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Quinoa Protein Breakfast Bowl With Berries - A Simple, Satisfying Start to Your Day

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Dry quinoa (1 cup), well-rinsed
  • Water (1 cup) and milk of choice (1 cup: dairy, almond, soy, oat, or coconut)
  • Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon), optional
  • Pinch of salt
  • Protein boost (optional): 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 2 tablespoons collagen, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, or 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • Fresh berries: 1 to 1 1/2 cups mixed (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • Sweetener: 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or date syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Toppings (choose a few): sliced almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, coconut flakes, almond butter, peanut butter, cacao nibs, lemon zest

Method
 

  1. Rinse the quinoa well. Place the dry quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for 30–60 seconds. This removes saponins that can make it taste bitter.
  2. Simmer the base. In a medium saucepan, add rinsed quinoa, water, milk, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  3. Cook until fluffy and creamy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring once or twice. The quinoa should be tender with some liquid left, creating a creamy porridge-like texture.
  4. Add protein, if using. If you’re using protein powder, whisk it with 2–3 tablespoons warm milk or water to make a smooth slurry, then stir it into the pot off the heat. For Greek yogurt, hemp seeds, or collagen, simply stir them in now.
  5. Sweeten to taste. Start with 1 tablespoon of your chosen sweetener and add more if needed. Keep it light; the berries will add natural sweetness.
  6. Prep the berries. Rinse and pat dry. Slice strawberries if using. You can mash a few berries and fold them into the quinoa for a pretty swirl.
  7. Assemble your bowl. Spoon the quinoa into bowls. Top with berries, a handful of nuts or seeds, and a drizzle of nut butter. Finish with lemon zest for brightness, if you like.
  8. Serve warm. This bowl is best enjoyed warm, but it’s also great at room temperature if you’re on the go.