Mornings can be a little hectic… Sometimes you need something fast, healthy, and a whole lot of delicious to get you going. That’s why I’m so excited to share my berry breakfast quinoa recipe with you!
This isn’t your average bowl of oatmeal. This is a breakfast that’s just as beautiful as it is nourishing. I’m talking about a vibrant, naturally sweet bowl of goodness that’s packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and energized all morning long… And, it’s ready in under 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for those busy weekdays!
The best part? It’s flexible! You can use whatever fruits or nuts you have on hand. I love using raspberries and blueberries for a pop of color and flavor, and the dates and apple add a natural sweetness that makes this taste like a real treat. Trust me, this will become your new favorite way to start the day.
Key Ingredients for a Healthy Start
This recipe is simple, but every single ingredient is packed with something good for you. Here’s a quick look at why they’re the stars of this breakfast bowl:
Quinoa: This little seed is a powerhouse. It’s not a grain, but a seed that cooks just like one, and it’s a complete protein. That means it has all the amino acids your body needs to keep you feeling full. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free!
Berries: Talk about a pop of color! Berries aren’t just pretty; they’re loaded with antioxidants and fiber. I love using a mix of frozen raspberries and blueberries because they’re easy to keep on hand and taste just as good as fresh.
Dates: These little gems are where all the natural sweetness comes from. Dates are full of fiber, and they give you a little energy boost to get through the morning.
Apple: Don’t skip the peel! The skin on an apple is where a lot of the fiber and vitamins are hiding. The apple adds a little crunch and a nice, subtle sweetness that complements the berries and dates.
Walnuts: The crunch on top is my favorite part! Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, including omega-3s. They really pull all the flavors and textures together.
Pro Tip for Better Flavor & Texture
Toast the quinoa before cooking! This is a little trick that makes a huge difference. Before you add the water, heat the dry quinoa in the pot over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it smells slightly nutty. Then, add the water and follow the recipe as usual. This extra step brings out a deeper, richer flavor and helps keep the grains fluffy.
For a creamier bowl, use half water, half milk. You can use regular milk or any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just swap out one cup of the water for a cup of milk before simmering. The result is a richer, creamier texture that’s extra comforting.
Serving & Garnish Ideas
Don’t forget the drizzle! After you’ve served the quinoa and topped it with walnuts, add a little extra something. A drizzle of pure maple syrup, a spoonful of honey, or even a scoop of Greek yogurt can add a beautiful finish and a little extra flavor.
A pinch of spice adds warmth. This recipe is perfect as is… But a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg stirred in at the end can make it taste extra cozy!
Meal Prep & Make-Ahead
Make this easy breakfast ahead of time on a Sunday night for quick breakfasts all week… This is my favorite part! This recipe is perfect for meal prep.
Just follow the instructions, or double it, and after it cools, divide it into airtight containers. In the morning, you can grab a bowl and eat it cold like a cereal or warm it up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds!
Looking for more healthy breakfast inspiration? If you’re into quick, wholesome, and delicious meals, you’re in luck! I have a few other recipes on the blog I think you’ll really like:
- High Protein Overnight Oats: This one is a lifesaver for busy mornings. Just prep it the night before and it’s ready to go.
- Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins: These are naturally sweetened and so incredibly moist—a perfect fall treat.
- Berry Baked Oatmeal: A warm, comforting breakfast that feeds the whole family. It’s a classic for a reason!
I want to know what YOU think… Please review the recipe card!
Berry Breakfast Quinoa – High Protein & Fiber
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry multi-colored quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen berries I used 1/2 cup raspberries and 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pitted raw dates
- 1 chopped and cored medium apple with skin on
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts divided
Optional Garnishes
- Drizzle pure maple syrup or honey, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- A pinch of ground cinnamon, or dash of nutmeg!
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine the dry quinoa and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the moisture has been absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the berries, chopped dates, and chopped apple.
- Evenly divide the quinoa mixture into four bowls.
- Top each bowl with the remaining chopped walnuts. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
About Juliea
Juliea Huffaker is the creator of Farmhouse Harvest, and dedicated to teaching from-scratch cooking, sourdough baking, gardening, and food preservation. With over 25 years of hands-on experience she has preserved hundreds of jars of produce, mastered the art of meats and sourdough baking, and nurtured a thriving organic garden. Her recipes and articles have been featured across the web. And she’s passionate about inspiring others to embrace a simpler, self-sufficient life style.
1 comment
Timber
This recipe is so delicious and nutritious. It’s kind of like an oatmeal but with more nutritional value.