Creamy Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Coconut Milk {Meal Prep}

Leave a Comment / Breakfast, Nutrition / By / October 18, 2024
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Getting tired of the same old bowl of oatmeal? This creamy, deliciously sweet and healthy quinoa breakfast bowl with coconut milk is a nutritious option to add some variety. Of course, it’s high in protein and easy to meal prep! {Gluten-Free and Vegan}

A close-up of a creamy coconut milk quinoa bowl topped with berries and nuts on a counter.

The base of this recipe is extra tasty with the addition of coconut milk but what I really love about it is the versatility. Just like a bowl of oatmeal, you can create different flavor variations so you never get bored. The result is perfectly al dente, creamy and a little bit nutty – no mushy texture!

I like to meal prep the base and add frozen berries and chopped pecans to half, and bananas and walnuts the other half. Give this breakfast bowl a try for an extremely nutritious and unique start to the day!

Reasons to Try This BreakfasT Bowl

  • It’s extremely nutritious yet absolutely delicious. Quinoa is considered a “complete protein” with all the essential amino acids. This bowl not only tastes amazing, but is packed with ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, and immune-boosting.
  • Easy high protein meal prep with versatility. Take 25 minutes out of your day to meal prep for the week for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast. Each serving provides 21 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
  • Filling and satisfying start to the day. Due to the higher protein content, you can count on this breakfast bowl to keep you fuller for a longer period of time and help you increase overall protein intake.

Ingredients

Individually portioned ingredients for the quinoa breakfast bowl.

This recipe provides 4 smaller servings. It’s vegan, too! I list the base ingredients, first – then scroll for all the topping ideas.

  • Uncooked Quinoa (1 cup). Quinoa makes a fantastic breakfast option – naturally gluten-free with essential amino acids, fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals.
  • Coconut Milk (1 14-oz. can). I used full fat coconut milk, however, you could sub with light coconut milk as well to lower the calories. If you don’t like coconut milk, replace with Fairlife milk which is higher in protein or milk of choice.
  • Water or Milk (3/4 cup). I found that adding a bit more liquid to this recipe made it more creamy and decadent.
  • Vanilla Protein Powder (2 scoops). The protein powder adds more flavor while also increasing protein! If using unflavored protein powder, add more brown sugar if needed. See my notes for other options to increase protein without protein powder.
  • Brown Sugar (1 Tbsp.). This could be optional depending on how sweet the protein powder is. You can taste test and adjust if needed. Vanilla extract would also be a tasty addition to this recipe.
Two variations of a high protein quinoa breakfast bowl with coconut milk: one topped with bananas and chopped walnuts and the other with mixed berries and pecans.

Topping Ideas

  • Mixed Berries and Chopped Pecans. I like to add frozen berries when meal prepping because if you microwave the bowl it adds some of the juice as well.
  • Banana Slices, Walnuts and Cinnamon.
  • Peanut Butter and Banana.
  • Cinnamon Apples and Nuts. Microwave the apples with a little butter and cinnamon to soften them.
  • Topping the bowl with Greek yogurt not only adds some additional protein and probiotics but makes it creamier as well. Try a vanilla or berry flavored yogurt!
  • Pineapple and Shredded Coconut.
  • Hemp Hearts. Three tablespoons of hemp has 10 grams of protein per serving and they add a nutty texture to the bowl.
  • Chia Seeds. If you are looking to increase fiber consumption, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds on top.

All the Nutritional Benefits of This Breakfast

Surprisingly, this nutritious breakfast bowl is relatively low in sugar. It provides over 20 grams of protein, which is “ideal” when trying to consume a higher protein diet. Protein also assists with meal satiety and satisfaction.

Fiber, of course, is another important nutrient that helps with meal satiety as well as blood sugar stabilization. I recommend adding some chia seeds to increase the fiber content even more (just one tablespoon provides 5 grams). Most people are not consuming enough fiber and it is so important for heart health and improving the composition of our gut.

Quinoa is rich in anti-oxidants which help protect our body from free radicals. Overall, this bowl is heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, filling and easy to make! Top with Greek yogurt, a variety of fruit and chia seeds for the ultimate nutrient-packed breakfast.

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl Instructions

Recipe makes 4 breakfast bowls. Eat it cold or warm!

Two bowls of quinoa made with coconut milk topped with frozen berries on a wooden platter.

Cook the Quinoa

Add quinoa, brown sugar, coconut milk and protein powder to a pan over medium-low heat. Use a whisk to combine all ingredients until it’s smooth, without any clumps. Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce to simmer and cover for 15 minutes – stirring occasionally.

Check for doneness- all of the liquid does not have to be evaporated because it will thicken up as it sits. It’s better to have more liquid than for it to be too dry.

  • The base ingredients for the quinoa breakfast bowl in a pot on the stove.
  • Whisking together the quinoa bowl base in a pan on the stove.
  • Creamy coconut quinoa on a wooden spoon with the pan in the background.

Add the Toppings

Spoon about 1/4 of the quinoa mixture into a bowl. Top with desired toppings. I love to add frozen or microwaved berries and either chopped pecans or walnuts. A dollop of whipped cream, too!

A spoonful of breakfast quinoa with coconut milk and berries over a bowl of quinoa.

Meal Prep and Storage

Meal prepping storage containers of the high protein quinoa breakfast bowl in airtight containers on a counter.

Store leftovers in small, airtight containers in the fridge. Adding the toppings before refrigeration is completely optional. When storing, I like to top with frozen berries instead of fresh because of the extra liquid for a quick, already prepared breakfast I can reheat in the microwave.

If topping with banana, store the base plus some chopped walnuts separately and just bring a banana with you to work or slice when ready to eat. This prevents the banana from spoiling.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. If the quinoa seems too dry, just add a little bit of water prior to reheating in the microwave. This quinoa breakfast bowl can be eaten cold or warm!

More Nutritious Breakfast Ideas:
Easy Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas
Lemon Berry Overnight Oats with Kefir
High Protein Breakfast Burrito
Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
High Protein Chia Breakfast Bowl

Tips for Success

  • Do not let the pan get too hot during those first 5 minutes of cooking or it might burn and leads to quite the mess! Use a non-stick pan if this happens.
  • Adjust the consistency of the liquid. If the quinoa mixture seems too dry, add more water or milk and combine until desired consistency is reached.
  • Taste test the quinoa mixture after about 15 minutes even if the liquid hasn’t evaporated to prevent a mushy texture.

Different Variations

To Make It More Sweet: Add some vanilla extract, increase the brown sugar, or drizzle with honey.
Adjust the Consistency: If it seems too dry, add additional water or milk and stir until desired consistency is reached.
Higher Protein: Top with hemp hearts, add 3 scoops of protein powder (instead of 2) and/or top with Greek yogurt! Peanut butter (and bananas) is a great option, too.
Higher Fiber: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds.
To Make It Lower in Calories: Use a lighter coconut milk or preferred milk.

Also Read:

20 Healthy Snacks That are High in Protein and Fiber
30 Breakfasts with 30 Grams of Protein
120 Grams of Protein Vegetarian Meal Plan
20 Recipes High in Protein and Fiber

A close-up of a creamy coconut milk quinoa bowl topped with berries and nuts on a counter.

Creamy Coconut Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

A deliciously creamy, high protein quinoa breakfast bowl made with coconut milk. If you're tired of the same old oatmeal, this is a very nutritious recipe to try. Easy to meal prep with so many variations to add some variety to your breakfast. {Vegan and Gluten-Free}
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 449 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 14-oz can of full fat coconut milk, can sub with lighter coconut milk
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional

Topping Ideas

  • Frozen berries and chopped nuts
  • Bananas, cinnamon and walnuts
  • Pineapple and shredded coconut
  • Cinnamon apples and pecans
  • Hemp hearts for additional protein
  • Chia seeds for more fiber

Instructions
 

  • Add quinoa, brown sugar, coconut milk and protein powder to a pan over medium-low heat. Use a whisk to combine all ingredients until no clumps are left in the pan. Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce to simmer and cover for 15 minutes – stirring occasionally.
  • Check for doneness- all of the liquid does not have to be evaporated because it will thicken up as it sits. It's better to have more liquid than for it to be too dry.
  • Spoon about 1/4 of the quinoa mixture into a bowl. Top with desired toppings. I love to add frozen or microwaved berries and either chopped pecans of walnuts. A dollop of whipped cream, too!
  • To meal prep: Store leftovers in small, airtight containers in the fridge. Adding the toppings is completely optional. When storing, I like to top with frozen berries instead of fresh because of the extra liquid for a quick, already prepared breakfast I can reheat in the microwave. If topping with banana, store the base plus some chopped walnuts separately and just bring a banana with you to work or slice when ready to eat. This prevents the banana from spoiling. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    **If the quinoa seems too dry, just add a little bit of water prior to reheating in the microwave. This quinoa breakfast bowl can be eaten cold or warm!

Notes

  • Don’t let the pan get too hot or it will burn, leaving quite the mess. If this happens, try using a non-stick pan next time.
  • To Make It More Sweet: Add some vanilla extract, increase the brown sugar, or drizzle with honey.
  • Adjust the Consistency: If it seems too dry, add additional water or milk and stir until desired consistency is reached.
  • Higher Protein: Top with hemp hearts, add 3 scoops of protein powder (instead of 2) and/or top with Greek yogurt! Peanut butter (and bananas) is a great option, too.
  • Higher Fiber: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds.
  • To Make It Lower in Calories: Use a lighter coconut milk or preferred milk.
Nutritional information is just an estimation and individual ingredients and preparation will lead to slight variations. Calculated with full fat coconut milk, quinoa, protein powder, brown sugar, mixed berries, and chopped pecans. 
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving  
Calories 449
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 25.1g 32%
Saturated Fat 13.6g 68%
Cholesterol 40mg 13%
Sodium 108mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 32.7g 12%
Dietary Fiber 4.3g 15%
Total Sugars 10.8g  
Protein 21.5g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 40mg 3%
Iron 4mg 25%
Potassium 302mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet.2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition
Keyword Gluten-Free, healthy high protein breakfast, vegan breakfast

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