Breakfast

Fruit and Egg Quinoa Breakfast Parfaits

Quinoa is HOT these days. People are loving it served up savory, sweet and everywhere in between. They like it in salads and for breakfast. It is a grain-like crop that is actually a tasty seed. It is high in protein and adapts well to sauces, seasonings, spices and all kinds of mix-ins.

Fresh summer blueberries and cherries in red bowl
I cannot believe we are almost in the middle of August. The summer has been flying by and it has been a blast. We are embracing the fruits of the season. We love ripe cherries and berries. The bluebird days in Telluride are stunning. There’s alot to do and having home cooked meals to get us going is essential.

Mountains in Telluride, CO by Marla Meridith

With all of the hiking we have been doing here in the mountains a great big breakfast is a key to happy moods and high energy levels.

Man with children on summer hike in Telluride, CO

The wonderful thing about a meal like this is you can change it up quickly to use whatever seasonal fruits you have on hand, Once the weather changes feel free to use thawed frozen fruit or fall/winter seasonal finds. I promise you will be happy no matter what.

Healthy quinoa breakfast with blueberries and egg by Marla Meridith

Of course, you don’t need to use black quinoa in this recipe. White, red, rainbow. Anything will do. If you do not have this seed on hand sub in some oat bran, oatmeal, amaranth, buckwheat, etc. These parfaits are friendly to those on gluten-free diets.

Healthy quinoa breakfast with berries and egg by Marla Meridith

Serve up cool or hot. Either way is wonderful and a bit different. When you heat the fruit it gets sweet and saucy.

Healthy quinoa breakfast with berries and egg by Marla Meridith

Lately, I love using mason jars both for presentation and storage. I prepare a few of these layer breakfast parfaits ahead of time. They last a few days in the fridge and can be reheated as needed. You just unscrew the lid and pop ’em in the microwave until warm. Now there are no excuses to stop at a fast food joint. Right?

Healthy quinoa breakfast with berries and egg by Marla Meridith

Do you have a favorite breakfast parfait? How do you like to prepare quinoa?

Fruit and Egg Quinoa Breakfast Parfaits

1 serving (this makes a full breakfast, you can go bigger or smaller if needed)

NOTES:

  • Feel free to use whatever seasonal fruits you have on hand. Dried fruit would be great too. If using frozen fruit, let it thaw and drain before using.
  • I prepare a few of these layer breakfast parfaits ahead of time. Store in the mason jars and re-heat as needed. They last a few days in the fridge.
  • Make lots quinoa ahead of time. Leftovers are a great thing for quick ‘n easy breakfasts. Besides you can use it for lunches, dinners, etc.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup dry quinoa, cook according to package directions. You will have lots to use for other parfaits or what-not.
  • 1 whole large Egg + 2 Egg Whites (2 ounces)
  • pinch of fine Sea Salt
  • a splash of Milk, Unsweetened Coconut Milk or your favorite
  • a few drops of English Toffee or Vanilla Stevia Drops if desired
  • fresh Berries, Cherries, Currants, Pomegranate, Peach or whatever you have on hand, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • a dash of Cinnamon or your favorite spice

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

  • Toasted Nuts
  • Unsweetened Coconut Flake
  • Dark Chocolate Chips
  • a spoonful of natural Peanut, Almond, Cashew Butter
  • extra Coconut Milk, Milk or any milk you like
  • some thick Greek Yogurt
  • a splash of Heavy Cream

METHOD

Divide cooked quinoa into 4 equal portions. Whisk eggs with some sea salt and a splash of milk. Add a few drops of stevia if you like. Scramble eggs in a small skillet. Layer eggs, quinoa, and berries in bowls or mason jars. Top with fresh fruit. Serve immediately or seal in jars/containers in the fridge. Heat as needed.

Quinoa Breakfast Links

*This post has been added to TidyMom’s I’m Lovin’ it Fridays 

~ Marla Meridith

Join the Conversation

58 thoughts on “Fruit and Egg Quinoa Breakfast Parfaits

  1. What a gorgeous breakfast! I usually prepare quinoa as a salad or side, and I’ll admit, I’ve never tried it with sweet flavors. I’ll have the give the parfait a try. Love the presentation!

  2. I love quinoa for breakfast and make it warm with oats and soy milk. So good. I love this cold version, besides who wouldn’t love a parfait for breakfast?

  3. What a wonderful find coming here to your blog after reading your lovely comment over at “Snippets”. I have been having fun with quinoa as well recently. Your photos are beautiful and those mountain scenes look gorgeous.

  4. This sounds really yummy, but guess I will have to use oat bran I have never seen Quinoa around, but on the other hand as I have not heard of it I have not looked for it 🙂 Diane

  5. Printing this recipe BIG~time!
    Everything you make is CUTE and HAPPY and HEALTHY!
    You make me SMILE…that’s for sure!
    Look at your adorable family hiking these trails!
    I am telling you…I have fallen DEEP in love with Telluride!
    Do you have a fear of BEARS on the trails?
    I have a phobia of bears and it is a major hinderance in my life.
    I think I need to get hypnotized. {not kidding} ;o)
    ENJOY Telluride my friend.
    I LOVE this happy~healthy recipe.
    Love the black quinoa!
    xo

    1. Teresa, interesting you should ask about the bears. They have been EVERYWHERE this year. My friends showed me some on video the other day & the bears were right outside where we stay. I try to hike with buddies and I say a lot of prayers 😉 I have not seen any yet. Yes, I get freaked but the wild life is part of what makes these mountain towns spectacular. I do hike daily and I need to get some bear bells desperately. We make a lot of noise and try to hold conversation the whole time so we don’t sneak up on anyone 😉 Bottom line: I get your fear. I think what freaks me more or equal to are mountain lions. Arghhhhh….
      I am still gonna get you to hike with me some day!! XXOO

    1. Thanks Kiran! Doesn’t take much effort to have fun around here! Non stop action with bright blue skies 🙂 Glad you like the parfaits and hope you guys have a wonderful last few weeks of summer too!

  6. Breath taking photos as always. Love the one of the family hiking down the trail
    That is the perfect breakfast in a jar. Everything you need to jumpstart your day. You are incredibly creative! Love it!

    1. Angie, you will find me with lots of breakfasts in jars this year at Starbucks after we drop the kids at school. Make that breakfast #2 for the day 🙂 It was life changing taking the kids down Telluride Trail for the very first time as a family with NO baby jogger.

  7. The food is pretty, but the scenery and the special times you are having is just…magical!!! Wow my friend, so happy for you!! It looks every bit as beautiful as I knew it was…and even more so.

    You have mad, crazy photography skills. You blow me away, daily, with all these images!

  8. I’ve loved quinoa since BEFORE it was hot but I’ve never had it in a sweet dish! These parfaits look like the perfect place to start! Gorgeous photography, bursting with color!

    1. Sorry — I hit the wrong button! I’ve made the quinoa pudding recipe from Kim Boyce’s Good to the Grain. Have you tried that yet? I think that I sort of, might have, um, eaten it for breakfast once or twice, though it’s meant more as a dessert…

  9. Gorgeous pictures! You have me craving a good, long hike…and some quinoa! I’ve never made it for breakfast before, but love this recipe to start with 🙂 Wishing you a great weekend!

    1. Georgia I felt like the most proud mama watching them both hike on my favorite steep slopes. It was the first time my little guy footed it all the way down. It was filled with scree & he practically ran the whole way.
      I am a self declared proton junkie. Body runs best on that stuff!

  10. These look absolutely stunning! I know I would love to have this for breakfast, or anytime of the day really. And, how perfect to bring them along in mason jars!

  11. This post got me all excited! I just love this idea SOOO much! Marla, you’re just inspiring!!!
    And quiona is hot! My next post will be about quiona too! hehe

  12. Made this this morning but just simplified it to quinoa, scrambled egg, strawberries, and blueberries. Delicious!! It was my re-introduction to quinoa. I’ve had a box sitting in my cupboard that I’ve been afraid to touch after the last experience. But this was fantastic, and low-calorie too! Thank you 🙂