Description
This Healthy Breakfast Quinoa is a nourishing, protein-packed morning bowl that will keep you energized until lunch. Perfectly toasted quinoa simmered in creamy almond milk, sweetened with pure maple syrup, and loaded with fresh fruits and crunchy nuts creates a delicious and incredibly nutritious start to your day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you love)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 small apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (toasted if you’ve got the time)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins
- Fresh berries and/or sliced banana, for topping
- A dollop of Greek yogurt (optional, but oh so good!)
Instructions
- Toast that quinoa: Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast, stirring frequently, until it smells nutty and just a few grains start to pop—about 2–3 minutes.
- Add your “base”: Pour in the almond milk, then stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Give it a gentle whisk so everything’s evenly distributed.
- Simmer low and slow: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check at around 12 minutes to see if the liquid’s mostly absorbed and the quinoa’s tender.
- Fold in the goodies: Once the quinoa’s plump and creamy, remove from heat. Gently fold in the diced apple, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. Put the lid back on for another 2–3 minutes so the apples soften just a smidge.
- Serve it up: Spoon the quinoa into bowls. Top each with fresh berries or banana slices, and add a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired. Finish with a light drizzle of maple syrup and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- For meal prep: Make a big batch and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Store toppings separately.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- For extra protein, add a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp hearts.
- Try different fruit combinations based on what’s in season.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using plant-based yogurt or omitting it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 58mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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