Looking for a delicious new way to start your morning? Try this recipe for breakfast quinoa – it’s a hearty, filling breakfast that’s sure to become a favorite! Creamy quinoa is topped with fresh mango and coconut flakes for a taste of the tropics!
Breakfast is such an important meal, and it can also be a delicious one! I know sometimes I get into a rut with breakfast – I tend to make a smoothie, or overnight oats. Both of these are delicious, easy, allergy friendly options, but sometimes you get a little bored of the same thing.
I also like to make breakfast quinoa, and truthfully, this is one of my favorite ways to eat quinoa.
I love to have quinoa as an alternative to oatmeal. It’s full of fiber, protein, and iron, and when mixed with buttery spread and coconut milk, it makes a delicious hot breakfast cereal. It’s also fairly quick to make – if you’re in a rush, it’s easy to throw in a pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes or so while you get ready for the day.
How do you make breakfast quinoa?
- You just need to cook the quinoa in dairy free milk instead of water – this makes it nice and creamy.
- Then you’ll add some sweetener, vegan buttery spread, and stir together.
- Finally, you’ll top the quinoa with fresh fruit – I used mangoes, and any other toppings you like. I made this bowl with coconut flakes on top as well.
What type of non-dairy milk will work in this recipe?
Any kind of non-dairy milk that you like should be just fine! You may want to use a neutral flavored milk, like unsweetened coconut milk, or rice milk. Some non-dairy milks have a stronger flavor, and that may overpower this recipe. If you’re new to dairy free cooking, take a look at my guide to dairy substitutes.
Other fruits to add to this breakfast bowl:
- pineapple
- papaya
- strawberries
- blueberries
- kiwi
- banana
- dragonfruit
I find that this breakfast quinoa is a very filling cereal option – it definitely sticks with me throughout the morning. If you want to add even more nutrition, you can add some ground flax seed, chia seeds, or hemp seeds.
This version is full of coconut flavor from coconut milk, cream, and flakes, and the fresh mango is the perfect topping to this tropical breakfast.
More breakfast quinoa recipes:
- Breakfast Quinoa with Peaches and Berries
- Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Quinoa Porridge with Mixed Berries
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Tropical Breakfast Quinoa (Gluten Free, Vegan).
Creamy coconut quinoa topped with mango is a great way to start the day! This is an easy gluten free vegan breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 ¼ cups unsweetened coconut milk I used SO Delicious brand
- 1 ½ Tablespoons vegan buttery spread
- 1 Tablespoon coconut cream
- 1 ½ Tablespoons maple syrup honey, or agave syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes plus more for top
- 1 cup fresh mango diced
Instructions
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Rinse the quinoa in a strainer, and then place the quinoa in a saucepan. Add the unsweetened coconut milk. Cook over medium heat, just until the milk starts to bubble. Reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan.
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Cook over low heat for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when the little ring separates from around the edge of the quinoa. Don’t overcook or it will dry out.
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Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the honey, vegan buttery spread, shredded coconut flakes, coconut cream, and salt.
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Spoon into bowls and top with the diced mango. Sprinkle coconut on top.
Recipe Notes
You can store leftover quinoa in the refrigerator for about 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove top - you may need to add a bit more milk or water to add some moisture while reheating.
This post was originally published in July 2015. It has been updated.
Nisha Garg
Ummm.. Yummy… Kelly, I tried this recipe and it was delicious. I added Mongoes, Kiwi, and Banana to my bowl. However, my quinoa’s went a little sticky. Was it because of creamy diary milk I used? Need your suggestions before trying it another time.
Katie
Delicious recipe!
Amanda Wood
This sounds delicious! Do you think you could do it in a slow cooker?
Kelly
You know, I don’t know, because quinoa is such a quick cooking grain…I wonder if it would dry out. I guess it would depend on how long you were going to leave it in there.
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven
I SO need to try breakfast quinoa! It’s pretty much the only thing I haven’t used quinoa in yet. ;) I looove all the tropical goodness you loaded into this pretty bowl! Perfect way to start the day!
Kelly
Thanks, Sarah!
Alex @ DelishKnowledge
I’ve never made quinoa for breakfast! I’ve just started to get on the oatmeal train and quinoa is next on my list! This recipe looks like the perfect way to start, love the pineapple and coconut!
Kelly
Thanks, Alex! I think you’ll like quinoa this way!
Lisa
Oh, yes! I have so much pineapple left from my fried rice. Definitely need to add it to my morning oats/quinoa!
Steph | The Grateful Grazer
Yum! This looks like the perfect healthy start to a summer morning! I love mango with coconut!
Strength and Sunshine
Keep the quinoa coming! I love cooking grains in coconut milk! So creamy and full of flavor!
Kelly
I can’t stop my quinoa obession! :)
whiskandshout
I have GOT to make breakfast quinoa! I love it in desserts and for lunch and dinner, so natural I’d love it for breakfast :) Especially your delicious tropical version!
Kelly
I think you’ll love it!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
I have still yet to make breakfast quinoa. But you have inspired me, because this sounds too good to pass up!
Kelly
Thanks, Natalie!
alannamwaldron
I love quinoa for breakfast but I never seem to eat it enough!Loving the tropical flavors :)
Julia
MMMHMMM!I could definitely see myself eating quinoa for breakfast! All the coconut and mango flavors you’ve got going on in that there bowl are making my mouth water. So healthy and tasty!
Kristen
This is right up my alley! I already have all the ingredients, minus the mango, so I think I’ll give it a try with some pineapple today. Thanks for sharing !
Kelly
Hope you love it!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
Quinoa makes the best breakfast! This looks delicious, Kelly! Love the tropical flavors!
athleticavocado
i don’t know why I have never tried quinoa for breakfast! This looks amazing :)