We love healthy vegetarian recipes that can be prepped ahead of time!

These quinoa broccoli nuggets are perfect for meatless meals. Cooked quinoa is combined with pureed broccoli, onions and garlic. Breadcrumbs are mixed in along with onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

A plate of broccoli quinoa nuggets with ranch dressing on the side. Bowl of frozen broccoli and bowl of quinoa are behind the plate.

Easy Meatless Meal

Meatless nuggets are an easy way to save money on groceries. This recipe is similar to our chickpea nuggets which use oats and chickpeas as the base.
You can make a double batch and freeze half for later. These nuggets freeze really well!
Quinoa is such a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Make a big batch the day before to use in meal prep including these nuggets, our broccoli egg breakfast muffins and even in desserts like our chocolate quinoa bliss balls.
Serve as a healthy appetizer for kids, alongside a salad for lunch or as a main dish with dipping sauce.
Making your own nuggets will save you money and taste so much better. Skipping meat once or twice a week is a great way to save on the grocery bill.

Recipe Ingredients

QUINOA: While many people think that quinoa is a grain, it's actually a seed from the rhubarb family. This recipe uses 2 cups of cooked quinoa. If you've never cooked quinoa before, there's an easy trick for how to make quinoa that isn't mushy.

VEGGIES: Frozen broccoli, chopped onion and garlic cloves are first sauteed, then pureed with water. This produces a creamy liquid that is added to the quinoa.

SPICES: For flavor, simple spices like onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper are mixed in.

BREADCRUMBS: Basic breadcrumbs are used for the quinoa base and for the outer coating of nuggets. This adds a nice texture and crunch. Feel free to swap with panko-style breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe.

Four images showing steps to make the recipe. First is frying pan with chopped cooked onion, garlic and broccoli florets. Second is looking down at pureed broccoli mixture in blender. Third is green quinoa broccoli mixture in a white bowl with spatula. Fourth is a plate of green balls, bowl of green quinoa mixture and a cookie scoop.

How To Make Quinoa Broccoli Nuggets

These nuggets have a lovely green hue.

Cook the quinoa according to the package or use our quinoa instructions here.
Sautee onion and garlic in a frying pan. Add in the broccoli and cook until heated.
Puree broccoli onion mixture in a blender according to full recipe instructions below.
Mix quinoa, broccoli puree, breadcrumbs and spices together.
Roll mixture into balls, then roll into breadcrumbs.
Bake for 20 minutes, then broil until the tops are golden brown.

A plate of nuggets with a small bowl with ranch dressing. Bowls of frozen broccoli and cooked quinoa are beside the plate.

Recipe Tips

Cook the quinoa in advance to save time. Use our simple tips on how to make fluffy quinoa that isn't mushy. Quinoa can also be cooked in a rice cooker with a 1:2 ratio (1 cup quinoa, 2 cups water).
Fresh or frozen broccoli will work for this recipe. You could also use peas, green beans or spinach for that same green color.
Breadcrumbs can be swapped for a gluten-free version or panko crumbs. In our chickpea nuggets, we use rolled oats which could also be an option to try instead.
Serve nuggets with dipping sauce. We loved these with ranch dressing! Try them with easy favorites like ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, hot sauce or salsa.
These nuggets taste great when added to a salad like our strawberry spinach salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4-5 days. These can easily be reheated in the microwave or oven. These nuggets also freeze really well! Add them to a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months.

A hand dipping one nugget into small bowl with ranch dipping sauce, and pile of nuggets on surrounding white plate. Small bowl of quinoa is in background.

More Meatless Meals That Are Budget Friendly

Sweet Potato Taco Bowls are filled with beautiful bright colors and a creamy homemade dressing.
Meatless Vegetable Chili is filled with vegetables and beans all in a flavorful broth.
Mushroom Kale Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights with just 4 ingredients.
Kale Chickpea Cauliflower Pizza requires more time but is a healthy, low-carb recipe that I personally really love!
Black Bean Burgers are meatless burgers that are affordable and delicious.

Did you love this nugget recipe? Be sure to leave a rating below!