25 Easy Quinoa Recipes You'll Love

Chances are you've probably heard the words "quinoa" and "superfood" used in the same sentence at least once or twice—and for good reason! Quinoa is packed with all sorts of nutritious stuff: fiber, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamin E. Quinoa is technically a seed, but it's considered a whole grain and provides all nine essential amino acids—which makes it a great source of protein. In other words, quinoa is really, really good for you! Ree Drummond admits she was late to the quinoa party, but now she's a big fan—and she has some great quinoa recipes.

Quinoa is an ancient crop: The seeds are native to the Andean region of South America and have been grown there for thousands of years. Quinoa was a primary plant for the Inca, Aymara and Quechua people. Nowadays, quinoa has become a favorite in grain bowls and soups—much like brown rice and barley, quinoa is a great, healthy base for veggies and protein. If you're looking for quinoa recipes, there are many different directions you can take: sweet or savory, dinner or snack... you could even make a quinoa cake! Quinoa is an incredibly versatile ingredient, so it's easy to find something that's just right for you.