Protein Overnight Quinoa

March 2, 2022

•

Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

This high-protein make-ahead quinoa is the perfect healthy breakfast to start your day.

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Protein Overnight Quinoa

Make healthy High-Protein Overnight Quinoa with your favorite plant-based milk, such as Ultra Creamy Oat Milk, Easy Cashew Milk, No-Soak Almond Milk, or even Potato Milk for a breakfast full of whole grains, fiber, and nutrients.

Glass of Protein Overnight Quinoa topped with blackberries

I'm always looking for healthy, high-protein breakfast ideas that don't take up too much time in the morning to prepare. This high-protein overnight quinoa checks all of those boxes. It's full of nutrients that keep you full all morning long (including fiber, protein and spices), is great for making ahead and can be grabbed on the go. This quinoa is also kid-friendly so the entire family can enjoy!

What Kind of Milk For Overnight Breakfast Quinoa

When it comes to vegan milk options, there are so many possibilities. From soy milk to nut milk to the newest trend, potato milk, you can find a delicious plant-based option you love. And what makes these milks even better? You can make them from scratch at home! All of these dairy-free milk recipes will work for this creamy high-protein quinoa recipe:

If you're curious about the wide world of dairy-free milk options, start with this guide to The Best Milk Alternatives for Your Entire Household.

Overnight Quinoa Ingredients

Here's what you need for this high-protein overnight quinoa porridge recipe:

Quinoa. Cook your quinoa ahead of time. This is a great way to repurpose leftover cooked grains!
Oats. If necessary, use gluten-free oats. Rolled or old-fashioned is best.
Spices. I like cinnamon and nutmeg in this porridge.
Chia seeds. These are packed with fiber and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
Milk. Choose your favorite! I like almond for this recipe.
Agave. You can also sweeten your protein quinoa with honey (if not vegan) or maple syrup.
Vanilla. for a dash of warming flavor.

Toppings for Protein Quinoa

Add crunch and texture to your overnight quinoa with your favorite toppings. I like to serve this dish with:

Fresh berries, especially blackberries or raspberries
Sliced almonds or another nut. Walnuts, hazelnuts or brazil nuts are also great.
Almond butter or another nut butter
Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower
Yogurt. You can use plant-based or regular yogurt to add a nice creamy topping to your quinoa.
Cocoa powder adds a tasty chocolatey finish and extra antioxidants

Storage

This is a great recipe for meal prep. You can store the overnight protein quinoa in the fridge for up to five days, so you'll have breakfast ready to go all week long.

Sweetener Options

You can easily make this breakfast sugar-free by omitting the agave. Or opt for a different unrefined sweetener such as maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey. Another way that I love to sweeten this protein quinoa naturally is with mashed ripe bananas.

Flavoring Ideas

There are so many ways to change up the flavor in this overnight breakfast porridge. Try these ingredient additions/swaps:

Use almond extract instead of vanilla
Stir almond butter into the oats (or another nut/seed butter)
Add a dollop of your favorite jam or jelly
Stir in cocoa powder, acai powder or beet powder

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make Protein Overnight Quinoa, tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Protein Overnight Quinoa

March 2, 2022 •

By Shanika

5 from 2 votes

This high-protein make-ahead quinoa is the perfect healthy breakfast to start your day.

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Serves: servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

COOKED QUINOA:

2 cups fresh water
1 cup uncooked quinoa, original or multi-color
½ teaspoon sea salt

OVERNIGHT QUINOA:

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup rolled oats, GF-certified if needed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 Tbsps chia seeds (See Notes!)
2 cups Almond milk (You can use your favorite plant-based milk!)
¼ cup Agave syrup
1 ½ tsps vanilla extract

TOPPINGS:

Fresh blackberries
Sliced almonds
Almond butter, optional

Instructions

TO COOK QUINOA:

Begin by adding the water and salt to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. Add in the quinoa, whisking continuously while boiling for 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes, whisking every 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through, and water has dried, and the quinoa has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.

TO MAKE THE OVERNIGHT QUINOA:

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl, stirring until well combined.
Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).
To serve (hot or cold), add the overnight quinoa to a bowl or mason jar and top it with fresh blackberries, sliced almonds, and drizzle almond butter atop, if desired.
Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

STORAGE: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prep for the week!
TOASTED NUTS: Add sliced almond or chopped pecans/walnuts to a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-10 minutes, tossing them halfway to avoid browning on one side.
NUT BUTTER: If preferred, you can always substitute Almond butter with Peanut butter, SunButter (perfect for allergy-free needs!), Tahini (Sesame Seed Butter), Hazelnut Butter, etc.
SWEETENER: Instead of Agave, you can simply use pure maple syrup, mashed bananas, or your favorite sweetener.
WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? You can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, etc.