Nut-Free Crispy Quinoa Bites

Meet your new favorite snack or appetizer: Nut-Free Crispy Quinoa Bites! These golden, bite-sized treats are perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a protein-packed option that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with wholesome quinoa, herby parsley, and simple pantry spices like garlic and onion powder, this recipe is completely nut-free, vegan, and uses a flax egg for binding—making it allergy-friendly and plant-based. They’re oven-baked to crispy perfection, ensuring a healthier alternative to fried snacks, while a touch of olive oil adds richness without overpowering the flavor. Perfect as a snack, crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even as a salad topper, these quinoa bites are ready in under an hour and easily customized to your favorite seasonings. Embrace the satisfying crunch and wholesome goodness of these delightful bites!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
• 6 tablespoons water (for flax egg)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 6

In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This will act as the flax egg.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, olive oil, bread crumbs, thickened flax egg, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 9

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the quinoa bites are crispy and golden brown. Make sure to turn them halfway through the baking time for even cooking.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 12

Enjoy your nut-free crispy quinoa bites as a snack, appetizer, or as a topping on salads!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	867.6 grams (867.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1132

Total Fat 48.70g	62%
Saturated Fat 5.50g	28%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2791mg	121%
Total Carbohydrate 138.00g	50%
Dietary Fiber 7.30g	26%
Total Sugars 4.60g
Protein 34.40g	69%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 219mg	17%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 476mg	10%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.9%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 48.9%