This Chunky Monkey Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is the perfect start to your day! Filled with creamy bananas, crunchy nuts, and fluffy quinoa, it’s healthy and filling.
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just cook the quinoa, add your favorite toppings, and you’re ready to go. Breakfast never tasted so good, right? 🍌🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa: I recommend using red or tri-color quinoa for added texture and a fun look. If you can’t find quinoa, you can use brown rice or even oats, though the flavor and texture will change a bit.
Banana: Ripe bananas are sweet and creamy, making them perfect for this bowl. If you’re not a fan, try substituting with sliced peaches or apples, which also provide a sweet touch.
Nut Butter: I love natural peanut butter for its creamy texture, but almond butter works well too. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Fruit: Raspberries add a nice tartness, but feel free to swap them with any berry you have on hand—blueberries, strawberries, or even diced mango for a tropical twist.
Nuts: I use walnuts for a crunchy texture, but you can easily switch to pecans or almonds. If you need a nut-free option, omit them or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
How Do I Cook Quinoa Perfectly?
Cooking quinoa is simple, but getting it right ensures fluffy grains. First, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter. Then, use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio.
- Add the rinsed quinoa and water to a pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until you see little spirals—they’re the germ separating from the seed!
- Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This ensures each grain stays separate and fluffy!
Chunky Monkey Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (preferably red or tri-color for more texture)
Toppings:
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup raspberries (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast bowl takes about 10 minutes of prep time if you have your quinoa already cooked, which makes it quick and easy. If you need to cook the quinoa, add another 15 minutes for that. So in total, give yourself about 25 minutes if starting from scratch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook Your Quinoa:
Start by cooking your quinoa according to package instructions. Typically, you’ll rinse it under cold water first, then use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
2. Assemble Your Bowl:
In a bowl, add the warm quinoa as the base. This will be the hearty part of your breakfast, packed with nutrients!
3. Add the Banana:
Slice your ripe banana and arrange the pieces along one side of the quinoa. The banana adds sweetness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with everything!
4. Drizzle the Nut Butter:
Spoon your choice of natural peanut butter or almond butter over the banana slices and quinoa. If it’s too thick, simply warm it slightly in the microwave for easier drizzling.
5. Sprinkle the Nuts:
Next, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the bowl for a nice crunch. You can toast them lightly in a pan for extra flavor if you like!
6. Add Fresh Berries:
Now, add the fresh raspberries on top for a pop of color and a tart contrast to the creamy ingredients.
7. Finish with Chocolate:
Scatter the dark chocolate chunks on top for a little indulgence. Who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate in their breakfast?
8. Sweeten It Up (Optional):
If you like a touch more sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup or honey over everything. This really brings all the flavors together!
9. Add Flavor Boosters:
If you’d like, you can add a dash of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon for extra depth in flavor. Stir it in gently.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chunky Monkey Quinoa Breakfast Bowl immediately and enjoy your nutritious, delicious, and energy-boosting creation!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Bowl?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even chopped apples. Just choose whatever is in season or what you have on hand!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the quinoa mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate and add them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy, to prevent sogginess.
Can I Make This Bowl Vegan?
Yes, this bowl is naturally vegan as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey. Just be sure to choose a nut butter that is also vegan-friendly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as quinoa is a gluten-free grain. Just ensure that all the other ingredients you use (like the nut butter and chocolate) are labeled gluten-free to avoid any contamination.
