Start your day off right with a nutritious breakfast that’s both delicious and filling. One great way to do this is by incorporating quinoa into your morning meal. This protein-rich grain is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent addition to any breakfast dish. From sweet treats like banana nut pancakes and chocolate peanut butter smoothies, to savory scrambles and omelets, we’ve got 18 mouthwatering quinoa recipes for you to try.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most creative and tasty ways to use quinoa in your breakfast routine. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and start your day off with a nutritious and delicious quinoa breakfast!
Blueberry Almond Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast bowl packed with protein-rich quinoa, crunchy almonds, and sweet blueberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, blueberries, and honey. Mix until the berries are evenly coated with the honey.
2. Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the top of the quinoa mixture.
3. Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Cooking quinoa: 15-20 minutes
– Preparing the breakfast bowl: 5 minutes
Enjoy your nutritious and flavorful Blueberry Almond Quinoa Breakfast Bowl!
Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Porridge
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of quinoa porridge infused with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups water or milk
– 1/4 cup diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the diced apple and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the apples are tender.
3. Stir in the ground cinnamon and honey (if using).
4. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the porridge has thickened slightly.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Banana Nut Quinoa Pancakes
Start your day off right with these fluffy, flavorful pancakes packed with nutritious quinoa and natural sweetness from ripe bananas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup almond flour
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, mashed bananas, oats, almond flour, and egg.
2. Stir in honey, salt, and chopped walnuts until well combined.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with cooking spray or oil if needed.
4. Using 1/4 cup measuring cups, scoop batter onto the skillet or griddle.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes (4-5 pancakes at a time)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Smoothie
Start your day with a nutritious and indulgent treat! This smoothie combines the nutty flavor of quinoa, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate to create a delicious and filling breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine cooked quinoa, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and sliced banana.
2. Blend until smooth, adding ice cubes if desired for a thicker consistency.
3. Add Greek yogurt and honey, blending until well combined.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Enjoy your guilt-free treat!
Savory Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa Scramble
A nutritious breakfast or brunch option that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms, spinach, and quinoa with the comfort of a scrambled egg.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: feta cheese, chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Push the mushrooms to one side of the skillet, crack in the eggs, and scramble them until almost set.
4. Stir in the cooked quinoa, spinach leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Use a spatula to combine the ingredients and cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve hot, garnished with feta cheese and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Quinoa Oatmeal
Warm up with a cozy bowl of Pumpkin Spice Quinoa Oatmeal, combining the comfort of oatmeal with the nutty flavor of quinoa and the inviting aroma of pumpkin.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: brown sugar, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for topping
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the quinoa and oats. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the quinoa is fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
5. Serve warm, topped with your choice of brown sugar, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Strawberry Coconut Quinoa Parfait
This refreshing parfait combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of coconut and the nutty flavor of quinoa, perfect for a light and satisfying dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon coconut cream
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, honey, and salt until well combined.
2. Layer the quinoa mixture at the bottom of a glass or parfait dish.
3. Top the quinoa with sliced strawberries.
4. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the strawberries.
5. Drizzle coconut cream over the coconut.
6. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with a layer of quinoa on top.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply assemble the parfait and chill until ready to serve.
Maple Pecan Quinoa Breakfast Bake
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast bake that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa, sweetness of maple syrup, and crunch of pecans.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
4. Add cooked quinoa to the bowl and stir until well combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: About 40-45 minutes total (including quinoa cooking time)
Peach and Honey Quinoa Yogurt Bowl
A sweet and satisfying breakfast or snack option that combines the warmth of quinoa with the natural sweetness of peaches and honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped fresh mint or walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa and diced peaches.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and honey. Whisk until smooth.
3. Spoon the quinoa-peach mixture into a serving bowl.
4. Top with the yogurt-honey mixture.
5. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh mint or walnuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking time for quinoa only)
Avocado Toast with Quinoa and Poached Eggs
A nutrient-packed breakfast or brunch that combines creamy avocado, nutty quinoa, and fluffy poached eggs on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Toast bread until lightly browned.
3. Poach eggs by cracking them into a pot of simmering water and cooking for 3-4 minutes or until whites are set.
4. Spread mashed avocado on toasted bread.
5. Top with cooked quinoa, poached eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add red pepper flakes if desired for an extra kick.
Cooking Time:
– Quinoa: 15-20 minutes
– Poaching eggs: 3-4 minutes
– Total preparation time: 25-30 minutes
Enjoy your nutritious and delicious Avocado Toast with Quinoa and Poached Eggs!
Carrot Cake Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
Start your day off right with these wholesome breakfast cookies that combine the warmth of carrot cake with the nutty flavor of quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup grated carrots
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine oats, quinoa, walnuts, carrots, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, egg, and Greek yogurt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Vanilla Chia Quinoa Pudding
A nutritious dessert option that’s perfect for warm weather or as a healthy snack. This chia quinoa pudding is infused with the sweetness of vanilla and the nuttiness of quinoa, making it a unique treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, almond milk, and chia seeds.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup (if using).
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chia seeds to gel.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh fruit or nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Savory Tomato Basil Quinoa Frittata
A twist on the classic quiche, this savory frittata combines the flavors of tomato and basil with the nutty goodness of quinoa. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded mozzarella cheese for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, and chopped basil to the egg mixture. Mix well.
4. Heat olive oil in a 9-inch (23 cm) non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Pour in the egg mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until edges start to set.
6. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until center is cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Raspberry Lemon Quinoa Muffins
Raspberry Lemon Quinoa Muffins: A Deliciously Healthy Treat!
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the sweetness of raspberries with the brightness of lemon, all wrapped up in a nutritious quinoa-packed package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh raspberries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together quinoa, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in chopped raspberries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spiced Pear and Walnut Quinoa Cereal
Spiced Pear and Walnut Quinoa Cereal Recipe
Elevate your breakfast game with this warm and comforting quinoa cereal, infused with the sweetness of pears and the crunch of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or plant-based milk
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh pear
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa and cook according to package instructions using water or plant-based milk.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pear, walnuts, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add the pear-walnut mixture.
4. Toss until well combined and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Matcha Green Tea Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Start your day with a nutritious and refreshing breakfast bowl that combines the subtle bitterness of matcha green tea with the nutty flavor of quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon matcha powder
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or vegetable broth.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together matcha powder and honey until smooth.
3. Add the matcha-honey mixture to cooked quinoa and stir until well combined.
4. Top quinoa with sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and Greek yogurt.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Quinoa: 15-20 minutes
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
Savory Garlic Herb Quinoa Breakfast Casserole
A flavorful twist on traditional breakfast casserole, this recipe combines the nutty taste of quinoa with savory garlic and herbs. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add rosemary and thyme; cook for an additional minute.
5. Combine cooked quinoa, garlic mixture, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dark Cherry and Almond Quinoa Granola
Transform your breakfast routine with this sweet and crunchy granola, packed with nutritious quinoa and infused with the deep flavors of dark cherries and almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup dark cherry jam
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, oats, and almonds.
3. In a separate bowl, combine dark cherry jam, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Start your day off right with these 18 delicious breakfast quinoa recipes! From sweet treats like Blueberry Almond Quinoa Breakfast Bowl and Banana Nut Quinoa Pancakes to savory options like Savory Spinach and Mushroom Quinoa Scramble and Avocado Toast with Quinoa and Poached Eggs, there’s something for everyone. Plus, get creative with quinoa-based breakfast bowls, parfaits, and bakes, or opt for a quick and easy quinoa smoothie or oatmeal. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, nutty, or simply nutritious, these recipes have got you covered!