Quinoa Breakfast Bowl and more GF/DF Ideas

Hello readers!

Thank you all so much for the warm response to my last, deeply personal post ‘New Year, New Journey‘. It was very moving to hear your stories; and I thank you for sharing.

I really appreciate all the advice, and feel your support. It’s taken some time to adjust to our Food Adventure (as we are calling it instead of elimination diet) but we are taking it one day at a time.

At first, eating gluten-free and dairy-free is all consuming…you can’t let up for one minute or there’s a kiddo slipping whole grain tortilla chips into the grocery cart.

After a few weeks, however, a few favourite dishes emerge, and you start to forget all about focaccia, ramen and whipped cream. Well, almost.

Read on for my Quinoa Breakfast Bowl recipe and many more delicious gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast ideas.

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl Recipe

Quinoa has been a favourite gluten-free grain in the Simple Bites kitchen for a long time. In winter this Citrus, Shrimp and Quinoa Salad is a bright and flavourful do-ahead lunch.

In summer this quinoa power bowl base with corn and beans is a picnic staple. And in fall I make Preserved Lemon Quinoa with Shaved Brussels and Toasted Walnuts. Delish!

But if you haven’t tried quinoa as a breakfast porridge, you’re missing out. It’s far fluffier than oats, which can be gummy, and has a delightful nutty flavour.

Quinoa Breakfast Bowls are a year ’round favourite, simmered with oat or nut milk and piled high with fresh fruits, seeds, nuts and maple syrup.

Here’s my gluten-free, dairy-free quinoa breakfast bowl recipe. It’s become a weekly go-to power breakfast, especially if you add a spoonful of almond butter, or seed butter (try tahini!). It’s particularly comforting in winter. I hope you give it a try.

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

A gluten-free, dairy-free power breakfast that's great any time of the year and ready in 20 minutes.
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Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Gluten-free
Essential Ingredient: Quinoa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups oat milk or other non-dairy milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon nut butter
  • 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • fresh fruits to garnish
  • hemp hearts, chia seeds, ect to garnish

Instructions

  • Place quinoa in a fine sieve and rinse well with cold water. This gets rid of the saponin coating and ensures your quinoa will not be bitter. Drain.
  • In a small pot, combine the quinoa, oat milk, salt and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy. The milk should be all absorbed.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the nut butter (if desired).
  • Divide the quinoa porridge between two bowls. Drizzle with maple syrup and a little additional milk. I like to add creamy coconut milk.
  • Garnish the bowl with fresh fruit such as berries, bananas, diced apple or citrus. Sprinkle sunflower seeds, hemp hearts or chia seeds on top – whatever you have on hand. Serve warm.

More Gluten Free/Dairy Free Breakfast Ideas

We more or less have our Food Adventure breakfasts sorted. Your recommendations were so helpful! When we’re craving maple syrup, these Oat Waffles from Cookie and Kate are indeed delicious.

Here’s what we’re loving from the Simple Bites archives...

Fried Egg Tostada

I frequently crave the flavours of Mexico for a savoury breakfast and this easy dish delivers. It takes a mere minute or two in the pan and then can be topped with beans, salsa, avocado, cilantro and a spoonful of dairy-free (or not) sour cream.

Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal

I make this cozy dish with coconut kefir and oat milk. It’s a great do-ahead breakfast that everyone loves.

Swiss Chard, Leek and Sweet Potato Frittata

Here’s a nourishing breakfast that’s packed with vegetables. These days I use a non-dairy milk and vegan cheese – or none at all.

Best Ever Oat Muffins

Over the years readers have informed me that my BEST EVER muffin recipe can be adapted to be gluten free. After all, they are my kids absolute favourite after-school snack.

I’m delighted to report that my BEST muffins ever are just as delicious using an all-purpose gluten free flour. For a GF and DF muffin, I coconut kefir instead of the buttermilk and melted coconut oil to replace the butter. They are fluffy and delicious; perfect for the lunchbox.

Citrus Salad with Honey-Cinnamon Syrup

It’s citrus season and this simple salad is a great way to showcase the fruits. Save this one for when friends are coming for brunch.

Mix-and-Match Granola Recipe || Simple Bites

Mix & Match Granola

Delicious sprinkled on oatmeal or my quinoa breakfast bowl, homemade granola is a staple in the Simple Bites kitchen.

Ultimate Breakfast Tacos

When I want to make a weekend brunch spread, these breakfast tacos are always a hit! The DIY taco bar is always a fun way to entertain and much of the prep can be completed in advance

Blueberry Lemonade Smoothie

Smoothies are a constant these days, featuring frozen fruits and vegetables, and non-dairy milks. This one is very popular with the kiddos, and I make it with coconut yogurt or kefir to keep it dairy-free. Delicious.

Maple Sausage Patties

Another delightful weekend breakfast staple, rounded out with soft scrambled eggs and my rosemary hash browns.

Make-Ahead Steel Cut Oatmeal with Maple-Stewed Berries

Raid the freezer for that stash of July berries, then simmer them for a vibrant topping to a comforting bowl of oats. Everything can be made the night before, which makes for an easy weekday morning.

Wilted Mixed Greens with Bacon and Eggs

Here’s a brunch dish that can both wow guests and satiate their hungry appetites. Wilted greens with bacon and eggs, spicy radishes, pickled shallots and sweet cherry tomatoes: this salad has it all

One Pan Crispy Bacon and Eggs with Asparagus

I know asparagus season is just around the corner, so I’m keeping this simple power breakfast recipe on hand! It’s a super convenient one-pan breakfast or brunch dish that is incredibly delicious. Serve with hash browns and citrus salad for a complete brunch spread.

Thanks for reading! I hope you’ve found some breakfast and brunch inspiration in this post.

Share your gluten-free and/or dairy-free breakfast and brunch favourites in the comments below!

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3 Comments

  1. a very different and welcome breakfast for me, nice change of pace, and also enjoy some of these other suggestions too, especially the Swiss chard and sweet potato frittata thank you!

  2. I love the idea of using quinoa for breakfast! As someone who follows a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, finding tasty breakfast options can be a challenge. The Quinoa Breakfast Bowl recipe sounds delicious, and I can’t wait to try it out. The other breakfast ideas in the article are also helpful and inspiring.

  3. This looks so delicious! I love quinoa and have never thought about making it for breakfast. It’s such a great idea.