Mornings in my house are… energetic. Between finding two matching shoes for my youngest and getting breakfast on the table before the bus arrives, “easy” is my number one requirement.
I used to be a “toast and run” person, but I found I wasn’t feeling my best by mid-morning. I needed something more sustaining. That’s where this warm apple quinoa medley came from. It’s my go-to “set it and simmer” breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl and provides satisfying, feel-good energy for our busy days.
It’s one of those healthy quinoa recipes that doesn’t feel like “health food”—it’s just delicious, warm, and comforting.
Why This Is a Perfect Start to Your Day
This isn’t your typical cold quinoa salad. Think of it more like a wonderfully textured, fruit-forward breakfast porridge. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:
- Incredibly Simple: You basically add the main ingredients to a pot and let it simmer. It’s perfect for multitasking moms.
- Warm & Comforting: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender apples make this the coziest breakfast for a chilly morning.
- A Nourishing Choice: This is what a Mediterranean-style breakfast is all about. You’re getting fiber-rich whole grains and fruit in one satisfying bowl.
- Family-Friendly: My kids love this. It’s sweet (but not too sweet) and has a lovely, soft texture.
How to Make This Cozy Quinoa Medley
I love recipes where the stovetop does all the work. The process is so simple.
First, you’ll give your quinoa a good rinse. This is a key step I never skip, as it removes any bitterness. Then, you’ll dice up your apples. I prefer Fuji or Honeycrisp for their sweetness and ability to hold their shape.
From there, you just combine the rinsed quinoa, diced apples, and water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then cover it, turn the heat way down, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes.
Once all the water is absorbed and the apples are perfectly tender, you’ll stir in those warm spices. I serve it right away with a little drizzle of honey. That’s it!
Kristina’s Tips & Easy Variations
After making this dozens of times, I’ve found a few little extras that make it even better. Here are some of my favorite ways to customize this Mediterranean quinoa salad bowl.
- Go Nuts: A small sprinkle of toasted, chopped walnuts or slivered almonds adds a wonderful crunch and a source of healthy fats.
- Make it Creamy: If you like, you can serve this with a splash of almond milk, coconut milk, or regular milk.
- Meal Prep Gold: This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Make a full batch on Sunday and portion it into containers. It reheats beautifully in the microwave for a near-instant breakfast all week.
- Fruit Swaps: This works just as well with diced pears in the fall!
Sunrise Apple Quinoa Medley
Ingredients
Grains:
- 3/4 cup quinoa thoroughly rinsed
Liquid:
- 1 1/2 cups water
Fruit:
- 3 large apples such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp variety
Spices:
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Sweetener:
- Honey for drizzling (approximately 1-2 teaspoons per serving, or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, and remove the cores from the apples. Dice the apple flesh into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and Cook: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and diced apples. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness: Ensure liquid is absorbed and apples are tender; fluff with a fork if needed. During this time, the quinoa will cook and absorb the water, and the apples will become tender.
- Spice Infusion: After the simmering time, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly distributed throughout the quinoa and apple mixture.
- Serve: Divide the warm quinoa medley equally among three serving bowls. Finish each serving with a drizzle of honey according to your preference. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Calories: Approximately 332 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 6.7 g
- Fat: Approximately 3.0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 74.4 g
- Fiber: Approximately 9.2 g
- Sugar: Approximately 38.5 g
- Sodium: Approximately 103 mg
- Potassium: Approximately 476 mg
- Calcium: Approximately 60 mg
- Iron: Approximately 2.5 mg
- Vitamin A: Approximately 122 IU
- Vitamin C: Approximately 9.4 mg
Your Quick Questions, Answered
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely. While I love the flavor of honey, maple syrup is a fantastic substitute. You could also use a sprinkle of coconut sugar or just let the sweetness of the apples shine through on their own.
Is this recipe served hot or cold?
It’s designed to be eaten warm, fresh off the stove. However, I can confirm it’s also delicious eaten cold, straight from the fridge (especially on a busy morning!).
What’s the best kind of apple to use?
I recommend a firm, sweet apple variety like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They become tender while cooking but don’t turn into complete mush.
I hope this simple, nourishing recipe makes your mornings a little easier and a lot more delicious. It’s a wonderful way to start the day feeling full and happy. Enjoy!
Kristina Hanson is an independent wellness researcher and the founder of DailyZests. After a PCOS diagnosis, she focused her research on managing insulin resistance through evidence-based nutrition. Her work translates the science of DASH, Mediterranean, and Low-Carb eating into easy, family-tested recipes.
