Start Your Morning with These Delicious Breakfast Quinoa Recipes
Start Your Morning with These Delicious Breakfast Quinoa Recipes
Start Your Morning with These Delicious Breakfast Quinoa Recipes
Smoothie bowls, yogurt-granola parfaits, and simple bowls of oatmeal have long been favorites for a nutritious, filling breakfast, but there's another ingredient ready to take over your morning: quinoa. A versatile grain-like seed that's rich in protein and other nutrients, quinoa is an easy, delicious gluten-free alternative to grains. While you may only be familiar with quinoa as a nutritious side dish that accompanies a main course at dinner, there's no reason why it can't also be part of a wonderful healthy breakfast, too.
One of our favorite ways to use quinoa is to mix it with dried fruit, nuts, and other nutritious grains for a breakfast bar that can be enjoyed on-the-go. While many granola bars found in the grocery store are loaded with sugar, unhealthy oils, and preservatives, it's simple to make your own using mostly basic pantry staples. Plus, they're totally customizable. If you don't like dried cherries, swap in dried apricots; if you're allergic to hazelnuts, use pecans instead.
Quinoa also makes a great substitute when you want a cozy bowl of porridge. We have a fruity recipe that uses a quinoa-grain blend as the base of the bowl, followed by coconut milk, maple syrup, and berries for sweetness. With its bright pink color and varied texture, there's no better breakfast to wake up to.
From good-for-you muffins to parfaits to sweet and savory bowls, our quinoa-based breakfast recipes are delicious, satisfying, and downright crave-worthy. In fact, we think you'll find these breakfast ideas are so good, they might even convince you to become a morning person.
How to Cook Quinoa
Before you make these quinoa-based recipes for breakfast, learn how to cook this superfood. It requires hardly any prep work and comes together in just 25 minutes. View recipe
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
If you're pressed for time in the morning but still want something that will taste delicious and be good for you, make this 15-minute breakfast bowl that's topped with sliced bananas and cocoa nibs. View recipe
Coconut-Raspberry Breakfast Pudding
Perk up quinoa by combining it with coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and frozen berries. For a pretty bowl that looks as beautiful as a morning sunrise, top with fresh raspberries and coconut flakes. View recipe
Dried-Fruit-and-Nut Health Bars
In need of a quick but nutritious breakfast on-the-go? This quinoa recipe fits the bill. It's full of dried fruit (cherries, blueberries, date, and papaya), nuts (pecans and macadamia nuts), and healthy add-ins like oat bran, ground flaxseed, and wheat germ. View recipe
Pineapple-Red Quinoa Parfait
Upgrade a basic fruit parfait by using red quinoa instead of the usual granola, plus fresh pineapple, sliced almonds, and a dash of ground cinnamon.
Breakfast Quinoa
Tired of oatmeal? This hot quinoa cereal takes less than half an hour to make. It's cooked with milk so it's a rich and creamy way to start the day. Top with your favorite berries or sliced fruit.
Black Quinoa with Avocado, Almonds, and Honey
This protein-packed breakfast features black quinoa, which is firmer than the white or tri-color varieties. Topped with avocado rather than the usual fruit or berries, it makes for a tasty, colorful meal.
Quinoa Cakes
Cooked quinoa is added to the batter for pancakes that are even more filling and delicious than your usual stack. Plus, you can make them ahead and freeze, then defrost for a quick, nutritious breakfast.
Quinoa with Poached Egg, Spinach, and Cucumber
For a hearty vegetarian breakfast, this combination of eggs, greens, and quinoa is sure to satisfy.
Cranberry and Quinoa Scones
Made with quinoa flour, brown rice flour, and tapioca starch, these delicate scones from Cannelle et Vanille's Aran Goyoaga are a gorgeous gluten-free treat. View recipe
Quinoa Granola
Elevate your morning routine with this granola made with red or white quinoa as well as oats. It's lightly sweetened with honey and brown sugar. It makes for a fiber-rich breakfast. View recipe
Cardamom Quinoa Porridge
For a protein-packed way to start the day, make this sweet and fragrant quinoa breakfast porridge. Since it's made with almond milk, it's a great option for anyone who follows a dairy-free or vegan diet. View recipe
Quinoa Pudding
Quinoa replaces rice in this lighter version of the traditional rice pudding. Top your bowl with your favorite dried fruit (this recipe uses dried apricots) for a simple breakfast or snack.
Quinoa, Apricot, and Nut Clusters
Full of nuts, grains, and dried fruit, these clusters would make a great breakfast or filling snack on-the-go.
Quinoa Muffins
Dark-brown sugar and raisins sweeten these wholesome muffins. Adding cooked quinoa to the muffin batter makes them more substantial than other recipes.
Looking to shake up your morning routine? Swap your usual plate of eggs, smoothie, or oatmeal for one of these good-for-you recipes starring quiona.