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Quinoa Breakfast Bowl: The Best Nutritious Start to Your Morning

iron-rich quinoa breakfast bowl with roasted vegetables and tahini

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This vibrant quinoa breakfast bowl combines plant-based iron, complete protein, and anti-inflammatory ingredients in one colorful, nutrient-dense meal. With roasted vegetables, soft-boiled egg, and a creamy lemon-tahini drizzle, it’s perfect for starting your day with energy and intention.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked quinoa (red or tri-color blend)

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup acorn squash, diced

1 cup red beets, sliced into rounds

1 cup broccoli florets

6 large eggs

2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Roast the squash and beets:
    Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss diced acorn squash and beet slices separately with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep beets on one side to avoid bleeding color.

  • Roast the broccoli:
    Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast on a separate pan for 12–15 minutes until lightly browned and crisp-tender.

  • Cook the quinoa:
    If not already cooked, rinse 1 cup dry quinoa, then cook with 2 cups water. Simmer covered for 15 minutes, rest 5 minutes, then fluff.

  • Soft-boil the eggs:
    Bring water to a boil, gently lower in eggs, and simmer for 6 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Peel and slice in half.

  • Make the lemon-tahini sauce:
    In a bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and 1–2 tablespoons warm water until smooth and pourable. Add salt to taste.

  • Assemble the bowls:
    In each bowl, spoon in a serving of cooked quinoa. Top with black beans, roasted beets, squash, and broccoli. Add one soft-boiled egg. Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with pumpkin and sesame seeds.

Notes

Boost Iron Naturally: The combination of quinoa, black beans, pumpkin seeds, egg, and tahini provides around 7 mg of iron per serving.

Support Iron Absorption: The lemon juice and broccoli add vitamin C to improve non-heme iron uptake.

Make Ahead Tips: Roast vegetables and cook quinoa in advance. Store eggs and dressing separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Vegan Swap: Omit the egg and add sautéed kale or tofu for a fully plant-based version.