Vegan Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Toppings for Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

Use whatever toppings you would typically put on a bowl of oatmeal. You can really customize your quinoa bowl and make it your own. I like to top with hemp seeds for another complete source of plant-based protein. Hemp seeds also provide fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamin E, potassium, iron and calcium. I also like to top with almond butter which is high in protein and fiber and provides iron, calcium, and vitamin E. And finally, I typically add a handful of blueberries. They pair great with the almond butter and cinnamon, vanilla flavor. You could use any berry or even banana slices. Whatever you like!

Why Is Breakfast Important?

I often get asked why breakfast is so important. Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and gives your body energy to think more clearly while preventing overeating later in the day. Plus, it provides an excellent opportunity to consume foods high in vitamins, minerals, disease-fighting antioxidants and heart-healthy fiber.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, breakfast helps with brain function, attention span, concentration and memory. It can also reduce irritability and tiredness. A complete breakfast packed with the nutrients your body needs is so important.

I love these quinoa breakfast bowls because they contain these four components:

1. Plant-based protein (ideally a complete source of plant-based protein such as quinoa, amaranth and/or hemp seeds) to help you stay full longer and prevent overeating later in the day.
2. Fiber for lasting energy.
3. Antioxidant-packed produce to increase your daily fruit and veggie intake. For produce, opt for seasonal varieties.
4. Healthy fats in each meal throughout the day.

Easy Breakfast Ideas:

Here are some of my favorite quick and easy nutritious breakfast ideas. All of these recipes are vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free.

If you love smoothies, be sure to check out my smoothie recipe round-up here. It contains over 40 plant-based smoothies. I also rounded up my best breakfast recipes that are kid-friendly here.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

One of my main pantry staples is quinoa. It's inexpensive, easy to store and prepare, and since it absorbs flavor wonderfully, it's also really versatile. It also adds a great, fluffy texture to many of my favorite dishes.

Quinoa is filling and nutritious; it's loaded with fiber (over five grams in one serving!) and is considered a complete protein with all eight essential amino acids. It actually has more protein than any other grain, which is so important for vegans! Quinoa is also a good source of folate, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and many phytochemicals in addition to containing calcium, potassium, copper, and zinc.

Click Here: TONS of Quinoa Recipes!

How to Cook Quinoa

For this recipe, I like to cook the quinoa ahead of time to make it quick and easy in the morning. This way all you have to do is basically warm and flavor it and add your favorite toppings. The whole process should take well under 10 minutes.

I typically have cooked quinoa on hand from my weekly meal prep.  If you don't know how to make quinoa see my blog post on How to Make Perfectly Cooked Quinoa on the Stovetop or How to Make Perfectly Cooked Quinoa in the Instant Pot.  Both methods are easy and produce light and fluffy quinoa that is never burnt or soggy.

More Quinoa Recipes: