Making this basic slow cooker quinoa recipe is super simple—it's just water and quinoa! Quinoa (keen-wah) is a nutrient-dense versatile grain with a tender bite. It can be added to salads and soups or served as a side dish. It's a healthy superfood that's gluten-free, low glycemic, and packed with fiber and protein!
Why You'll Love This Quinoa Slow Cooker Recipe
Easy & Simple Recipe. It doesn't get much easier than this recipe! It's just water and quinoa mixed together and is then slow-cooked until tender.
Versatile Grain! Quinoa is a delicious and healthy alternative to other grains. Use it in pilaf side dishes, add it to salads, or make grain bowls and top with beans, chicken, lettuce, corn, cheese, and avocado for a Mexican quinoa bowl (my favorite way to eat it).
Healthy. Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain? Not only is it gluten free, dairy free, but it is high in fiber, protein, and low glycemic index for diabetics, but it is also loaded with amino acids, magnesium, and even vitamin C.
Quinoa in Slow Cooker Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this slow cooker quinoa:
- Water: you can use water, chicken broth, vegetable stock, or any other liquid options!
- Quinoa: there are many varieties of quinoa, such as white, red, black, rainbow, etc. You can use any variety in this recipe. Some varieties may have longer cooking times, so adjust if needed.
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest! 🙂
Substitutions and Variations
- Use broth or stock instead of water to add flavor to your quinoa. I like to use bone broth to add extra nutrients and protein to my recipe.
- To add extra depth and flavor, add aromatics to your quinoa in the slow cooker. These can be diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, or celery.
- Seasonings added during the cooking process can add flavor that you may want to use in a recipe. This could be garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, chipotle, cumin, etc.
- Make spicy quinoa by adding fresh diced peppers during the cooking process or adding red pepper flakes. Start light and add more later to taste.
- Garnish your quinoa with fresh chopped herbs for color, such as parsley or cilantro.
How To Cook Quinoa in Crockpot
This is intended as an overview only. For detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below. Enjoy!
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly. Add rinsed quinoa and water to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low or high until done. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
- Season to taste or use in other recipes as directed.
Ways To Use Crockpot Quinoa
- Serve with butter or a drizzle of olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, it can be used in other recipes as directed. Cool and refrigerate until needed!
- Add it to your favorite salad recipes for extra fiber and protein.
- Add quinoa to your soup instead of rice for extra nutrition!
- Mix fresh, raw veggies and drained canned black beans with olive oil, a small amount of vinegar, salt, and pepper for a simple salad.
- Replace pasta and starches with quinoa for a healthier alternative.
- Make quinoa popcorn! Add oil to a pan and a thin layer of quinoa over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the quinoa has popped like little popcorn kernels. Add your favorite seasoning and enjoy!
- Serve as a side dish to your favorite healthy proteins such as salmon, chicken or shrimp.
Cooking Quinoa in Slow Cooker Tips
- All crackpots can cook differently, and cooking times may vary.
- This recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, or more! Depending on your needs- just use a ratio of 1:1.5. Your cooking time will increase the larger the batch is being made.
- Grease your slow cooker with non-stick spray before adding your ingredients. This will aid in preventing your quinoa from sticking to the sides.
FAQ's
Allow your quinoa to cool, then transfer to an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Transfer the portion you want to reheat to a microwave-safe dish and cover. Microwave in 30-second increments until your desired temperature is met.
Yes! It is super simple to do! Ensure you rinse your grains before adding them to your slow cooker with liquid. The ratio for cooking is a 1:1.5 ratio. It cooks to perfection and is light and fluffy when ready to use.
The options are vast when cooking quinoa. You can use plain water, chicken, vegetable broth, beef broth, bone broth, or even tea water. You are cooking your quinoa in whatever flavor you want it to absorb for the best flavor result.
Yes, you sure can! Using too much water can overcook the grain, making it mushy and unappealing. Using insufficient water will dry out the grain and make it chewy and difficult to eat.
📖 The recipe.
Crockpot Quinoa Recipe
Equipment
- 2 to 4-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa throughly in a fine mesh strainer. Add the rinsed quinoa and water to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low 4 to 6 hours, or high 3 to 4. Remove lid and fluff quinoa with a fork.
- Season to taste or use in other recipes as directed.
Notes
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: To change up the flavor, use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth instead of water.
- TIPS: All crockpot can cook differently, cooking times may vary. This recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, or more, depending on your needs - just use a ratio of 1:1.5. Cooking time will increase the more quinoa and water you are using.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Serve with butter or a drizzle of olive oil and season to tase with salt and pepper.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, it can be used in other recipes as directed. Cool and refrigerate if needed.
- Add it to salads and soups.
- Mix in fresh raw veggies and drained canned beans with olive oil and a small amount of vinegar with salt and pepper for a simple salad.
Nutrition
© 2025 Slow Cooked Eats
Comments
No Comments