Crispy Tex-Mex Quinoa
This crunchy, zesty quinoa topping is a game-changer! Toasted with Tex-Mex spices until golden and crispy, it brings a satisfying bite and bold flair to salads, tacos, grain bowls, and even scrambled eggs.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, rinsed and cooled
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika, sweet or smoky
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch cayenne pepper, optional, for a kick
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, oil, and all the seasonings. Toss well to evenly coat the quinoa.
- Spread the quinoa out evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the quinoa is deeply golden and crispy throughout. Start checking at 15 minutes—some ovens run hot, and you want that perfect golden crunch without going too far.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes. The quinoa will crisp up even more as it cools.
Notes
• Ways to enjoy it: Sprinkle over green salads, avocado toast, grain bowls, tacos, or roasted veggies. It’s also fun as a crunchy garnish on dips like guacamole or hummus.
• Snack it up: Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it by the spoonful!
• How to serve: For max crispiness, add it as a garnish just before serving. If it sits too long in wet or steamy dishes, it’ll soften up and lose its crunch.
• Flavor info: If you're not into heat, skip the cayenne. If you would like to go smoky, use smoked paprika instead of sweet.
• How to store leftovers: Let the crispy quinoa cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature (the fridge adds moisture and will soften the crunch). It should stay crispy for about 2–3 days—after that, discard. If it loses its crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes.
Nutrition Information per serving
Serving Size: 0.4 cupCalories: 150Carbohydrates: 21gProtein: 4gTotal Fat: 6g— Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g— Saturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 3gTotal Sugar: 1g— Natural Sugar: 1g— Added Sugar: 0gCalcium: 23mgIron: 1.8mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.