This breakfast quinoa is high in protein but lower on the glycemic index! It’s the perfect vegan, gluten-free breakfast.
Being a food blogger is a joy: food connects people and sharing recipes that others love is deeply rewarding. Recently a reader reached out—she’s diabetic and transitioning to a fully vegan diet. She was looking for breakfast ideas that are both high in protein and low on the glycemic index, and I wanted to create a recipe that fit those needs.
I researched ingredients and settled on quinoa. Technically a seed (not a true grain), quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids and has a relatively low glycemic load, making it a smart base for a filling, blood-sugar-friendly breakfast.
In this recipe, quinoa is cooked in unsweetened almond milk that has been steeped with chai tea for warm, spiced flavor. A touch of coconut palm sugar is optional for sweetness. Top the finished quinoa with pecans and shredded coconut for extra protein and healthy fats, and finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve with additional warmed almond milk or a nut milk of your choice for a creamy bowl.
This version is vegan, gluten-free, nourishing, and satisfying—perfect for anyone seeking a plant-forward, low-glycemic morning meal.
Breakfast Quinoa w/ Chai-Spiced Almond Milk + Cinnamon
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1/2 Cup Quinoa rinsed
- 1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1 Chai Tea Bag
- 1/2 Tbs Coconut Palm Sugar optional
Toppings
- Pecans
- Coconut
- Cinnamon
Instructions
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Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating (saponin), which can taste bitter.
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In a small saucepan, combine the almond milk, rinsed quinoa, and chai tea bag. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove the tea bag. Stir in coconut palm sugar if using. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the quinoa is tender.
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When the quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and keep covered for 5–10 minutes so the almond milk can be absorbed fully and the texture becomes creamy.
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Serve the quinoa in a bowl with a splash of warmed almond or other nut milk. Top with pecans, shredded coconut, and a dusting of cinnamon. Enjoy warm.
Nutrition
P.S.
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