This Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is a delicious way to jumpstart your day with a healthy serving of whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats. This recipe is so easy to put together that I don’t even call it a recipe. It’s more of a healthy breakfast idea that you can easily customize to your liking.
Why You’ll Love Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
If you have never had a quinoa bowl for breakfast, you are missing out! Here are a few reasons to try them:
- Quick and easy. Quinoa bowls are perfect for busy mornings. Simply gather the ingredients, assemble and enjoy!
- Perfect for beginners. No need to learn complicated cooking techniques or follow long recipe instructions.
- Satisfying. Quinoa is a great way to add plant-based essential amino acids to your diet while keeping you feeling full.
- Customizable. Top with any sweet or savory ingredients you like.
- Versatile. Quinoa is gluten-free. You can also make this breakfast bowl dairy-free and vegan if you prepare it with non-dairy milk.
Ingredients For Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl
Here is what you will need to make apple cinnamon quinoa:
- Quinoa: This popular healthy grain is filling and easy to cook. Prepping cooked quinoa to have on hand is a huge time-saver. You can have it for breakfast and also use it as a side dish or add it to soups and salads.
- Apple: Since this breakfast bowl is prepared without any sweeteners, I recommend using sweet apple varieties such as Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, etc. You can also use unsweetened apple sauce instead of apples.
- Almonds: Nuts contain a lot of healthy fats and fiber, making this dish more filling. Feel free to use whatever nuts you have on hand. You can also add pumpkin or sunflower seeds to the dish.
- Milk: You can use regular cow’s milk or your favorite non-dairy milk. I like light coconut milk. Almond, cashew, and oat milk are also good options.
- Cinnamon: This popular spice adds a dash of warmth and subtle sweetness to the dish.
How To Make Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Step 1. Cook the Quinoa.
Add quinoa to a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under running cold water for at least 30 seconds. Drain.
Add 2 parts water and 1 part quinoa to a saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook covered for 10 to 20 minutes or until all of the water is absorbed.
Remove from heat, and let it stand for about 5 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff with a fork, and let the quinoa cool down completely.
Step 2. Assemble the Quinoa Breakfast Bowl.
Chop the apple. In a serving bowl, add cooked quinoa, apple pieces, and nuts. Stir in milk (warm or cold) and sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa. Many people find quinoa bitter, so thoroughly rinsing it before cooking helps to eliminate any bitterness.
- Cook more quinoa than you need for this recipe because it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and is convenient to have on hand as a quick side dish or soup/salad add-in. And you can also freeze it for later.
- Taste the quinoa for doneness. You want the seed pieces to be soft and tender but not mushy.
- You can use warm or cold milk. I usually prefer my breakfast to be warm or at least room temperature. Served warm, this healthy quinoa bowl is a cozy way to start your morning.
Flavor Variations
In search of more healthy breakfast bowl ideas? Look no further. Loaded with plant protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and nutrients, quinoa bowls will keep you powered throughout the day.
Sweet Quinoa Breakfast Bowl Mix-Ins
With a bowl of cooked quinoa in hand, the mix-in options are practically endless. Try healthy quinoa bowls with:
- fresh summer peaches and a few drops of vanilla extract;
- crunchy toppings like pecans, walnuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, etc.;
- make it sweeter by adding a tablespoon of maple syrup, honey, agave, or a few banana slices;
- a handful of your favorite fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.) will make a breakfast quinoa bowl even better.
Savory Quinoa Bowl Ideas
Perhaps you prefer savory dishes over sweet first thing in the morning. Here are ways to bulk up fluffy quinoa with savory mix-ins:
- top quinoa with your favorite breakfast foods (like a gooey fried egg, cooked sausage or bacon, and slices of fresh creamy avocado);
- add a blend of seasonal roasted vegetables and sauteed greens for a protein-packed vegan entree.
Make-Ahead Tips
This apple cinnamon breakfast quinoa is super quick to put together if you have cooked quinoa on hand.
You can use leftover quinoa or cook a big batch of quinoa on the weekend as a meal-prep for the week ahead. Quinoa keeps very well in the fridge, and you can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food category is quinoa?
Quinoa is a seed, but it’s categorized as whole grain and prepared like porridge.
Is it healthy to eat quinoa for breakfast?
Absolutely! The high protein and fiber content in quinoa will fill you up and keep you feeling full longer.
What’s the best type of quinoa to use for breakfast bowls?
Nutritionally, white, red, and black quinoa are identical, but they differ slightly in texture. White quinoa is less chewy and bitter than red and black. You can also buy a tri-color quinoa blend which is a mix of white, red, and black quinoa.
Is quinoa similar to oatmeal?
Not really. Quinoa and oatmeal are quite different, but both are great for preparing a healthy breakfast.
More Healthy Quinoa Recipes
- Fruit and Nut Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Strawberry Chia and Quinoa Breakfast
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Easy Caprese Quinoa Bowl
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
This delicious quinoa breakfast bowl makes a perfect quick breakfast. It's filling and full of plant protein, fiber, healthy fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 small apple, cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds or other nuts
- 3/4 cup your favorite non-dairy or cow's milk (I used light coconut milk)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the quinoa, chopped apple and nuts into a bowl. Add the milk and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Notes
Nutrition information is a rough estimate for the full recipe.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 1 Serving Size full recipeAmount Per Serving Calories 476Total Fat 22.7gSaturated Fat 1.2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21.5gCholesterol 0mgSodium 45.9mgCarbohydrates 59.7gFiber 13.1gSugar 18.4gProtein 14.9g
Nutrition facts provided on this website are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a qualified health care provider for personalized diet advice and make sure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet.