This Pumpkin and Quinoa Parfait Is the Perfect Post-Workout Breakfast

By Lizzie Fuhr
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of dessert-like flavor, this healthy breakfast recipe celebrates your love of pumpkin pie — any time of the year — but not at the expense of nutrition. If you have leftover cooked quinoa, this breakfast comes together in minutes.

Instead of a sugary pumpkin pastry full of refined carbs that makes your blood sugar spike and leaves you feeling hungry soon after you eat, this quick and easy 322-calorie hearty breakfast offers 25 percent of your daily fiber and nearly 15 grams of protein to keep you satisfied all morning long. It's the perfect post-workout breakfast that still feels like a sweet indulgence.

Pumpkin Quinoa Parfait

Cook TimeUnder 5 minutes
Yield1 parfait
Calories332

From Lizzie Fuhr, POPSUGAR Fitness

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup quinoa, cooked
  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 cup yogurt of your choice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped apples, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix cooked quinoa, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl until well combined.

  2. Layer your parfait in a small glass of your choice. Begin with the pumpkin-quinoa mixture, then add the yogurt of your choice, reserving about 2 tablespoons. Then, layer the rest of your quinoa mixture, and top off with the remaining yogurt.

  3. Garnish with chopped apples or Fall fruit of your choice, and enjoy!

Notes

I used plain yogurt for my breakfast parfait, but use vanilla or maple to make it taste even more like a treat!