How I made QUINOA taste 10x BETTER

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🔑 KEY MOMENTS
00:00 Why quinoa is the worst
00:30 Rinse and cooking the quinoa
01:26 Prepping the vegetables
03:14 Drying the quinoa
03:52 Roasting the quinoa and veggies
04:41 Today's sponsor: OSEA
05:58 Prepping the marinated chickpeas
08:26 A superstar ingredient ✨
09:18 Tossing the quinoa and optional mix-ins
10:40 Removing quinoa and veggies from the oven
11:01 Time to assemble!

[@RainbowPlantLife]

Get the printable recipe here: rainbowplantlife.com/quinoa-salad/

[@balancechigong]

Please

[@mirjanaxx8899]

your recipies are all good, but you always put oli in a lot of steps. In the end the meal has a lot of calories, which is sad because you never mention that.

[@jekku4688]

I's spring here. Just discovered garlic scapes. OMG. Where have these been all my life??? Raw, cooked, they're very versatile...and very seasonal. Get 'em while you can, and add them to your dishes and salads!

[@sandygrow5698]

So many influencers will say things like "oh these kelp noodles are SO good" or "I promise this cauliflower rice tastes just like rice!" LIES. I love that Nisha tells it like it is.

[@RainbowPlantLife]

😂 hahaha I do love cauliflower but I will never tell you that cauliflower rice tastes the same as rice.

[@slapaho]

I’ll never forget someone tried to say that plain riced cauliflower was an excellent substitute for grated Parmesan on pasta dishes. I was like, girl… 🙄

[@1auntievenom]

​@slapaho but a grated macadamia nut works pretty well in a pinch.

[@DeliaLee8]

Totally. I have never enjoyed the texture (or taste of quinoa) and really thought I was the exception. So glad to hear that many others don't like it either. Love that Nisha has, of course, come up with a great way to use it and also a great looking salad overall!

[@caseytyler8326]

@@RainbowPlantLife right? I love cauliflower fucking love it but cauliflower rice is just no 😩 they ruined the cauliflower

[@donteatthehomies]

I actually love adding plain quinoa to my salads to bulk them up. I don't mind the taste or texture because it absorbs the dressing nicely. But this is a creative spin that I'd definitely try inappropriating into my salads!

[@abcdfg4281]

True, for me I like to add it to my soups since I barely notice it!

[@Eyrascal]

I really need to start doing this. In the past I’ve eaten pre-made salads with quinoa, which were super tasty… but at home I’ve only experimented with it hot. I like stir frying some veggies and adding spices (like cumin, red pepper flakes, etc) then combining it all. Tastes like a crunchier fried rice. The cool thing about cold quinoa being in salads is it really doesn’t need any seasoning when you have the dressing to shine. Seems like a super healthy and convenient way to pack in extra fiber and cold veggies😋 thank you for the inspiration!

[@slapaho]

I love that you basically turned quinoa into toasted bread crumbs. Genius! 😄

[@RainbowPlantLife]

Ha, this is a great description!

[@Roxanna.wez5671]

I was thinking the same thing and wondering what to use it as breading on 🤔

[@hortensejones4050]

Do you know if quinoa retains any/all nutritional value when it’s cooked and baked? Thanks, as always. Your videos (cookbook) & you are gems.👏👏👏🌿💕🌿🌷

[@egle2864]

​@@hortensejones4050there's no definitive research on that yet. Another method I see suggested is to toast quinoa before boiling, which should improve flavour, though won't be crunchy as in Nisha's recipe.

[@krie6336]

@@hortensejones4050 Quinoa should not be affected by cooking and roasting. It is mainly made of fiber, protein, carbs, and trace minerals that don't degrade or "lose nutritional value" from cooking. It does have kaempferol and quercetin that are probably not heat tolerant, but you should just have some kale or arugula for those instead as quinoa contains quite little. Remember it is always better to eat cooked and flavored veggies/whole grains than none at all!

[@mariaadii]

My favorite way to eat quinoa is with a lemon/tathini dressing, and essentially all of the veggies I have on hand. Tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, olives...The tahini dressing makes it SO good.

[@andreabontempo643]

What is your recipe? Sounds delicious

[@user-qd7hh6hp6j]

Great idea,thanks. I just love tahini

[@sarahjaye4117]

Do you add maple syrup or garlic or anything

[@jenn735]

Thank you so much I have all those topping you resolved my meal for dinner

[@vanessasplace8690]

I have made this already and PEOPLE, this is how quinoa should live. It is a total gamechanger, SO good. I always ate it cuz I 'should'. Never excited, EVER. This will be back in my rotation for sure! Loved watching the process video on this! Thank you Nisha!

[@RainbowPlantLife]

🥳 so delighted to hear you enjoyed quinoa so much in this recipe! Thank you for sharing!

[@morganburgett6842]

I'm loving this editing style where you show what you're about to do in little snippets then flash back to you. Great way to keep our attention and show us what we're in for!

[@sarahwarderberg5626]

You are like the vegan mother we all need

[@RainbowPlantLife]

Hahaha I’ve never thought of myself as a traditional mother, but I’ll take vegan mother!

[@ladylight66]

speak for yourself

[@shaymay2892]

​@@RainbowPlantLife Well what's the difference? Except animal products..

[@lilpeepsasseater]

@@ladylight66ugh the profile picture 🤣🤢save me

[@Kuoncchi]

A weird way I started doing quinoa through trial and error is: - rinse - roast it in olive oil(or any oil) and some condiments until you can hear its toasted and smell it ( i usually use vegetable stock powder // not the water one because you wanna roast it ) - cook it with 1.25 cup water to 1 cup quinoa until the water is gone and let it dry out after And bam it usually tastes really good. I know it maybe sounds weird but try it out if you're low on time and want some quinoa.

[@LocdnessMomster]

This is actually the usual way to cook it so you lucked into tradition

[@Kuoncchi]

@@LocdnessMomster Lucky me I guess, I had no idea XD

[@faeriefriendable]

that's pretty much how my mother from Italy made her rice and she called it pilaf, It's so much more flavorful than plain. Thank you for reminding me

[@bmiles4131]

That’s how my mom made ricearoni, never thought of doing it with quinoa. I can’t bake in the oven like this video as I always burn it.

[@pthaloblue100]

Great suggestion, I'm going to try it out, thanks!!💟

[@lumailisa]

A great post! My top tips for quinoa.... ☺️ (a) Rinse if you have to (better brands don't need rinsing, you will have to test with and without to see if your brand needs it) 2. if you rinsed you will need to dry first before toasting. If you have a dehydrator this is the best way to do it as you don't actually want it to cook at this stage 3. Toast the quinoa in a pan on the stove for a few minutes. It will become aromatic (nutty aroma). Then cook as usual in water and... 4. Lay out on a tray and freeze, when frozen pop in a bag. Easy now to whip out whatever quinoa you need for any given recipe. I add it in small amounts in curries etc as it's a good protein and is super filling without compromising the flavour of the original curry Toasting quinoa before cooking it is key! 🙂

[@markholder4944]

How in the world did you resist the Elle Woods “bend and snap” gif? 😂

[@LauraBriquet]

I can't believe you don't like quinoa. I love it plain. However I also love your recipes, so I would definitely try it this way. ❤

[@sarahtrew3314]

Me too - spent the whole video thinking I am really weird as so many people seem to hate it 😂 I think it has a lovely nutty flavour and as I am a coeliac it makes a great alternative to couscous for me & I also like to mix it with rice and buckwheat! ☺

[@florencia2771]

Quinoa does not taste good unless you find a way to make it taste good, it’s not like white rice.

[@interstellarwarrior]

I love quinoa too. This is the first time I ever heard someone didn't like it!

[@ehaley6838]

Right?! I usually do a simple olive oil and vinegar or lemon Then add raw veggies and herbs, olives or sweet vinegar peppers, and it’s delicious. And definitely a main event!

[@ehaley6838]

Actually the thought of making quinoa dry and crunchy weirds me out. Maybe as a salad topper? But I like my quinoa light and fluffy. Not dry and crunchy

[@annapomelo3818]

I really like quinoa, even without the hacks.

[@bookshelfhoney]

Yeah I think it's just neutral, like rice. I don't mind the texture or taste it just goes with whatever you put in it

[@baileynorth352]

I do enjoy your lightness and just-right cadence. Your editing is wonderful. I am fascinated by how the narration blends so well with the spoken parts. Very catchy. I have seen so many cooking videos over the past few years and yours are always the most enjoyable and informative. I discovered your work when my partner decided to adjust his ovo-lacto vegetarian diet to a plant-based one in 2020. You have been such a help to me. Thank you.

[@rain_of_parsley]

There is multi coloured quinoa available where I live, and I can recommend using it for example in a carrot lentil soup. Very tasty!

[@jaminwaite3867]

I think washing the quinoa a bit more would help. I do what Simnett Nutrition does by fill ing a pot with water with the quinoa then whisk it for a good minute and you’ll actually see the soapiness settle on top. And of course I cook it with a bit of broth. But, if I don’t wanna add excess sodium, I’ll mix it with different kinds of rice to increase to diversity of plants.

[@MossyMozart]

@jaminwaite3867 - The first time I tried quinoa, it was horribly bitter. I just couldn't understand why so many people loved it. It was a while before I found out that it needed rinsing to get the coating off. The package I bought never mentioned that tidbit.

[@benda777nba]

I too follow simnett nutrition. He seems like a cool guy and have used some of his recipes.

[@katdareshruti]

Wow! The dish looks lovely, but the amount of pre work that goes into your dishes is mind boggling! Love your energy!

[@BloomByCC]

Yes! I want to eat this so badly but will not make it myself… looks amazing! But allot of work.

[@LogansInnerChef]

Looks tasty, I love quinoa. I've never tried crispy quinoa before, thanks for the tip!

[@RainbowPlantLife]

It’s such a fun way to use quinoa! Hope you’ll love it :)

[@sandrajohnson9926]

I love quinoa. No one else in my family does. I use instead of rice & substitute cracked wheat for taboulee.

[@angellestone9160]

I eat quinoa like oatmeal in the morning. Love I just about any way. I think k most people put to much water on it and it has a terrible mushy texture.

[@fooduzzi]

Excuse me BAKED quinoa?! Brilliant. Never tried it, but totally trying it.

[@RainbowPlantLife]

It’s a game changer!!

[@reginacaron9484]

Never cook quinoa in water, always cook it in vegetable broth, adding onion & garlic powder, salt & pepper and a bit of cayenne. Tastes great by itself

[@MossyMozart]

@reginacaron9484 - Not sure about your "rule". I cook quinoa in water all the time and it is fine. Nature's broth! .^_^.

[@reginacaron9484]

@@MossyMozart I guess it’s a matter of taste. I agree with Nisha that it’s pretty bland on its own. But pre-toasting it and cooking it in broth along with savorys makes it dimensionally different.

[@jogairelaks8259]

I cannot express how greatful I am for this recepie! I hated quinoa. HATED. But I tried your way yesterday and this baked quinoa is amazing. I put it in a jar and I will use it to so many meals!

[@RainbowPlantLife]

I am delighted to hear that! It’s such a game changer and I’m glad you’re loving it!

[@sunnybunny406]

How long does it last you? Curious!

[@jogairelaks8259]

About a week@@sunnybunny406

[@MyBodyIsMyTemple]

We need a Rainbow Plant Life restaurant!!!!

[@majvlierop]

I love quinoa the way it is. Rinse it VERY well, because of the saponins.

[@limewhite66]

First I was very skeptic because of the million ingredients and the ton of work this salad needed, but OMG this is the best thing I ate is a long-long time! 🤩

[@colleenmckinnon2421]

I am 100% baking my quinoa from here on out! Love your tips. I've been putting tahini in my tofu scramble and it has been a game changer. You're an amazing cook!

[@RainbowPlantLife]

☺️ thank you Colleen! So happy you’re enjoying the tofu scramble hack!

[@SUNNYSDRAGONZ]

I love how more realistic and fun this video is. Well done!

[@darcyferrigno]

I needed this video. I have NEVER liked quinoa so I may have to give another try with these tips. Eating a food that you hate the taste of just "because it is good for you" is not my mantra.

[@leyton235]

I learned how to cook quinoa from Martha Rose Shulman in the NYTimes years ago. Always rinse well. One cup quinoa to three cups water. Cook for exactly 16 minutes. Drain well. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes (essential). Perfect every time. I always keep a batch in the fridge and eat it cold as my breakfast cereal with blueberries and milk. Love it.

[@benda777nba]

She just said use less water though ...

[@japsowinkaur525]

Hey Nisha! Amazing video. You have such a wonderful blend of creative and technical mind which means we get the best recipes ❤❤ thank you! Definitely going to try this recipe.

[@annabellebraeuning9205]

An absolute game changer - my husband just entered the kitchen because he heard me saying “oh my god that’s so delicious!” while eating a spoon of the crispy and golden brown quinoa 🎉

[@marysmith7765]

“Only Tonight: QUINOA”!! so good 😂🎉. One of my favorite quinoa recipes is making red lentil wraps with soaked quinoa. I am going to make baked quinoa those it looks great!

[@HS-dn5uu]

Onions laughing part was gold 🤣

[@Curlyloopmemes]

I’m blown away by the baking trick. Love it!!

[@OperaTidhar]

We just had your amazing quinoa salad for lunch. Yummy - came out great with roasted onions, garlic and fennel bulbs. Thank you!

[@alessiacoluccia92]

Your videos are great, and this won't be the only one to revolutionize my approach to a food! Since you're the queen of food tricks, you may already know that instead of cutting off the bottom of asparagus, you can simply "snap" it: the woody part will pop off in the exact spot! Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing and inventiveness ❤

[@monkeymintaka]

I just made quinoa salad tonight for dinner, before I saw this video was up. It was a really yummy salad but I think I’ll definitely try roasting the quinoa next time! It looks like a whole new level!

[@user-pq8en8sl2j]

This was truly the most awesome salad. Took a bit to make it, but totally worth the labor. Whole family enjoyed the crunchy quinoa dish Thank you for sharing this recipe with us - I will be making this again and again. Daughter said this is in the top five dishes I've made.

[@michaelakenworthy6317]

84 years since we started peeling the shallot… 😂😂😂 Love your videos and humour, you’re ace! 🙌😁

[@HoneyIYKYK]

I'm am so loving the style of your content and story flow recently. This recipe looks delicious.I will be making this. Thank you 🙏🏽 and Shoutout to all the garlic pressure lol✨🧄

[@victoriabillah6125]

Omg where have you been, recently discovered your channel and I’m already hooked, your sense of humor, and knowledge is phenomenal. I LOVE watching your videos ❤

[@najumehra1966]

Such a great recipe! So many elements but really worth it!! Thanks for sharing your innovative recipees

[@shirleymccaa6625]

This video makes me so happy. I have never been a quinoa fan. I always talk myself into trying it AGAIN and force myself to eat it. I am excited to try this salad. I think the textures will be a win. Thank you for sharing!

[@user-qn5de1or5n]

I made this tonight & it came out perfectly crunchy! It tasted great & made my salad look beautiful!

[@Zoria3]

I just made this, and it's so good I can't stop eating it. Your recipes are always awesome!

[@Indigo261]

I honestly love your humor, never thought recipe videos could make me laugh so much :D

[@judegoldstein64]

i am not a quinoa lover either, nisha. and i actually had a full cooked bowl in my fridge, staring me down. i toasted it, as per your instructions, and what a game changer! thank you so much for the inspiration.

[@concha0711]

I'll just go and cook this forever.... amazing way of bringing up together so many potentially boring ingredients and making something yummi our of them!! thanks for public service Nisha!

[@cindydee3026]

Once again... you hit this out of the park!! I also am not a quinoa fan but this was a great warm salad meal!!

[@RainbowPlantLife]

Love to hear that, Cindy! I love a warm salad meal 🥳

[@bonnierodger7719]

Excellent job teaching me new ways to stay healthy. Love it! Thank you for being you.

[@stephanieprior8844]

Just cooked up this recipe for lunch. Delicious! Especially liked the fennel.

[@debifier]

What a great video! I love quinoa in any form, but I’m excited to add your techniques to the mix. I’m also a huge fan of OSEA; their body oil has been a post-shower staple of mine for months. How fun to see them as a sponsor!

[@alyssamann5654]

Thank you for your guidance and honesty 😄

[@karensilvers5048]

I fixed this todays it was delicious. Thank you so much

[@margaritakortsenshteyn6044]

I love your culinary humor. Your videos do cheer me up!

[@Ensification]

Aaah, I actually love quinoa, and this recipe looks fantastic! Will be trying this ❤

[@MAC-op5fc]

Great idea about the quinoa and the salad looks delicious. And...you crack me up. So, all in all, a very enjoyable and helpful video!

[@wapoidewapowapoide]

This is my first time watching one of your videos and I just got to say you are the funniest and this recipe looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try it. Coming from someone who wants to go full vegetarian this year, this is going to be one of my favorite recipes for sure. ❤

[@shellyt556]

I appreciate your honesty. Your recipes are always well thought out

[@patty-cf7jj]

I always like something sweet in a grain or orzo salad like that. It’s usually golden raisins but to this I think I would add dried cranberries or dried cherries. I’ve even used dried blueberries when it’s all I had on hand. I also had a salad recently with pomegranate seeds that was so good.

[@user-rw2en7kf9b]

you can also add a cinnamon stick when cooking quinoa for extra flavor!

[@TheseusTitan]

I like the way you get on with the recipe. You are concise and to the point. Good video, thanx!

[@lindagardiner9174]

I found this recipe via you awhile back. We LOVE it!!! The crunch of the Quinoa is one of the things that make it. I've made it with whatever veggies are in my fridge. Anything works since there is so much flavor in the marinated chick peas.

[@brittalbach416]

great idea, thank you, Nisha !

[@stephaniesilic5446]

I needed this today, getting creative with ingredients I have left for the week, including quoinoa and chickpeas! ❤

[@dobcucc22]

Total Game changer. I’m never having quinoa any other way

[@michelewilliams4485]

Omg my mouth is honestly watering this looks so good.

[@lilpeepsasseater]

you’re so awesome and seem so genuine!!! i adore you

[@robinsummers-xm6bv]

That salad looks so yummy! ❤❤❤

[@martinlaursen7972]

Great recipe and execution. Thanks for sharing.

[@suzanschneider6163]

Thank goodness you did this video. I also can’t get excited about quinoa the regular way. I’ll definitely try this great looking recipe!

[@giselleplantbasedvegan9174]

This is right up my alley.

[@cmdavis80]

Really enjoy watching you cook. You make it fun!

[@janetwunder3000]

I love your channel and your very creative creations.

[@vernitagundy3930]

Love quinoa b/c it is so versatile!!! It's all about how you season it and what you add to it.

[@pembertonbray4603]

I honestly like quinoa but I cook it in all the things. I have seen roasted quinoa and have been meaning to try it. Thanks for the recipe. Also, thank you for your realness. It is truly appreciated.

[@oxSoNyAxo]

Roasting quinoa is absolute GENIOUS!! THANK YOU!! ❤❤❤

[@amiablecrafter]

Never thought of trying it crispy. Thanks for the tip!

[@susancrane6695]

Excited to learn about the pomegranite molasses!!

[@Rianna93]

I am not going to lie, I had given up on ever liking quinoa. But this looks delicious, so I'm making this next week!

[@nicolerobb4105]

Yum going to try this out now

[@laaffitout]

Great option of toasting the quinoa. And cooking with less water is a wonderful solution- I have done this too, but will try the toasting today.

[@katryanaorange2092]

I love the texture of quinoa

[@thestormlscoming]

This looks so good! Toasted quinoa is my new favorite thing. Gonna make this next week. I'm not vegan but I'm addicted to your recipes. Also yay you have sponsors now!

[@VV-th5is]

Love recipes and how you present, I subscribed!

[@galeannefernandes5754]

Just tried this today and it turned out delicious. Finally know how to make quinoa. Thanks a ton.

[@millyzett]

I absolutely agree, that everyone should do what they see fit and upgrading your quinoa is great if you don't like it otherwise. I personally love quinoa as it is! And have to say to this process: It adds so many steps, so many extras and costs sooo much more time, that i think i'd just simply swap it for something else instead of going all these lengths. i find it unnecessary tbh. looks great though!

[@mariebourgot4949]

Thanks for the video! :)

[@rachelweatherford2777]

I make quinoa salad basically the same as your before version and love it, but I’m definitely going to try the super extra after version. Looks so yummy!

[@madisondiloren4485]

Looks amazing! Thank you.

[@sebsy6429]

does anyone do it like nisha? easily the best food content creator!

[@RainbowPlantLife]

🥹🥹🥹

[@caseytyler8326]

Oh this looks amazing 🤩

[@creativecook100]

Delicious - such a game changer!

[@andreahoppe7777]

This looks AMAZING!

[@booksandbags]

You never miss. I’m making this today!

[@sunshineart5016]

Thank you so much!!! 🎉 I have struggled with quinoa as well.

[@janalavtizar4426]

Love you Nisha, for transforming cardboard sand into a tasty food! Thank you thank you💚

[@RainbowPlantLife]

Haha your comment made me laugh. You’re welcome, Jana!

[@erinbirch4427]

This looks amazing!!!

[@eijaananda9698]

Thank you! I'm definitely trying this ❤

[@laurenjane3670]

Love quinoa for all of it’s benefits. I’ve been “toasting” it in a skillet before boiling. I may have the try baking it!

[@mzzteeda]

I am not vegan but I always cook your recipies for my vegan sister in law and will add my own meat protein to my portion. My in laws are Indian too so your recipes are perfect cuz they need A LOT of flavor in their food 😂. This recipie looks delicious, can't wait to make it! Tysm