This parfait combines quinoa, fresh cranberry sauce, toasted almonds and European yogurt for a seasonal, healthy breakfast on-the-go!
I don't often workout in the morning - it's just not really my thing, but when I do, I'm always thinking about what I'm going to eat for breakfast. I'm definitely a breakfast person and I know that coming up with healthy options for breakfast is not always an easy task - especially when it's something that needs to be transportable.
When I worked in an office I was lucky enough to get breakfast served every day. It wasn't always the healthiest options so I liked to have few things on hand that I could grab and take with me to work. Now I work from home and it's great to have options that are ready to go so I have something healthy on hand. I think it's important to have some variety in your breakfast - no one wants to eat the same boring thing every day! Eggs are really my favorite, and often my go-to choice. Another favorite is this Honey Flax Granola with Greek yogurt, which I just love! If you are like me and not a huge fan of oatmeal, a quinoa-based breakfast is a great alternative and a good way to get a lot of protein to start the day off right.
This recipe is also a good one to add to your weekly meal prep. You can make both the quinoa and cranberry sauce at the beginning of the week. You can even freeze some of the cranberry sauce if you want to! I usually make the jars with the quinoa, cranberry and yogurt already added in and then top with the toasted almonds just before I'm ready to eat.
Mason jars a super fun way to pack up all kinds of things - salads, desserts, pasta - so why not add breakfast to that list?!
notes from the kitchen
- You can use any fresh cranberry sauce for this recipe - this quick and easy Orange Cranberry Sauce works well. I do recommend one that is more sauce-like for this recipe. And since it's that time of year, if you have some cranberry sauce leftover from Thanksgiving this is a great way to use it up.
- For European-style yogurt I prefer Siggi's, however, you can use any plain yogurt in this recipe. And if you are lucky enough to live someplace where you can get it, I'd highly recommend Straus Family Creamery European yogurt. It's one of my absolute favorites!
- I almost always use a non-stick skillet for toasting nuts. It's quick and easy, and you don't have to turn on the oven. Just place the nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Depending on the type of nuts, it usually takes 8 - 15 minutes for them to toast.
things you may want for this recipe
8.5 oz. Quattro Stagioni Canning Jar – The smaller version of the classic canning jars are perfect for storing and transporting small servings of food. They also work great for desserts for picnics! A set of four will work well for most kitchens.
Quinoa Cranberry Breakfast Jar Parfait
This parfait combines quinoa, fresh cranberry sauce, toasted almonds and European yogurt for a seasonal, healthy breakfast on-the-go!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup quinoa
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ⅔ cup fresh cranberry sauce
- 6 oz European, or other, plain yogurt
Instructions
- Add the water and quinoa to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
- While the quinoa is cooking heat a small non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the almonds and toast for 8-10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure they toast evenly.
- Divide the quinoa between two mason jars, or serving dishes, add the cranberry and yogurt. Top with toasted almonds. Serve, or store in the refrigerator for breakfast later in the week.
Notes
If storing the jars for a day or two I'd recommend leaving the almonds off until just before serving so they stay crunchy.
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Bethany @ athletic avocado says
These cute little parfaits are such a fun, healthy breakfast idea! I normally go for oats in the morning, but quinoa sounds like a nice change 🙂
Julie says
I love yogurt and like the combination of flavors you have here. Great for lunch too. Thanks.
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
OMG, this looks so good right now! Forget breakfast, I'd have this for dessert!
FoodieGirlChicago says
Thanks Cristina - I love the idea of having it for dessert!! 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
I am one of those people that need "a little something before I workout" too and this would be perfect! I love quinoa but don't often think of it for breakfast - this is such a tasty way to squeeze in some extra protein in the morning!
Sarah says
This looks absolutely delicious! I ordered a dish at breakfast yesterday with quinoa in it...genius. Quinoa for breakfast needs to be my next go-to and this recipe will be just perfect to get me started!
Shumaila says
Boxing is so much fun! These breakfast parfaits sound like the perfect morning snack to grab before class!