Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
Vegan Cajun Quinoa Pilaf is the perfect recipe to add to your meal prep rotation, it is a versatile recipe, add your favorite veggies and make it your own. Serve you one pot pilaf with Southern Black-Eyed Peas, Smothered Tofu or Sothern Style Collard Greens.
I decided to prepare this version in celebration of Black History Month. Black History Month is a yearly celebration highlighting the achievements of blacks in US history.
I’m celebrating the gift of Cajun/Creole cooking as a part of the tapestry of American culture and people, similar to a melting pot of flavors all in one pot.
Cajun Quinoa Pilaf Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Avocado oil is a great option.
- Onion
- Garlic
- Celery
- Bell Pepper – Traditional green bell peppers are used but I prepare red.
- Green Onion –
- Thyme
- Creole Seasoning – Use your favorite storebought Cajun/Creole blend or make this Homemade Creole Seasoning.
- Quinoa – technically a seed, it is sold in most mainstream supermarkets or online Here. Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse properly.
- Vegetable Broth
How To Make Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
- Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper, cook until onion is soft about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in green onion, Cajun/Creole seasoning, and thyme and cook for one minute.
- Add Quinoa, vegetable broth, and stir. Bring pilaf to a boil, cover pot, reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes or until all the liquid as evaporated.
- Stir in cooked sausage slices if using.
- Season with salt to taste and cayenne pepper to taste serve.
To prepare sausage: heat oil in a skillet add sausage slices and cook until brown, remove from heat and set aside on a plate or bowl.
Tips For Making Quinoa Pilaf
- Add extra liquid if quinoa is not tender.
- It is important to rinse quinoa, some people are allergic to the substance coating quinoa.
- Substitute the sausage with your favorite vegan meat substitute.
Other Gluten-Free Vegan Southern Recipes To Try
- Sausage Gravy
- Gluten-Free Vegan Cornbread
- Gluten-Free Vegan Pecan Pie
- Vegan Pot Pie
- Vegan Chicken And Dumplings
We love to see the recipes that you make from this Vegan Rice Recipe collection on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!
Get discounted copies of my cookbook Here
Also please leave a star rating ;-)
Need some encouragement on your Healthier Steps journey?
Join our Facebook groups, sharing lots of delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes, health tips, etc., from our members. Please join us and invite your friends Gluten-Free and Vegan For Beginners and Vegan Recipes
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Healthier Steps.

Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green onion chopped
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups white quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 vegan sausages sliced (optional)
- salt to taste
- pinch of Cayenne pepper
- Green onion slices for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper, cook until onion is soft about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in green onion, Cajun/Creole seasoning, and thyme and cook for one minute.
- Add Quinoa, vegetable broth, and stir. Bring pilaf to a boil, cover pot, reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes or until all the liquid as evaporated.
- Stir in cooked sausage slices if using.
- Season with salt to taste and cayenne pepper to taste and serve.
- heat oil in a skillet add sausage slices and cook until brown, remove from heat and set aside on a plate or bowl.
This looks like a delicious meal and I like that it is a one pot recipe. I love how colourful it looks.