Quinoa Berry Smoothie Bowl

This 4-ingredient quinoa smoothie bowl with berries is a delicious, gluten free breakfast recipe idea that's full of protein and goodness. If you prepare the quinoa ahead this recipe comes together in minutes!

This fruity quinoa smoothie bowl is a super healthy, delicious and easy to make breakfast idea.  In addition to having a low sugar content this breakfast smoothie is naturally gluten free as well as satisfying (thanks to the protein-rich quinoa).

Quinoa smoothie ingredients

This quinoa smoothie bowl is semi-sweet but you can add a little maple syrup into the mixture and adjust the amount of sweetness to taste.  I used a mixture of berries for added flavour and natural sweetness, as well as almond milk (which also contains a degree of sweetness) to get the right consistency.  I also sneaked a few prunes into the smoothie for more depth of flavour and creamier consistency.  Prunes, which are high in nutrients and fibre, make an ideal breakfast ingredient. You can, however, use (equally nutritious) dates, if you prefer.

Top tip

Tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.  For example if you decide to use more maple syrup add less dried fruit and vice versa.

Why you should use quinoa in a smoothie

Smoothies can make a great addition to a healthy diet.  They can contain fruit and vegetables, but they can also be a good source of protein (from yogurt and milk).  Quinoa is high in protein and other nutrients so makes an ideal smoothie ingredient.  Especially if you want to enjoy your smoothie for breakfast!

Quinoa has a mild, slightly nutty flavour, blending in well with the rest of the ingredients in the smoothie.  It also adds bulk creating a satisfying, naturally gluten free, snack.

Can I use raw quinoa

I do not recommend it.  According to some quinoa can be eaten raw but your smoothie may be a little grainy.  Even soaking quinoa overnight does not soften the seed sufficiently to be palatable. (Which is why I also made my overnight quinoa using cooked quinoa).  Quinoa cooks very quickly (about 12-15 minutes) and it's easy to prepare it ahead - simply refrigerate and use it whenever you like.

Do I have to soak the quinoa before cooking

I recommend that you do, if possible.  For most recipes (especially savoury ones) it's ok to just rinse and cook the quinoa, but it can taste a little bitter, which is not ideal in a 'sweet' recipe.  To prepare the quinoa rinse it thoroughly, cover with 3 times the amount of water and soak for 4-8 hours.  Then rinse again, add fresh water, cover and boil for 12-15 minutes until tender.  Strain if needed and set aside to cool completely before making the smoothie.

Recipe instructions

1.Place all the ingredients in the blender.

2. Puree then check if the sweetness needs adjusting (add more dried fruit or maple syrup) and pure until velvety smooth. Spoon your quinoa smoothie into bowls and serve.

Serving suggestions

This smoothie with quinoa can be served as it is but there are also lots of topping ideas you can use. Top with fresh berries (or other fruit), toasted nuts or seeds, fruit compote, a little homemade muesli or granola for a more substantial breakfast.

Top tips

• Quinoa is a great ingredient to prepare ahead. Soak then cook it according to packet instructions and once cooled, refrigerate, covered, for up to 3 days.  That way you can make a fresh smoothie bowl every day!
• Use a mixture of different berries or just one type of berries. You may have to adjust the amount of maple syrup according to how sweet your fruit is.
• I recommend using frozen rather than fresh berries (so you don't have to chill the smoothie before serving).
• I recommend using a powerful blender to ensure the mixture is silky smooth, not grainy. 
• Best served immediately. 
• Refrigerate leftover quinoa smoothie in a jar/airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Related recipes

• Spinach Berry Smoothie 2 Ways
• Sweet Potato Mango Smoothie
• Raspberry Smoothie with Avocado and Mint
• Beet Smoothie with Cherries
• Broccoli Smoothie 2 Ways (Berry and Melon)

Check out also this collection of delicious vegetable breakfast recipes.

Keep in touch!

If you make this berry smoothie with quinoa I'd love to know how it turned out for you.  What berries did you use? Let me know in the comments below, thanks:)

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Quinoa Berry Smoothie Bowl

This delicious quinoa smoothie bowl with berries is a nutritious, gluten free breakfast recipe idea. If you prepare the quinoa ahead this recipe comes together in minutes!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: dairy free, gluten free, vegan

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Soaking, cooking and cooling the quinoa: 4 hours 45 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours 48 minutes

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 205kcal

Author: Monika Dabrowski

Equipment

• ▢
  Blender

Ingredients

• ▢ 70 g (2.47 oz) cooked quinoa
• ▢ 200 g (7.05 oz) frozen berries any
• ▢ 190 ml (0.8 cups) almond/hazelnut milk/coconut water
• ▢ 6-8 prunes or dates pitted
• ▢ 1 tbsp maple syrup or to taste

Instructions

• To prepare the quinoa rinse then soak it for 4-8 hours (see *Notes) then add fresh water, cover and bring to the boil. Cook gently for 12-15 minutes until fluffy, strain (if needed) and set aside to cool completely.
• Place all the ingredients in a blender and puree. Taste the smoothie, add more maple syrup or dried fruit if needed and puree again until velvety smooth.

  Spoon into bowls and enjoy! Makes 2 good size portions.

Notes

• *I recommend rinsing then soaking the quinoa in 3 times the amount of water for 4-8 hours to ensure it's not bitter. Soak then rinse it again, add fresh water, cover and cook gently for 12-15 minutes until fluffy.
• Quinoa is a great ingredient to prepare ahead. Cook it according to packet instructions and once cooled, refrigerate, covered, for up to 3 days.  That way you can make a fresh smoothie bowl every day!
• I recommend using frozen rather than fresh berries (so you don't have to chill the smoothie before serving).
• Tweak the ingredients to your taste.  For example if you decide to use more maple syrup add less dried fruit and vice versa.
• Use a powerful blender to ensure the mixture is silky smooth, not grainy. 
• Best served immediately. Enjoy on its own, with toasted nuts or seeds, fresh fruit, fruit compote, a little granola or muesli.
• Storing: Refrigerate leftover smoothie mixture in a jar for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 128mg | Potassium: 356mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 1mg

*Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

**A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

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