Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (2024)

by Lindsay 50 Comments

Hi Friends!

As promised, things are back on schedule today! I was going to write my FNCE recap but I ended up spending most of the day yesterday playing catchup- on sleep, on emails, on hubby time. This upcoming weekend will be the first weekend in a month that hubby and I have both been at home together. I can’t wait! Anyways, I whipped up the tasty little bites pictured above for dinner last night and just HAD to share them today!

Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (3)

One of the things I miss most when I’m traveling is cooking my own food. I’m a sucker for being in control so I can only tolerate eating out so many times before I get a little stressed out. So, even though I hadn’t been grocery shopping, I headed straight to the kitchen last night to see what I could come up with. The end result was delicious and that’s good news for me because it means that all of the ingredients are things that I almost always have on hand, no matter whether I’ve just gone grocery shopping or haven’t gone for a few weeks.

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Mexican Quinoa Bites

Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (4)

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Throw your taste buds a miniature fiesta with these easy Mexican bites.

  • Author: Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/2 c quinoa, uncooked
  • 1 c black beans, cooked
  • 1/4 c avocado, smashed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 c corn kernals, cooked
  • 1/2 c onion, diced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 c ground pepitas (or breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 c low-fat mexican shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa and cook according to package directions.
  2. Combine beans, avocado, peppers, corn and onion in a small bowl and mix well.
  3. Add spices and stir to combine.
  4. Add cooked quinoa (cooled slightly), egg and ground pepitas and mix well.
  5. Spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray and spoon in quinoa mixture.
  6. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 min in pan.
  8. Gently remove from pan and serve with bbq sauce or salsa.

Aren’t they cute? I’m love bite-sized foods. These would make a great party appetizer, tailgate snack or dinner entree!

I dipped mine in bbq sauce,
hubby topped his with sriracha.

Next time I might try mixing the bbq sauce in before baking!

Let’s chat!

Bite-size or full-size?
What’s your favorite appetizer?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (7)

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About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (9)Sandra Laflamme says

    Those look delicious. I just love quinoa but my husband is not ao sure. Perhaps these would make a great app for my next book group. thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

  2. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (10)Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    such a cool idea to smack the avocado in this! I love bite-sized goodies… maybe a little too much at times. LOL!

    Reply

  3. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (11)Court Star @ StarSystemz says

    I am obsessed with muffin tin recipes because #1 they are so easy and #2 they are the perfect size and #3 they are perfectly shaped which makes my life a heck of a lot easier to make appetizers that look appealing for guests! I will have to try this baby out! I just made turkey muffins check out my blog for the recipe I think you will really enjoy them. Love and Shine CourtStar

    Reply

  4. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (12)Miz says

    I LOVE my minimuffin tins too.
    for savory all the way…

    Reply

  5. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (13)Julie @ ROJ Running says

    These look really amazing. Makes me sad I can’t have quinoa! But what a great idea for taking to a party.

    Reply

  6. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (15)lindsay says

    welcome home friend. glad you are getting some quality time with the hubs and doggies soon. These are just brilliant. I shall make and put an egg on top!

    Reply

  7. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (16)Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness says

    Love this recipe! These are so cute and would make such a cute appetizer! I’ve been loving quinoa lately and am always looking for new ways to prepare it!

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (17)Lindsay says

      awesome! hope you like them!

      Reply

  8. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (18)Andrea says

    These are precious!! Adding them to my ‘to make’ list!

    Reply

  9. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (19)Linz @ Itz Linz says

    I love all your “bite” recipes!! They are perfect for appetizers! I’m more of a full size kind of person for dinner… but these bites are perfect to bring to someones house!

    Reply

  10. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (20)Mo says

    YUM!!! I am the same way – I can only stand eating out so much before I NEED to return home & cook. Nothing beats a home cooked meal!

    Reply

  11. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (22)Laura says

    Just pinned! They are the cutest… and we’re hosting friends next weekend, I think I’m going to make these as an appetizer!

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (23)Lindsay says

      yay!!! let me know how it goes!!

      Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (25)Lindsay says

      thank you!!!!!! aren’t they cute 🙂

      Reply

  12. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (26)Alexis @ Hummusapien says

    I NEED a mini muffin tin! Everything is better pre-portioned…even if it means I eat like ten 🙂 These look awesome, Lindsay!

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (27)Lindsay says

      oh girl, yes you do! go buy one ASAP!

      Reply

  13. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (28)Allie says

    I definitely love bite-sized for appetizers or any time there are a lot of different food options–then I can taste it all! But regular meals? I love to go gigantic, haha. Ridiculously large omelets, giant bowls of salad, oh yes!

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (29)Lindsay says

      haha i seem to like either mini or giant! in between is just boring!

      Reply

  14. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (30)Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    Oh man, I’m so excited to see another quinoa recipe. I <3 quinoa. Now I have an excuse to buy a mini muffin tin!

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (31)Lindsay says

      everyone needs mini muffins!

      Reply

  15. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (33)Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run says

    Ohhhhh, I’m makin’ these babies in the next day or two!!! I’ll take pics.;)

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (34)Lindsay says

      yay!!! can’t wait!!

      Reply

  16. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (35)Lauren says

    Yum! I may try these out tonight! My husband won’t often eat vegetarian, so when he’s gone at work, that’s my pleasure. I’m really liking the look of your blog! It’s much cleaner and easier on my eyes! 🙂

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (36)Lindsay says

      hope you like them!

      Reply

  17. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (37)Iris says

    These are adorable! And they look delicious too – I would definitely add Sriracha like your husband did (I’m a Sriracha fiend). 😉

    Reply

  18. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (38)Amanda @RunToTheFinish says

    Yes! I am pinning this now so I can remember it. I saw your instagram and have been dying to see the recipe!

    Reply

  19. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (41)sarah k @ the pajama chef says

    i made something like this over the summer. i’m sure they are great!

    Reply

  20. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (42)Kierston says

    Love mini bites! These look delish! Pinning 🙂

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (43)Lindsay says

      thanks so much!!

      Reply

  21. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (44)Katie Z says

    Oh my gosh. You are officially a genius. This is so perfect!!

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (45)Lindsay says

      enjoy!!

      Reply

  22. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (47)Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says

    This look amazing. I love everything quinoa, so these look like such happy little quinoa muffins!

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (49)Lindsay says

      thank you!

      Reply

  23. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (51)Kam says

    Dan and I (from Perth) made these for lunch yesterday, they were a hit! Thanks for the great idea. Sending foodie love from down under!

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (52)Lindsay says

      ahhhh! yay! so glad to hear it 🙂

      Reply

  24. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (53)Kristi Rimkus says

    It’s recipe is on my appetizer list for sure. What a great way to get the family to eat quinoa.

    Reply

  25. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (54)Roughly A Runner says

    This is genius. Abso-effing-lutely genius.

    That is all.

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (55)Lindsay says

      haha well thank you 🙂

      Reply

  26. Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (56)Pam says

    These look amazing! Can these be baked a day in advance? I have a Mexican themed Potluck lunch at work and wont be able to make them “fresh” that same day. What do you think?

    Reply

    • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (57)Lindsay says

      I think they’d be ok. I’ve reheated leftovers before and they were fine.

      Reply

      • Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (58)Pam says

        Awesome! Thanks for your quick response. I’ll let you know how they turn out. 🙂

        Reply

Leave a Reply

Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you Flavour quinoa when cooking? ›

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.

Can you give babies quinoa? ›

Popped quinoa can be sprinkled on top of or mixed into other foods as soon as baby is ready for solids, generally around 6 months old so long as the food that it is mixed into is soft.

What can I add to quinoa to make it tastier? ›

Serving suggestions: I love to stir a drizzle of olive oil and clove of garlic into warm quinoa for extra flavor. Other options include chopped fresh spinach or arugula, or massaged kale. Fresh herbs and/or dried spices are nice, as well as grated or crumbled cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pitted and sliced olives, etc.

When should you not eat quinoa? ›

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.

Who can not eat quinoa? ›

Allergy to other foods used as grains: Quinoa may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to foods used as grains, such as buckwheat, wheat, and rice. If you have allergies to grains, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before using quinoa.

Do we need to soak quinoa before cooking? ›

Do you need to soak quinoa before cooking it? In short, no, you don't need to soak quinoa. However, doing so is said to remove phytic acid, which may make it easier for people to digest quinoa. If you just want to remove the bitter flavor from quinoa, rinse it under cold water for about a minute.

How do you make quinoa not taste bad? ›

Happily, the solution to preventing bitter quinoa is very simple. All you need to do is rinse your uncooked quinoa in cold running water for a minute or so until the water runs clear.

What liquid to cook quinoa in? ›

The basic ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid. You can use water (season it with a bit of kosher salt), or you can use any kind of broth (we like to use low-sodium broths and add any extra salt to the finished dish as needed). You can also add a bit of dry white wine to the liquid for another layer of flavor.

How do you soak quinoa to get the bitterness out of it? ›

Soak or rinse the quinoa first.

Soaking quinoa in water may help to lower its phytic acid content, and at the same time, it may also help to remove the saponin found in its natural coating. (This can give quinoa a bitter taste.)

Do you rinse quinoa before or after cooking? ›

Rinsing quinoa is preferable, especially if you are sensitive to the bitter taste of saponin. I personally always wash quinoa before cooking as I am one of those people who can taste the bitter flavor of saponin. I also think that cooked quinoa tastes better when it is rinsed before cooking.

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