Simple to make, healthy and all types of delicious, these Gluten Free Spinach Quinoa Balls will be a huge hit at your next party or gathering!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Bob's Red Mill. The wonderful people at Bob's Red Mill compensated me for the time spent developing and photographing this recipe. However, like always, the opinions are entirely my own.
It's December and it's time to really start thinking about the upcoming holidays. Hanukkah already began and Christmas is right around the corner.
Every Christmas Eve I try to make a healthy and delicious appetizer for our family party. Recently I tested these Spinach Quinoa Balls out on my immediate family, and these were such a hit that the next time I make them, I need to make a double batch!
If you are looking for some more healthy appetizer recipes, you will love this Spinach Artichoke Dip, Broccoli Cheese Dip, Spinach Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms and definitely this Buffalo Cauliflower Dip!
Why You Should Make These Gluten Free Spinach Balls
Quinoa is marketed as a grain, but it is actually a seed. If you want to be even more technical, it is the seed of a grain, but still a seed.
Quinoa is a complete protein (it contains all of the essential amino acids) and it is naturally gluten-free. I chose to use their red quinoa which is not only healthy, it also looks festive and pretty and tastes delicious.
Pair the red quinoa with the spinach and you have one festive looking and insanely delicious appetizer. I love holiday colors!
So many of the appetizers at parties are filled with calories and fat. Now don't get me wrong, they are crazy delicious I am sure and you know I am all about moderation and enjoying yourself, but it is always helpful to have healthier choices.
And when I bring a more nutritious option to a party or gathering I know that I will definitely eat at least one thing that's healthy!
These are so simple to make and no one has to know that they are packed with protein and nutrients and also healthy! It'll be our secret.
I do recommend that you make a double batch because they never last long. Or you can be like me and take few right away before they're gone.
Related Recipes
Spinach Quinoa Phyllo Cups from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Low Carb Mini Pizza Muffins from All Day I Dream About Food
Pomegranate Brie Phyllo Cups from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus from Fit Foodie Finds
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Gluten Free Spinach Quinoa Balls
Ingredients
- 2 boxes 10 ounce frozen spinach defrosted and water thoroughly squeezed out
- 1 chopped onion
- 5 tablespoons organic butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Red Quinoa cooked
- ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes diced
- ½ cup almond meal or almond flour
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- 6 beaten eggs can also use 4 whole eggs and 3 egg whites
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour (can be left overnight).
- Roll into balls and place onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Allyson Zea
I am going to make these all the time from now on! Delicious recipe!
Kristyn
What a delicious idea!! Had no clue how easy they were to make & how tasty they were! We'll be making them again for sure!
Beth
Such a great recipe and a big hit here! I made these with my daughter and we loved them! Definitely making these again!
Valentina
These GF spinach quinoa balls are so delicious! Love how simple they are to make and make for a GREAT breakfast!
Lisalia
Yum! What a healthy and delicious addition to our dinner. I served it along side some grass-fed beef and it was the perfect complement to our meal. Thanks for always having delicious AND healthy meal ideas!
Lex
Can you freeze extras to save for another week?
lauren.kelly
Hi Lex! Yes, I would freeze cooked ones. I hope you like them!
Kat
Is this one cup of dry quinoa that you then cooked, or cooked quinoa measured to one cup??
Thank you!
lauren.kelly
Hi Kat! I know, measuring quinoa can be confusing. This calls for 1 cup of cooked quinoa. I hope you like them!
Lee Schwall
Would fresh spinach work for this recipe? If so, should I saute it til the moisture releases and then drain?
lauren.kelly
Yes absolutely Lee! I hope you like them!
Amy
I don't have almond meal and I'm not worried about gluten free.. Any substitute ?
lauren.kelly
Hi Amy! Yes, I would use bread crumbs instead. I hope you like them! 🙂
Linda
these look yummy! How many balls does the recipe yield?
lauren.kelly
Hi Linda! Depending upon the size of them, it yields between 24-30 balls. I hope you like them!
Becca from ItsYummi.com
I fell in love with quinoa during culinary school, and I'm probably the biggest spinach lover out there, so these quinoa bites are right up my alley, Lauren!
lauren.kelly
these are my favorite Becca!! 🙂
Johnna
These would be such a great appetizer for Thanksgiving! Glad I haven't finalized my menu yet!
lauren.kelly
I hope you like them Johnna!
Dani Meyer
This looks so yummy Lauren!!
lauren.kelly
Thanks so much Dani!
DessertForTwo
Looks so yummy + healthy!
lauren.kelly
Thank you!