Live deliciously. Fight for the things you want the most. Take risks. Dream big. Wear red lipstick and heels every chance you get. Go on lots of first dates, but few second ones. Be weird. Drink too many margaritas every once in a while. Laugh until you get a 6-pack. Be yourself. Be unforgettable. Live in a big city. Exercise. Learn how to roast a chicken. Get to know your grandparents. Don’t be a slave to the ordinary. Bungee jump. Go on a vacation. Kiss a stranger.
How do we accomplish it all? Start with a healthy breakfast full of whole grains.
Sooooo remember when I was obsessed with making pies? And eating them?
I thought it would be better for my waistline if I stopped rolling out pie crust and started eating things like rainbow salads, better-for-you muffins, and loads of things made with quinoa. I don’t know if it’s the cuteness of this little nutty grain, or my general obsession for the taste, but quinoa is now featured in 72% of my weekly meals (not like I actually calculated or anything). It’s like when I was 18 and had this crazy obsession with Panera Bread’s veggie sandwich; I had it nearly every day for a month. That was weird.
However, I’m confident my love for quinoa isn’t just a phase I’m going through. It’s kind of like a real marriage. True dedication. I mean, blueberry quinoa pancakes and enchilada quinoa stuffed bell peppers… and now this breakfast quinoa? It’s time to step outside of the boxed mac & (neon) cheese or those Lean Cuisines that never fill you up.
Let’s make our lives a little more delicious.
Now my eating isn’t perfect, but I’ve realized that whole, clean foods in my diet make me happier and healthier. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein which means it keeps me full for hours. But that isn’t the only reason I love it for breakfast: it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and can be stored in the fridge for reheating throughout the week. Sometimes I throw it in individual portioned containers with different add-ins or flavor combinations and zap in the microwave when I’m in a rush. It’s incredibly convenient and easy!
Intimidated by quinoa? Don’t be afraid to try out new foods just because they’re unfamiliar. I came across some great tips on making your quinoa fluffy from Kathy that I’ve consistently followed; I always end up with a bowl of perfect fluffy quinoa to fill my belly.
So how do you cook quinoa?
First start with a 1:2 ratio–one part quinoa, two parts water. It’s important to rinse your quinoa to prevent a bitter taste. Place water and rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil over high heat. (At this point I usually add in my spices or vanilla). Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand another 5-10 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, add in fruit, nuts, milk, whatever your heart desires and serve!
More healthy breakfast recipes you’ll love:
Strawberry Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal + video
Cottage Cheese Banana Oatmeal Protein Pancakes + video
Peanut Butter Blueberry Overnight Oats
Raspberry, Almond Butter & Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Dark Chocolate, Almond & Sea Salt Banana Baked Oatmeal
I wanted to make my breakfast quinoa vegan so once I was done cooking it, I poured in a cup of coconut milk, added sliced bananas (which I actually grilled a bit), strawberries, toasted almonds and pecans, and sprinkled a bit unsweetened toasted coconut on top.
Of course, there are endless combinations to try with your breakfast quinoa including different berries, milks, nut butters, honey, and nuts. It’s just a feel good breakfast.
Nutty Strawberry Banana Breakfast Quinoa {Vegan & Gluten-Free}
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups milk of your choice (to make vegan use coconut or almond milk), divided
- 1 small banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons sliced toasted almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened toasted coconut
Instructions
- Place water and rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add cinnamon and vanilla and reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand another 5-10 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- Divide into two bowls, adding 3/4 cup of milk. Top each bowl with bananas, strawberries, toasted nuts, and unsweetened coconut. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Optional add-ins: honey, agave nectar, peanut or almond butter, berry variety, mango, pineapple, apples, applesauce or toasted nuts.
If you'd like you can double the recipe and store the extra quinoa (without milk and toppings) in a container and place in fridge. Take out portions during the week, reheat, and add toppings.
26 comments
What a neat idea! I’ve never thought to make my quinoa into breakfast! Thanks for the tip!
I had this for breakfast today and it was delicious! I love quinoa — and eat it like oatmeal for breakfast all the time (as well as other hearty whole grains). I usually add an extra cup of almond milk to the mix after cooking, and let it soak in the fridge overnight so that it gets REALLY fluffy and creamy and porridge-y. While cooking, I stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar, a BIG dash of cinnamon, and a little dash of cloves. Heavenly 🙂
I’ve heard of adding almond milk after cooking too! Soaking it in the fridge overnight sounds like a great idea.
So great that you can make this ahead of time! That’s the first thing I though when I saw this 🙂 It looks SO good but if I need another 45 minutes to cook in the morning its not happening…..this is absolutely perfect Monique!
p.s. I made a version of your peach bbq sauce turkey burgers the other day 🙂 I told you I was obsessed with them! I cheated with a store bought sauce bc I was in hurry, but will def be giving yours a try next time!
Awesome so glad you made the burgers!
thanks! I’ve been wanting to try it for breakfast.
where do you buy your unsweetened coconut? Do you get it at a health food store or some place like Trader Joes?
That sounds so good! I’ve been on the lookout for some healthy breakfast ideas for the summer, because my usual steaming oatmeal doesn’t always sound so good, and breakfast quinoa sounds almost perfect!
I have been on the hunt for a breakfast quinoa recipe and I cannot wait to try this tomorrow! Love the added coconut. I’m obsessed with the almond and coconut bars made by the Kind brand. Thanks for the inspiration!
YUM!! I made this last night and served this morning, it was amazing thanks for sharing the recipe!
oh boy, this looks amazingly delicious – I think I know what I am having for breakfast this weekend! 🙂
I just made this for breakfast- I added a bit more cinnamon and roasted the nuts with a bit of honey on top- it was really enjoyable! something a little bit different but yummy and healthy. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing recipes. You have a gift. I loved the chipotle quinoa chili, and lemon blueberry pancakes and the nutella stuffed cookies were big hits. I have become a big fan! More vegetarian recipes would be wonderful too!
Love This Breakfast Quinoa Recipe!
Made this for breakfast this morning. I would definitely cut back on the milk. Yikes! It was super soupy – it didn’t look pretty like your picture. Will have to try again for sure!
The milk can be added based on your preference.
Did you caramelize your bananas? They don’t look “raw”
I made this yesterday (one portion for me, 3 for baby) for my 16month old. The soupy texture therefore worked quite well. I blended the raw banana,raw cashews, and half the strawberry’s in a blender with pea milk (it has a maple flavour). Next time I will blend in some spinach and flax plus use less milk. Thanks, we both enjoyed it.
Amazing! Perfect breakfast to share with the kiddos 🙂 Glad you both like it!