Apple Cranberry Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Quinoa breakfast bowls are a great way to fuel up, especially on chilly mornings! Not that they are perfect for winter only, I like them cold in the summer months too. When I’m looking for a sweet filling lunch or dinner, times I would usually go for an apple salad or salad with fruit but want something with grains rather than a salad these hit the spot too! I really have found over the years that I don’t like labels or saying foods/meals are for breakfast or dinner. I find that I often like my desserts or sweet foods in the morning and I think that is the perfect time to enjoy them as I usually whip up a healthier version than I would have for dessert and I have all day for my body to burn off the extra carbs and or sugar. Also goes for the brinners, breakfast for dinner, as we go through phases often of wanting breakfast for dinner, lunch….or all day long! Heck there are times, especially during the remodel, where the family was excited to have cereal for dinner and we would much rather have that then take-out or going out to eat.

Another favorite flavor combo, besides the Cranberry Pistachio Quinoa Breakfast Bowl (with chocolate!) is this combination with apples, cranberries, and walnuts! So much flavor packed into this bowl and I like to sweeten and flavor it with maple syrup and a little cinnamon or apple pie spice. There is just so much I could say about this bowl packed with whole food goodness, it’s packed with nutrition, it’s quick and easy, it’s tart and sweet, the texture.. I could go on and on but bottom line is it satisfies all of my senses and cravings and gives a body what it needs! It’s a great use for leftover quinoa, you can batch cook the quinoa at the beginning of the week, or you can make a pot (4 servings or more) for the whole family! Not sure if your kids like quinoa or maybe they aren’t huge fans try it this way instead of as a plain side dish for dinner and they might surprise you and love it! The girls have had a love hate relationship with quinoa for years and it pretty much comes down to how it is made and what it is served with. If I just made quinoa plain like I would rice and served it to them they won’t care for it too much. If I make it with broth or add to it, bake with it, or make it into breakfast bowls like this it works better. Some cold salads with it are hit and miss, again depending on what’s in it. If you haven’t tried a quinoa breakfast bowl I recommend you try one. No I’m not being like your mom saying you have to eat it but why not try one because you never know unless you try and they’re a great start to the day!

Apple Cranberry Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Makes 1 serving
1c cooked quinoa (used Trader Joe’s Tri-Color Organic Quinoa)
1/2-1 apple cored and chopped (used HoneyCrisp)
1 tsp pure maple syrup
1/4c non dairy milk (used So Delicious Cashew Milk)
1 TBSP dried cranberries
1-2 TBSP chopped raw walnuts
sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice

Heat quinoa if using leftovers and it isn’t already warm. Stir in cinnamon or apple pie spice, maple syrup, and milk as desired. Top or stir in chopped apples, cranberries, and walnuts. Sprinkle with a little more cinnamon or apple pie spice. Enjoy!
Perfect way to warm up and fuel up! Apple Cranberry Quinoa Breakfast Bowl! #SweatPink #wholefood #vegan #glutenfree Click To Tweet