Learn how to easily cook quinoa for kids with simple tips and tricks and quick recipes to share. Each of these recipe can be shared with babies and toddlers…and us parents!

quinoa recipes for kids in grid

Quinoa for Kids

I love to vary the grains that I serve to my family and to experiment with using options like quinoa in a range of recipes. Quinoa is an easy way to add nutrients into rotation, can provide vegetarian protein, and can be used similarly to rice and other grains in recipes and meals.

Quinoa does have a more noticeable flavor than most rice recipes, so you may want to see how your kids prefer it. They may like it better when it’s flavored as it can taste a little grassy.

I love relying on this pantry staple to make vegetarian meals for kids—including healthy toddler breakfasts, easy meal prep lunches, and make-ahead toddler dinners.

Nutrition in Quinoa

Quinoa is a perfect vegetarian food to share with the kids since it’s packed with nutrition—including complete protein (which is rare in a vegetarian food) and fiber.

It’s also versatile and can be flavored with so many spices or other fresh ingredients, which means you can change how you use it throughout the year or according to what you’re wanting to make.

quinoa baby food in bowls

Can quinoa be eaten by kids?

Quinoa is considered to be a grain and can be enjoyed by kids similarly to how you’d serve rice. When cooked soft, it’s very easy to eat and chew, even for babies. I love serving quinoa as quinoa baby cereal, as pudding, and the way you’d use rice in recipes such as patties and stir fries.

Why is quinoa good for kids?

Quinoa is rich in nutrients, including protein and fiber, and is a quick-cooking food that can be flavored with all sorts of other ingredients, sauces, and spices. It’s also gluten-free, which can be helpful for many families.

Can my baby eat quinoa?

Quinoa is a great baby food since it’s nutrient-dense and easy to flavor. You can make pureed smooth quinoa baby food or a thicker, more textured quinoa baby cereal. Just learn how to cook quinoa on the stove and you are good to go!

quinoa fried rice in bowls

How can I make quinoa taste good?

The easiest way to make quinoa taste good is to first rinse it in a fine-mesh sieve, which can help to remove any lingering saponins (which taste bitter). And then add flavor. From butter and a little salt to pizza sauce, pesto, lemon, and so many other options, you can really tailor the flavor of quinoa for what your kids like.

You can even use it to make homemade tots!

Favorite Quinoa Recipes for Kids

Below are some of my favorite easy recipes for quinoa to share with the kids. Each can also be enjoyed by us parents (which can help cut down on food waste).

quinoa baby food with strawberries

Quinoa Baby Food

This easy cereal has a similar consistency to cream of wheat and is a great option for breakfast.

Quinoa Baby Food (Easy Baby Cereal)
Transform nutrient-rich quinoa into a delicious baby food—with options for older kids and parents to share it—using this simple method. (Find flavor variations and storage tips too.)
Quinoa Baby Food (Easy Baby Cereal)
quinoa-baby-cereal-in-bowls-on-counter
quinoa fried rice in pan

Shortcut Quinoa Fried Rice

With a short cooking time and the ability to prep it ahead, this easy skillet meal is a delicious vegetarian meal to share with the whole family.

Shortcut Quinoa Fried Rice
Transform cooked quinoa into a really delicious skillet dinner with this shortcut Quinoa Fried Rice. You can add eggs or omit them, and add more (or less) flavor to your own bowl. See the optional toppings to customize this for each person at your table!
Shortcut Quinoa Fried Rice
quinoa fried rice in skillet
quinoa in white bowl

How to Cook Quinoa on the Stove

Learn the most basic (and easy) way to cook quinoa, and then find simple ways to add flavor. With storage tips too.

How to Cook Quinoa
Learn the basics of cooking quinoa, with easy (and flavorful) ways to serve it to babies, toddlers, big kids…and us parents! There is a base recipe here, plus simple ways to flavor it.
How to Cook Quinoa
quinoa in white bowl
cauliflower-tots-on-round-plate

Cauliflower Tots

Transform cooked quinoa into tender homemade tots with this easy recipe.

Homemade Cauliflower Tots
With quinoa, cauliflower, and cheese, these healthy little tots are a great finger food for kids. This recipe makes about 20 tots, which is 4-6 servings for toddlers—or 1-2 servings for adults.
Homemade Cauliflower Tots
cauliflower tots on white and red plate
quinoa-pudding-with-raspberries-in-bowls

Quinoa Pudding

Learn how to cook quinoa into an easy pudding that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert for all ages.

Easy Quinoa Pudding
This creamy Quinoa Pudding can be served warm like oatmeal or cold like rice pudding. Sweeten to taste, if desired, and top with fruit or stir in a fruit puree to serve.
Easy Quinoa Pudding
quinoa-pudding-with-raspberries-in-bowls
mediteranean-quinoa-salad-on-white-plate

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

I love this salad in the summer as it’s fresh, easy, and lasts in the fridge. It’s a perfect lunch or potluck meal to share.

Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mix up this grain salad to have lunches prepped for the week for yourself, or to have a dinner side or vegetarian main dish to share with the family.
Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
mediterranean quinoa salad on two plates
butternut squash and quinoa baby food

Butternut Squash Quinoa

Blend up a simple mix of squash and quinoa in this recipe that’s a great Stage 3 Baby Food…or easy family side dish.

Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Baby Food
Try this as a transition food for an older baby or a healthy side dish for a family meal.
Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Baby Food
butternut squash and quinoa baby food

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This post was first published June 2022.

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