Quinoa Breakfast Ideas

Looking for quick and easy breakfast ideas with quinoa? Check out these five delicious quinoa breakfast recipes with five ingredients or less, including quinoa porridge, quinoa breakfast bowl, quinoa breakfast muffins, quinoa breakfast parfait, and quinoa omelette. These recipes are perfect for a healthy and filling breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the day!

Simple Quinoa Breakfast Ideas with Five Ingredients or Less!

I'll admit. I am a total cereal and salad girl. I could live on a salad or sandwich for lunch and a bowl of cereal for breakfast. But staying in a rut isn't something that I can do long term.

Quinoa is a wonerful and healthy way to mix things up a bit in the morning. And it's simple and easy to make! Today I'll show you some simple and easy breakfast ideas you can use with quinoa!

Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain that offers many health benefits. Here are just a few of quinoa's health benefits:

1. High in Protein: Quinoa is an excellent source of plant-based protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
2. Rich in Fiber: Quinoa is high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. It can also aid in digestion and promote regularity.
3. Low Glycemic Index: Quinoa has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it a good option for those with diabetes or anyone looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
4. Gluten-Free: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a great alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
5. Packed with Nutrients: Quinoa is rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and folate. It is also a good source of antioxidants.
6. Versatile: Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast porridge to salads, stir-fries, and even desserts.
7. FODMAP friendly: Quinoa is nice and friendly on the stomach and can usually be tolerated well for those with stomach issues.

Preparing and Cooking Quinoa

some of the recipes will ask you to use cooked quinoa. I've started seeing precooked quinoa in stores in the rice and pasta aisle. This will save you some time but you can also cook quinoa easily at home. Cooked quinoa will stay fresh for several days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just make it up once and then use it in various meals over the course of several days. Some of our favorite dinner recipes include our chicken quinoa enchilada casserole. or use cooked quinoa to make a loaf of my quinoa banana bread. Quinoa also works well for those of you who might be following a climatarian diet or mediterranean diet.

Here are some simple ways to cook quinoa:

Here are different ways to prepare and cook quinoa:

1. Boiling: This is the most common way to cook quinoa. Rinse the quinoa, then add it to a pot of boiling water. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
2. Steaming: Rinse the quinoa, then add it to a steamer basket. Steam for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
3. Microwaving: Rinse the quinoa, then add it to a microwave-safe bowl with water or broth. Cook on high for 12-15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed
4. Rice cooker: this is my preferred method as I can put it into the rice cooker, set it and forget it until it's done! Just put the desired amount of quinoa into the rice cooker. Increase the amount of water by ½. So if I put ½ cup of quinoa in the rice cooker, I'll use ¾ cup of water. Some rice cookers also have a quinoa or grain setting.

Storing Cooked Quinoa

Here are just a few ways that you can store cooked quinoa:

1. Refrigerate: Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure the quinoa has cooled completely before storing it in the fridge.
2. Freeze: Portion the cooked quinoa into freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. Meal prep: Cook a large batch of quinoa and portion it into containers for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Five Ingredient or Less Quinoa Breakfast Ideas

I'm so excited to help you use your quinoa in a variety of easy and simple breakfast recipes! Here are some of my favorites!

Quinoa Porridge

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup milk (or almond milk for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon honey (substitute maple syrup for a FODMAP friendly version)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup mixed berries (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, add the cooked quinoa, milk, honey, and cinnamon.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
4. Serve with mixed berries on top, if desired.

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup salsa
• ¼ cup shredded cheese (can substitute dairy free cheese for vegan or dairy free version)
• ¼ cup diced cooked ham (optional)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the cooked quinoa as a base.
2. Add sliced avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, and diced ham (if using).
3. Mix together and serve

Quinoa Breakfast Muffins

For a fun variation of these quinoa breakfast muffins, you can also try my quinoa banana bread recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and add the cooked quinoa, cheese, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
5. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Quinoa Breakfast Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup chopped mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts)
• ½ cup mixed berries
• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, layer the cooked quinoa, Greek yogurt, chopped nuts, mixed berries, and drizzle with honey.
2. Repeat the layering until all the ingredients are used up.
3. Serve chilled.

Quinoa Omelette

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• ¼ cup chopped fresh spinach
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and add the cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, feta cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the edges start to set.
4. Use a spatula to flip the omelette and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the eggs are fully cooked.
5. Serve hot.

Quinoa Rainbow in a Jar

I am even including a fun kid friendly quinoa breakfast idea! This is a fun breakfast when you have some leftover fruit you are wanting to use up. Just throw some cooked quinoa in a jar and some fruit! The recipe is listed below!