Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl

Are you getting a little tired of rolled oats? Eating the same breakfast day in and day out? Sometimes oatmeal can get a bit boring but did you know that there are other delicious grains you can have instead? This Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl is as simple as making oats in the morning and includes favorite flavors like cherries and spices that make you crave this at the start of each day.

Building a better breakfast 

For a less mushy texture than oats and a vibrant burst of flavor, make breakfast quinoa as an alternative to oats. By adding in crunchy and sweet flavors like coconut flakes, chopped pecans, honey, vanilla, and sweet frozen cherries, you’ll be ready to face any day. 

I want to make a case for breakfast in this time of intermittent fasting. Don’t get me wrong – you should fast and you should fast every day. During the night… when you’re sleeping. I have a post about that here. But I’m seeing people fast for the majority of their days, experiencing decreased energy, binge eating in the afternoon, and causing their bodies to hold onto weight because their metabolisms are negatively affected. If you’re a person who is open to eating breakfast in the morning, this can actually be really wonderful for your body and for your health goals.

This Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl is packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a healthy start to your morning. Pro tip – make quinoa ahead and keep in the refrigerator for breakfast and dinner recipes alike. All you have to do is make it once and then you’ll be able to enjoy it all week long without any extra work. Looking for other meal prep tips or quinoa recipes? Check out my book, Anti-inflammatory Diet Meal Prep. Meal prep for the win! 

Why choose quinoa? 

Quinoa is a healthy alternative to oats or other breakfast cereals because it’s a seed and not a grain, making quinoa naturally gluten-free. Note, oats are naturally gluten free but pay close attention to labels when purchasing, especially folks that are gluten sensitive or intolerant. Oats are commonly processed in facilities that process other, gluten-FULL grains and cross contamination can occur. For truly gluten free oats, find oats with gluten free labelling on the package.

Minerals abound in this tiny but mighty seed: manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and tons of fiber. The recommended daily value for fiber is 25 grams each day for a 2,000 diet and in just a 1/2 cup of quinoa, you get 6 grams – a significant amount, which will leave your feeling satiated and satisfied until lunch. It’s also a complete plant-based protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, which makes it an excellent protein choice for vegetarians and vegans. The low glycemic index of quinoa also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Not feeling quinoa? Millet, brown rice, or steel cut oats are good alternatives to try in this recipe. 

Time for toppings! 

The combination of sweet cherries, nutty pecans, coconut flakes, and cinnamon starts your day off on the right foot, with each ingredient offering loads of nutritional benefits. The Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl is packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants leaving you feeling nourished and energized to tackle your day. 

Sweet cherries

Nothing is better than peak of the season cherries from the farmers market, but frozen cherries are super convenient and perfect for this recipe. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, cherries pack quite an anti-inflammatory punch. In a single cup of cherries, you’ll find 3 grams of fiber, plus vitamin C, potassium, copper, and manganese. Compounds found in cherries also contribute to better sleep, improve exercise recovery, and may support heart health. 

If you can’t find fresh or frozen cherries, dried would be delicious too. Or choose whatever fruit happens to be in season, like peaches or raspberries. Yum! 

Nutty pecans 

Some say “pee-can,” some say “puh-kaan,” I say delicious… and nutritious! In a serving of pecans, which is about 19 halves, you’ll find potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium. This humble nut holds more antioxidants than any other tree nut, but not to worry if you don’t have pecans on hand. Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios would be wonderful substitutions. Try toasting the nuts beforehand for another interesting flavor twist. 

Sunflower seeds, ground flaxseeds or chia seeds are great nut free options that can be used for a crunchy topping too. Feel free to mix it up! 

Unsweetened coconut flakes

Another delicious topping found in this recipe is unsweetened coconut flakes. This tropical fruit is another great source of manganese, copper, selenium, protein, medium-chain triglycerides, and fiber. Rich in phenolic compounds, coconut meat has antioxidant effects and helps scavenge for free-radicals. Have extra coconut flakes lying around? Check out my Coconut Cherry Energy Oat Balls for a satisfying snack or fuel for a pre-workout energy boost. 

Sweeten to taste

The combination of honey and vanilla pair perfectly with the sweetness of the cherries. Of course, if you prefer a slightly less sweet breakfast, cut back on the amount of honey and sweeten to your preferred taste. Maple syrup or agave are delicious natural sweeteners that would great vegan substitutions for this breakfast quinoa as well.  

Spice it up

Cinnamon is an excellent addition to this recipe, adding warmth and depth but can be omitted if you’re not a cinna-fan. A sprinkling of cloves, nutmeg, allspice or pumpkin spice blend would be fun alternatives as well. 

The possibilities are endless!

Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Quinoa stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can pre-cook a big batch and portion it out with toppings each morning, or even build a few bowls in advance to grab and go. Just wait to add any milk or fresh fruit until serving to keep it tasting fresh.

Can I make my quinoa creamier or thinner?

Definitely! If you prefer a smoother, more porridge-like texture, just stir in a splash of milk. Whole milk adds richness, soy milk boosts the protein, and almond milk is a great dairy-free option. Use whatever fits your taste and dietary needs.

I want to try something other than quinoa—what are my options?

This bowl is super customizable. Some creative pairings to try:

• Steel cut oats, peaches, walnuts, agave, and cloves

• Millet, soy milk, ground flaxseeds, raspberries, slivered almonds, and maple syrup

• Quinoa, coconut milk, coconut flakes, chia seeds, agave, and turmeric

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different grains, spices, fruits, and seeds!

Can I use savory toppings instead of sweet ones?

Yes! While this version leans sweet, quinoa makes a great savory breakfast base too. Try sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a soft-boiled egg for a more savory take. Season with a pinch of salt and some herbs or spices you love.

Any way you make this recipe is sure to be a success! For further breakfast inspiration, check out my other breakfast recipes on the blog for more ideas on how to start your day in a healthy way:

Vegetarian Egg Breakfast Sandwich

Blueberry Green Tea Smoothie

Banana Matcha Smoothie

Green Tea Frozen Yogurt Breakfast Cups

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Banana Ginger Oats

Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Americana

Keyword: power breakfast quinoa bowl

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 238kcal

Author: Ginger Hultin

Ingredients

• ▢ 3/4 cup quinoa
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups water
• ▢ 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 2 teaspoons unsweetened coconut flakes
• ▢ 1/2 cup frozen whole cherries

Instructions

• Rinse the quinoa thoroughly until water runs clear rater than cloudy. Combine the quinoa in a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring 1-2 times.
• Divide the quinoa equally in two bowls and split the remaining ingredients as toppings. Mix each bowl well and serve it hot or cold. This recipe makes excellent leftovers as well.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12.7g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Sodium: 13mg | Fiber: 4.8g

Tried this recipe?Mention @champagnenutrition