Name: Quinoa Berry Smoothie Bowl
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 288 min
Ingredients: 70 g cooked quinoa; 200 g frozen berries (any); 190 ml almond/hazelnut milk/coconut water; 6-8 prunes or dates (pitted); 1 tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)

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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

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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