This bowl of breakfast goodness is screaming summer, isn’t it?

To me, it looks like a bowl of sunshine.

And so, on the last week of summer, I’m bringing you a bowl of sunshine, omega 3’s and lean protein to power you through the last week of bikini’s, jumping through the sprinklers, bike rides, sun tans and popsicles.

Don’t worry, autumn will be just as fun.

And I’ve gotta lot of recipes coming your way to make your fall spectacular. (I’ll be cooking quinoa and introducing you to a few more chia seed recipes, too).

Standby for more on that later.

I whipped up a batch of quinoa and topped it with my favorite nuts and seeds. Chia seeds are my new go-to source of protein when I’m in a rush and can’t cook up a real meal.

Slivered almonds are almost too good to be true.

Seriously. Put a bag of these babies near me and I won’t let go.

NOT. Kidding.

I can’t stop at one. Wait, who eats one? I toss a handful in my mouth at a time. Kinda like my dad’s style of eating nuts. Not lady-like but hey, who’s watching? It’s just me in my kitchen dancing to Bruce Springstein anyway.

Ha. I wish you guys could all come cook with me.

I have way too much fun by myself.

Anyway, just make this quinoa. Or at least pretend to make it.

It’ll make you smile. Why?

Well, just the fresh scent of freshly grated lemon is enough to bring back all those good ol’ summer memories from back in the day.

Ahhhh yes.

The good ol’ days.

Make it. Tell me about it. And make it again.

You’ll want to. I know you will.

Add your own spin if you wanna. Like walnuts? Well, why not toss those to the bowl? Hate almonds? I think you’re crazy but add pistachios if you’d rather have them instead. I won’t judge.

I promise.

For more of my favorites, follow along on facebook, pinterest, instagram, twitter and google plus.

Try to buy everything organic. Here’s why: The Benefits of Eating Organic.

Chia Lemon Quinoa Bowl {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free}

Serves: 6

 

Print

Prep

5 minutes

Cook

15 minutes

Total

20 minutes

 

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan

Author: Amie Valpone

Recipe type: Entree

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk
• 4 1/2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey
• 3 Tbsp. slivered almonds
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• pinch fresh lemon zest

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
2. Remove from heat and set aside for 5 minutes then fluff with a fork and add almond milk, maple syrup or honey, almonds, chia seeds, sea salt and lemon zest; mix well to combine and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Chia Lemon Quinoa Bowl {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free}

Amount Per Serving

Calories 197 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 164mg7%

Potassium 247mg7%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 6g12%

Calcium 135mg14%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.