt –
  • Pepper –
  • Avocado – Avocado pairs well with quinoa because its creamy texture and mild flavor complement quinoa’s nutty taste and slightly crunchy texture, creating a harmonious balance in taste and texture in plant-based dishes.
  • Balsamic Glaze – Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to neutral-tasting quinoa, enhancing its nutty profile while providing a delightful contrast in texture.
  • Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes pair well with quinoa due to their complementary flavors and textures, with the sweetness of the tomatoes balancing the earthy taste of the quinoa, while their juiciness provides a refreshing contrast to the chewy grain.
  • Cucumbers –
  • Tomato –
  • Lime – Lime’s tangy and refreshing flavor complements quinoa’s mild and nutty taste, creating a delicious and zesty meal.
  • Carrots – Carrots pair well with quinoa because their sweetness complements the nutty flavor of quinoa, while their texture provides a satisfying contrast to the small, tender grains.
  • Chicken Broth –
  • Sesame Oil – Sesame oil’s nutty and distinct flavor complements the nutty taste and crunchy texture of quinoa, enhancing its overall taste and dining experience.
  • Vegetable Broth – Vegetable broth pairs well with quinoa because it adds flavor and moisture during cooking, enhancing the nutty taste and fluffy texture of the grain.
  • Fried Plantains – The sweetness of fried plantains balances the nuttiness of quinoa, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
  • Roasted Beets – The earthy flavor of beets complements the nutty taste of quinoa, while the sweetness of roasted beets provides a nice contrast.
  • Green Salad With Vinaigrette –
  • Celery –
  • Turmeric –
  • Parsley – Parsley’s bright, mildly bitter flavor and aromatic quality complements quinoa’s mild, nutty taste, creating a harmonious and flavorful dish.
  • Veggie Wraps –
  • Steamed Vegetables – Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers add color, texture, and essential vitamins to a quinoa dish.
  • Lemon Zest – Lemon zest pairs well with quinoa because its bright, citrusy notes complement quinoa’s mild, nutty flavor, creating a refreshing and aromatic dish.
  • Spinach And Feta Sausage – Complements the quinoa with its salty, savory flavor and adds protein and iron.
  • Garlic And Herbs – Enhances the flavor of quinoa and adds aroma, making it more appealing.
  • Lemon Juice And Zest – The acidity of lemon juice and zest brightens the flavor of quinoa and adds a fresh taste.
  • Dried Fruits And Nuts – Dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and nuts like almonds, walnuts add a sweet and crunchy texture to quinoa.
  • Fresh Salad Mix – Fresh salad mix and quinoa pair well together because the leafy greens and crisp vegetables in the salad mix complement the nutty and slightly earthy flavor of quinoa, while also providing a contrast in texture.