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Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Quinoa Cakes

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Crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and filled with savory Mediterranean-inspired flavour, these Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Quinoa Cakes turn wholesome ingredients into a satisfying meal or snack. Protein-rich quinoa is combined with vibrant spinach, flavourful sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to create golden patties with a delicious balance of soft and crisp textures. Perfect for healthy lunches, easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving alongside a fresh salad or creamy dip, these nourishing quinoa cakes make plant-forward eating feel comforting, colorful, and satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Cakes
Course: dinner
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Quinoa, cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup Fresh Spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup Sundried Tomatoes, oil-paced, drained and finely chopped
  • 1 large Eggs (or flax eggs for vegan version)
  • ½ cup Breadcrumbs, use gluten-free if needed
  • ¼ cup Parmesan (grated), optional (nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • 1 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsps Olive Oil, for frying
  • Pinch of Salt & Pepper
  • ½ tsp Dried Oregano or Basil

Method
 

Tap the time in each step to start a build-in timer and cook with a little more ease and flow. Be sure to have your volume up to hear the timer chimes!

    1. Gather & Greet:

      Place the cooked quinoa, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings in a large bowl.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Before mixing, pause to notice the ingredients separately. Look at their colors, shapes, and textures. Notice which ingredient naturally catches your attention.
      🧒 Kid Prompt: “Can you name all the colors in this bowl? Which one feels happiest today?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “What helps you feel welcomed when you join a group or enter a new space?”

    2. Bind & Blend:

      Add the eggs and breadcrumbs.
      Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture holds together.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Notice the resistance of the mixture against the spoon. Watch how separate ingredients gradually begin to hold together.
      🧒 Kid Prompt: “What happens when you stir—do the ingredients hide, swirl, or become a colorful team?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “What does it feel like to press the spoon through the mixture? Where do you notice the effort in your body?”

    3. Shape with Care:

      With clean, slightly damp hands, scoop portions of the mixture and gently press them into small patties. Make them whatever shape or size feels right.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Feel the mixture between your palms. Experiment with using enough pressure to help the patty hold together while keeping your hands relaxed.
      🧒 Kid Prompt: “Can you make a circle, a heart, a star, or your own special shape?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “What changes when you let yourself create without needing it to be perfect?”

    4. Sizzle & Crisp:

      Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
      Carefully add the patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp.
      Safety Note: An adult should manage the hot skillet and turn the patties. Cook egg-containing patties thoroughly; the center should reach 71°C (160°F).
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Listen to the gentle sizzling. Notice the aroma and watch the colors change as the patties become golden.
      🧒 Kid Prompt: “What does the sizzling sound like—rain, applause, tiny fireworks, or something else?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “What sounds help you feel energized, comforted, or calm?”

    5. Serve & Share:

      Arrange the warm quinoa cakes on a plate.
      Sprinkle with Parmesan or sesame seeds, if desired, and serve warm.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Before eating, notice the golden edges, colorful vegetables, and aroma. Take the first bite slowly and explore the contrast between the crisp outside and tender center.
      🧒 Kid Prompt: “What do you notice first—the crispy edge, soft middle, tomato, spinach, or something else?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “How does sharing something you've helped create feel different from enjoying it by yourself?”

    Nutrition

    Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 4gFiber: 1.5g

    Notes

    Note: the nutritional content is an approx. per cake, with the egg and cheese. Rich in plant protein, Iron and B Vitamins. 
     
    Kid Friendly: This recipe is great for kids, fun to shape and dip into different sauces.
    Therapeutic Focus: Combines protein, greens, and ritual shaping, which is helpful for stabilizing energy and mood.
    Meal Prep Ready: Freeze the uncooked cakes, then pan-fry fresh when needed.

     

    Tips & Tricks

    • Make vegan: Use flax eggs and nutritional yeast.
    • Extra crispy: Chill the patties for 20 minutes before frying.
    • Bake option: Place the patties on parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
     

    Storage & Serving

    Fridge: Store in an airtight containers for up to 4 days.
    Reheat: Reheat in skillet or oven until warm.
    Freezer: Freeze the uncooked patties up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes per side.

     

    Variations 

    • Mediterranean Twist: Add in some feta, olives, and fresh dill.
    • Spicy Kick: Mix in some chili flakes or diced jalapeño.
    • Breakfast Style: Top with a poached egg and avocado.

     

    Drink Recommendations 

    Family Friendly
    • Sparkling water with lemon slices
    • Herbal iced tea (peppermint or hibiscus)
    • Tomato-vegetable juice with celery stick
    Adult Pairings
    • Crisp Pinot Grigio
    • Light wheat beer
    • Aperol spritz with orange

    Tried this recipe?

    Let us know how it was!