Why this Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe is a Winner (2024)

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4.50 from 2 votes

by Gale Compton

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Published: January 11, 2020 Last Updated: June 22, 2022

Healthy breakfast recipes made easy? Yes, please!

Why this Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe is a Winner (2)

Mornings can be hectic, especially if you’re trying to fit in a workout before work. Sometimes, it seems like skipping breakfast is the only option. But we all know it’s the most important meal of the day! Kick-starting your metabolism with a healthy breakfast is the best way to lose weight (and keep it off). That means you need a few quick and easy breakfast recipes to keep up with your busy morning. This Easy Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe is ideal for days when you’re in a big hurry!

Give yourself a boost of energy and set yourself up for success with a hearty bowl of oatmeal and quinoa. Like many recipes, this one can be tweaked to fit your taste buds, so don’t fret if you don’t like walnuts or don’t have any blueberries on hand! We’ll tell you about our favorite additions to this easy oatmeal bowl in a minute, but first, we want to give you a few tips to make this breakfast as quickly as possible.

Tips for Making this Easy Oatmeal Recipe On-The-Go

Why this Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe is a Winner (3)

Even though you can make this recipe in only 8 minutes, we know there are mornings where you don’t even have 10 minutes to spare! So we wanted to give you some advice to make this easy oatmeal recipe even more quickly.

I love making enough quinoa to last an entire week (which is easy because one cup of uncooked quinoa creates three cooked cups). Typically, I’ll cook up 1 cup dry quinoa with 2 cups wateron the weekend while I’m meal prepping. Then, Iallow it to cool before storing it in an air-tight container in the fridge.

Quinoa is fantastic in oatmeal, on salads, or all by itself! When I have cooked quinoa on hand, it’s that much easier to make breakfast on-the-fly. I also use it as a base for my lunch power bowls along with a few roasted vegetables, and I’ve even been known to add a handful into my vegetarian chili for dinner. It’s a great way to amp-up the plant-based protein in any dish.

You can also save extra time by preparing the oats, water, and almond milk in advance. Simply place them in a pot, cover it with a lid, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, you can pull it out and cook it on the stovetop. It might only save you a few minutes, but if that means you get a few extra minutes of sleep it’s so worth it!

Additions to the Base Recipe

Why this Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe is a Winner (5)

This is recipe is super creamy and filling on its own without adding anything, but sometimes we like to switch things up a bit. There’s no need to add any sugar, maple syrup, or honey. The ripe banana gives this bowl just the right amount of sweetness! But, if you want to have some fun with the recipe, here are some of my favorite additions to the base recipe:

  • 1/4 cup applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon ground sunflower or pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon nut butter
  • 1/4 cup cooked sweet potato
  • 1/4 cup raisins

Play around with the ingredients and let us know your favorites in the comments below! We can’t wait for you to try this incredible Easy Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe, just be warned: you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

4.50 from 2 votes

Why this Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe is a Winner

This creamy oatmeal makes for a filling breakfast to kickstart your day. Add toppings or dig in as-is for a nutritious meal.

Review Recipe PIN RECIPE Print Recipe

Prep Time 1 minute minute

Cook Time 7 minutes minutes

Total Time 8 minutes minutes

Yield 2

Serving Size 2 cups

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Author Gale Compton

Why this Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe is a Winner (6)

Review Recipe PIN RECIPE Print Recipe

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Base recipe:

  • 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup almond milk unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa

Additions:

  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1 very ripe banana large
  • 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds optional flax meal
  • 1/4 cup diced walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Add oats, water, and almond milk to a pot, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook on a low boil for 5 minutes.

  • Thoroughly mash banana with a fork.

  • Add remaining ingredients, stir and cover. Allow to set 2 minutes then serve. ENJOY!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 3mg |

SmartPoints (Freestyle): 7

Keywords Budget-Friendly, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian

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Why this Oatmeal & Quinoa Recipe is a Winner (2024)

FAQs

Why is quinoa better than oatmeal? ›

It is high in proteins and fiber and enriched with antioxidants that help in making the immune system stronger. You are advised to consume quinoa more in comparison to oats as quinoa will provide more health benefits in low calories.

What is the secret to good oatmeal? ›

Our Smartest Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for a Better Bowl of Oatmeal
  • Use only one variety of oats. ...
  • Forget to toast the oats before cooking. ...
  • Boil the water with the oats. ...
  • Forget to salt them. ...
  • Stir and stir and stir. ...
  • Stick with the same ol' toppings. ...
  • Make a fresh batch every morning.
May 1, 2019

Is quinoa better than oatmeal for diabetics? ›

Quinoa is a healthier grain for people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition. This whole grain is rich in vitamins and minerals. Other whole grains that are good for people living with diabetes include brown rice and steel-cut oats.

What is quinoa used for in cooking? ›

Quinoa can be used in the same way as rice and is great in stuffings, pilafs and breakfast cereals. Try quinoa porridge, and quinoa & apricot muffins. For an alterntative roast, try stuffed butternut squash with quinoa or for a summery salad, try California quinoa & avocado salad.

What is the difference between quinoa and oatmeal? ›

The key differences in terms of nutrition are: Similar protein content BUT quinoa is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids while oatmeal is not. Both are great foods to add to your food mix. Plus both are good sources of fiber that help with digestion and with a sense of fullness.

Why is quinoa better? ›

Unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free and can be eaten safely if one has gluten intolerance such as celiac disease.

What is the healthiest way to eat oatmeal? ›

Additions to make it healthier
  1. a couple of spoonfuls of nut butter, nuts, or seeds.
  2. a scoop of protein powder.
  3. beaten egg whites (mixed into oatmeal while cooking) or a fried egg on top.
  4. shredded cheese.
  5. Greek yogurt.
Apr 19, 2022

What not to add to oatmeal? ›

Some unhealthy toppings for oatmeal include:
  1. Sugary syrups like maple syrup or honey.
  2. Candied or dried fruit with added sugar.
  3. Chocolate chips or other candy.
  4. Sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream.
  5. Granola or other high-sugar cereals.
  6. Sweetened coconut flakes.
  7. Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
Feb 13, 2023

Should you put water or milk in your oatmeal? ›

Simple tip #1: Make oatmeal with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) versus water. Not only does oatmeal made with water taste way less delicious, but you're also missing out on the extra protein staying power that milk will add to the breakfast. Water will also make the oats more gummy instead of creamy.

Are eggs better than oatmeal for diabetics? ›

Oatmeal has also been shown to decrease blood glucose in 14 patients with uncontrolled T2DM [11]. In contrast, eggs are identified as a food that might raise plasma LDL-C [12], or that could potentially alter glucose metabolism and lead to diabetes [13].

Can diabetics eat quinoa everyday? ›

Quinoa has a low glycemic index (around 53), making it suitable for diabetics eating normally. It keeps you full for a longer time, which prevents your blood sugar levels from rising. Several grains that are high in protein lack the necessary quantity of amino acids to finish the breakdown process.

Can quinoa raise blood sugar? ›

Quinoa has a glycemic index of around 53, meaning it won't cause as dramatic a spike in blood sugar. This is because it contains fiber and protein, both of which slow the digestion process. Most grains don't have all the amino acids needed to make a protein.

Can you eat quinoa everyday? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Is quinoa meant to be eaten hot or cold? ›

Whilst quinoa may well be considered on-trend, it is still far too often underestimated. Quinoa can be used for everything from a complete hot dish to a quick cold recipe! As a pioneer of the sacred seed, Priméal reveals all the grain's secrets for a healthier diet.

Why should you soak quinoa before cooking? ›

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time. To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

Which is healthier oatmeal or quinoa? ›

Oats contain macronutrients such as total carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, total fat, proteins, saturated fats, iron, zinc, potassium, etc. Though both kinds of cereals are rich in nutrients, Quinoa is considered to be the healthier of the two.

Is quinoa or oatmeal better for weight loss? ›

Good news: they both have a low to medium Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load. Therefore both are great for blood sugar and weight management when using standard serving sizes. The more interesting thing about quinoa is that, unlike oats, it contains all the essential 9 amino acids to form a complete protein.

Is it good to eat quinoa every day? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

Can I eat quinoa for breakfast everyday? ›

You can eat quinoa as often as you like. Quinoa is a healthy, nutrient-dense food that provides a wide variety of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It's also high in fiber and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.

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