How To Make The Best Creamy Oatmeal Recipe

How To Make The Best Creamy Oatmeal Recipe

How To Make The Best Creamy Oatmeal Recipe

Oatmeal, arguably one of the most nutritious of the cereal grasses, has been a staple in continental breakfast bars for decades. 

I enjoy oatmeal as an addition to my morning routine, serving both as a nutritious and balanced breakfast to kickstart my day. But, I also enjoy eating oatmeal as a yummy afternoon snack to keep me energized

My personal favorite time to eat oatmeal is when I am camping and backpacking! 

While camping, I prefer to keep things simple and easy. I love this hot oatmeal to go alongside my hot coffee. It’s a comforting breakfast with simple ingredients and is ready in less than 30 minutes (especially, if you use old-fashioned oats!)

Creamy Oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries, and a de leche drizzle

Ingredients – Base Oatmeal Recipe

This Creamy Oatmeal recipe is so easy anyone can make it.  

Steel-Cut Oats: I prefer to use steel-cut or Irish oats when making oatmeal. If you prefer to use any other type such as old-fashioned rolled oats, you can do so but the cooking time with change. I prefer McCann’s Steel Cut Oats for its chewy texture and delicious flavor. 

Oatmilk: Homemade or store-bought oatmilk will do. This can be used as a non-dairy milk alternative. Alternatively, you can use other plant milk such as soy milk for a little more protein. 

Whole Milk: I like to use whole milk, but for even creamier oatmeal I’ll use heavy cream. To keep this recipe vegan, use coconut milk instead. 

Butter: Finally, I love to add a bit of butter at the end of cooking. Add the butter to your big ol’ pot of oats or a bit in your bowl after serving. This adds to the creaminess. 

Salt: I add a pinch of salt (kosher) to bring out the flavors and natural sweetness of the oats. 

I have a whole list of oatmeal toppings below, but I love to add some healthy fats with some nut butter and more protein with added protein powder. I prefer to add Vital Proteins Collagen powder to my oatmeal because its taste and texture does not interfere with the flavors of the oatmeal and toppings. 

 

Step-By-Step Instructions For Creamy Oatmeal

  1. Add oats and oat milk to a medium pot and turn the stove to medium heat. 
  2. Cover the pot with its lid and let the oatmeal sit on low for 15 minutes. Consider a heat diffuser to keep the heat very, very low.
  3. Mix in the butter and then let sit, off the heat, for 5 min.
  4. Top oatmeal with your favorite toppings and dig in! 

 

Creamy Oatmeal in a skillet with 3 butter pats

The Best Oatmeal Toppings

Now, for the best part, let’s top the creamy oatmeal!

I’ve compiled a list of possible add-ins and toppings that are great options to add to this Creamy Oatmeal Recipe. This list is not all-encompassing – please get creative with the toppings and listen to your taste buds! This is the best way to make an oatmeal bowl you will love to make and enjoy again and again!

  • Fruit – Fresh fruit such as raspberries and bananas, dried fruits such as cranberries and apples, freeze-dried fruit such as strawberries and blueberries.  
  • Jam – marionberry, raspberry, apple butter
  • Nut butter – cashew, sunflower seed, almond butter 
  • Something sweet – maple syrup, date syrup,  honey, brown sugar, chocolate shavings, chocolate hazelnut spread
  • Creamy – sweetened condensed milk, butter, milk
  • Nuts/seeds – sunflower seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, slivered almonds
  • Seasoning – nutmeg, cinnamon, cinnamon sugar, flakey sea salt
  • Other – cookies (e.g. Quest Peanut butter protein cookies), date bars (e.g. Lara bars), granola bars (e.g. Kind bars), extracts (e.g. almond extract, vanilla extract)

 

The Best Creamy Oatmeal Toppings Infographic with image of toppings

Some Creamy Oatmeal Topping Combinations

Berry Dolche De Leche: Fresh berries with a drizzle of dolche de leche.

Blueberry Banana Bread: Mix in ½ tsp cashew butter along with fresh or freeze-dried blueberries and banana chips or fresh bananas. Top with walnuts and some more of your fruit toppings. 

Dark Chocolate Cherry: Mix in 1 tsp cherry jam. Top with fresh cherries and/or dark chocolate chunks. Option to top with slivered or sliced almonds. 

Strawberries and cream: Mix the strawberry jam, freeze-dried, or fresh strawberries directly into your oatmeal. Then mix in a little sweetened condensed milk or half and half. Top the oatmeal with more sweetened condensed milk, sliced strawberries, or freeze-dried strawberry crumbles. 

Easy PB&J: Mix in 1 tsp peanut butter or PB2 powder. Top with dried cranberries or raisins. Drizzle with a bit more peanut butter. You have the option to top with chopped peanuts, too. 

Apple Cinnamon: Mix in ½ tsp butter and ¼ tsp cinnamon. Top with bite-sized apple chunks or dried apples. Option to dust with brown sugar, date sugar, cinnamon, and sunflower seeds or pecans. 

 

Creamy Oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries, and a de leche drizzle

FAQ (Ask A Dietitian!)

What Is Oatmeal?

Oat groats, Steel-cut, and Rolled oats are all oatmeal! 

Below are the differences between these many oats.

Oat groats: Oat groats are cleaned, toasted, hulled, and cleaned again whole oats. These cook similarly to rice.  

Steel-cut oats: These are oat groats cut into 2 to 3 pieces. These take longer to cook than old-fashioned or quick quick-cooking cooking oats. Steel-cut or Irish oats have a chewier texture old-fashioned when compared to old-fashioned. 

Rolled oats: Also known as Old-fashioned oats, rolled oats are groats that have been steamed and flattened with large rollers. Rolled oats take about 15min to cook.

Quick-cooking rolled oats: Finally, we have quick-cooking oats which are oat groats that have been cut into several pieces and then steamed and rolled into thinner flakes. Quick oats are the fastest-cooking oats, taking only about 5min. 

 

How To Make Oatmeal Creamy without Milk?

To make oatmeal creamy without milk, use a plant-based alternative such as oat, cashew, soy, coconut, or almond milk

Is Oatmeal Better With Milk or Water?

The answer to “Is oatmeal better with milk or water” depends on your personal preference. 

Do you prefer the taste of oatmeal made with milk or water? For me, I prefer the taste of oatmeal when it is made with milk. Milk has additional health benefits such as protein, vitamins, and minerals that aid in a balanced breakfast. 

​The Bottom line is, make a breakfast you will enjoy. Healthy food should taste great! 

 

Creamy Oatmeal in a skillet with 3 butter pats

 

Like this recipe? Check Out These Breakfast Articles and Recipes!

How To Make A Flexitarian Breakfast

Copycat Glazed Bojangles Bo-Berry Biscuits Recipe

How To Make This Easy McDonalds Pancake Recipe

Creamy Steel Cut Oatmeal

This Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe is an amazing base oatmeal recipe for any oatmeal bar or to be eaten all by it's delicious self.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 387 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pot
  • 1 rubber spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Oatmilk unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup Whole milk
  • 1.5 cups Steel cut oats
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Add oatmilk, milk, and oats to a pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • Turn the heat to low and cover. Cook for 15min.
  • After 15min. Turn the heat off and add 3 tbsp of butter over top your oats. Mix in and let rest for 5min.
  • Enjoy with your favorite oatmeal toppings like blueberries, strawberries, nuts, seeds, and cinnamon!

Nutrition

Calories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 13gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 237mgPotassium: 113mgFiber: 8gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 569IUCalcium: 309mgIron: 4mg
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Easy Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend Recipe

Easy Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend Recipe

Easy Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend Recipe

I love to make Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend for quick lunches and dinners. I enjoy making this recipe to include as an easy side with dinner or base for a grain bowl. 

It is quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes making it ideal for busy weeknights.

In this article I will show you how to make the fluffiest Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend recipe!

Trader Joe's Harvest Blend and a bowl of a Harvest Blend Greek Salad bowl

Why You Will Love This Recipe

 

You will love this harvest grain blend because it makes an excellent side dish for a variety of meals such as roasted chicken or grilled shrimp. However, this recipe makes for a great base main dish such as grain bowls!

Try my Healthy and Easy Southwest Quinoa Bowl Recipe or Harvest Blend Greek Salad Inspired Grain Bowl!

Maybe best of all, this recipe makes for great leftovers and meal prep for last-minute weeknight meals. The flavors meld in the refrigerator overnight and are excellent the next day.

I love to make a big batch and eat it throughout the week in my grain bowl creations. 

 

A bowl with a grain bowl as the feature with a larger bowl to the top right corner and a sliver spoon over top a sage linen napkin.

My Greek Salad Inspired Grain Bowl Recipe

 

Ingredients and Tips for These Grains

In this recipe, I encourage you to use your favorite combination of flavors. Use your creative brain to find different flavor combinations you love. 

Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend

If you do not have the Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend you can sub for orzo, red quinoa, Israeli couscous, rice, or a combination of grains.

If you would like the grains mix to have more flavor, cook in vegetable broth, chicken stock, or broth. 

Olive Oil

I use Graza Olive oil for this recipe and a bit more drizzled overtop for flavor. I also enjoy using avocado oil or butter. 

Vegetable Broth

I usually have a batch of homemade veggie broth in my freezer that I made from veggie scraps. However, use your favorite vegetable broth or vegetable broth bullion if you don’t have the time to make broth from scratch. You could also use chicken broth or chicken stock in this recipe. 

Lots of Fresh Herbs

I love to add fresh herbs to this recipe. It depends on what I have on hand and what I am serving this dish with, but some fresh herbs I use include basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme, and oregano. 

Other Add-ins To Include In Your Batch Of Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend

Try this with some freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh cracked black pepper, flakey sea salt, red pepper flakes, or even a little bit of your favorite cheese! (I am partial to goat cheese). 

 

closeup on harvest grains blend in a white bowl

Step-By-Step Instructions

 

Rinse the Grains: Rinse the Harvest Grains Blend under cold water in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch and debris.

Boil the Liquid: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of broth and olive oil to a boil.

Add Grains: Once the liquid is boiling, add the rinsed Harvest Grains Blend to the saucepan.

Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the grains are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Fluff and Season: Once the grains are cookedremove the saucepan from the heat to cool slightly. Give the mixture a taste, then add your favorite seasonings and fluff grains with a fork.

If adding fresh herbs, pour grains into your serving bowl. Then let the grains mix cool before adding the herbs to the fluff the grains with a fork.

 

 

Ingredients for a grain bowl with a large bowl filled with grains and veggies. To the right are smaller plates and bowls with other colorful ingredients.

The Mix-ins for a Greek Salad Inspired Grain Bowl

Check Out These Other Trader Joe’s Articles!

Is Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Good? Dietitian Review

Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles Peanut Stir Fry Recipe

Quick Chopped Greek Salad: A Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Recipe

Easy White and Garbanzo Bean Soup Recipe

Trader Joe's Harvest Blend and a bowl of a Harvest Blend Greek Salad bowl

Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
How to make Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend to be served as a side dish or a base for a grain bowl.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 medium saucepan
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 cup Trader Joe's Harvest Blend
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs

Instructions
 

Rinse the Grains

  • Rinse the Harvest Grains Blend under cold water in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch and debris.

Boil the Liquid

  • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of broth and olive oil to a boil.

Add Grains

  • Once the liquid is boiling, add the rinsed Harvest Grains Blend to the saucepan.

Simmer

  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15minutes or until the grains are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Fluff and Season

  • Once the grains are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat to cool slightly. Give the mixture a taste, then add your favorite seasonings and fluff grains with a fork.
  • If adding fresh herbs, pour grains into your serving bowl. Then let the grains mix cool before adding the herbs to the fluff the grains with a fork.
Keyword 5-ingredient, easy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Honey Almond Cottage Cheese Spread

Honey Almond Cottage Cheese Spread

Healthy Honey Almond Cream Cheese

Bagels can be a satisfying and delicious addition to your healthy lunches and breakfasts. 

 

I try to keep my bagel breakfast balanced with the addition of fruit, veggies, and protein.

 

Light cream cheese is great, but one of my favorite combinations is a bagel topped with my homemade Healthy Honey Almond Cream Cheese, which includes cottage cheese as a secret ingredient. It is terrific on English muffins, spooned over Croffles (one of my favorite Korean Recipes), or spread over top of a plain bagel from your local bagel shop. 

 

My favorite is this spread on a blueberry bagel, especially Dave’s Killer Bread cinnamon raisin Bagels. 

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese-Breakfast

Ingredients and Tips

Cottage Cheese – I prefer a full-fat cottage cheese for the most flavor.

Honey – In a pinch, you can swap for maple syrup.

Almonds – I prefer to use toasted almonds. It will give the spread more flavor. If you have food allergies to almonds, you can use sunflower seeds.

Vanilla Extract – You could swap for almond extract

Salt – I use flakey sea salt or kosher salt

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the chopped almonds, honey, vanilla, and salt to the food processor. Blend well.
  3. Taste the mixture and adjust the honey to your liking.
  4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  5. Enjoy your homemade honey almond cream cheese spread on bagels, toast, or as a dip for fruit.

 

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese

Creating a Balanced Breakfast

You may have heard breakfast is “the most important meal of the day” for many, and this is true. Numerous studies have found eating a balanced breakfast regularly is associated with a range of health benefits including reducing the risk of obesity, type II diabetes, and better school performance in children and adolescents.

 A balanced breakfast includes a variety of nutrients in appropriate proportions to provide energy while promoting satiety.

I like to start my day with a balanced breakfast because it kickstarts my healthy eating for the rest of the day. You might be thinking, but Sarah, bagels are NOT healthy. Au contraire, my friend.

Bagels have carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. But most of all, I love the taste! I especially love bagels because I engage in regular exercise. Bagels are a convenient and tasty way to fuel my workouts. 

 

Tips On Creating a Balanced Breakfast

Here are some tips for creating a balanced breakfast.

  • Pick more Protein
  • Focus on Fiber
  • Choose Healthy Fats
  • Limit Added Sugar
  • Don’t forget those Vitamins and Minerals

 

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese-cinnamon-raisin

Ingredient Spotlight: Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Bagels

The Cinnamon Raisin Remix and Boomin’ Berry Bagels pair oh so well with this recipe. It’s important not to get too hung up on the numbers but here are a couple of reasons why I love to include Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Bagels in my diet.

  • With 11 to 12g of protein and 12 to 14g of whole grains, these bagels are baked to keep you fuller longer. Pair The Cinnamon Raisin Remix Bagel with a heaping 1/4 cup of my Honey Almond Cream Cheese and you are eating 18g of protein.
  • Pair that combo with a piece of fruit and you’ve got yourself a balanced breakfast or healthy lunch any dietitian would be proud of! Fruit adds additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals making it a smart addition to a balanced breakfast.

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese-Bagel-togo

More Healthy Recipes

Enjoy these other breakfast recipes that are vibrant, nutritious, and tasty.

Healthy-Panera-Honey-Walnut-Cream-Cheese-Breakfast

Healthy Honey Almond Cream Cheese

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Honey Almond Cream Cheese is sweet, creamy, and delicious. Compared to Panera's Honey Walnut Cream Cheese, this recipe is a awesome alternative because it contains higher levels of protein and lower amounts of both fat and sugar. Enjoy your homemade "cream" cheese on bagels, toast, or as a dip for fruit.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 124 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor or blender
  • 1 set of measuring cups

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cottage cheese I prefer 4% milk fat
  • 1/2 cup toasted and chopped almonds
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
  • Add the chopped walnuts, honey, vanilla, and salt to the food processor. Blend well.
  • Taste the mixture and adjust the honey to your liking.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Enjoy your homemade honey walnut "cream" cheese on bagels, toast, or as a dip for fruit.

Notes

Pair this with a Dave's Killer Bread Organic Bagel and a piece of fruit for a balanced breakfast!

Nutrition

Calories: 124kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 168mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 55IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword breakfast, cheese, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Healthy Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie Café Copycat

Healthy Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie Café Copycat

My Healthier Version of a Peanut Paradise Smoothie

Enjoy this Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie Copycat recipe anytime! I love this popular smoothie recipe because it is:

  • Simple to make
  • Contains easy ingredients
  • Super nutritious
  • A quick breakfast
  • Pleases my taste buds

This smoothie is a delicious and less expensive version of Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s Peanut Paradise Smoothie. It is just as good, if not better.

 

Top down of two peanut butter smoothies with a date caramel rim and a garnish of a sliced banana

Why You Will LOVE This Recipe

I drink a lot of protein-fortified smoothies while training for marathons and half marathons. These protein shakes ensure I am achieving my protein goals week by week.

Smoothies are a quick and easy way for me to get the essential nutrients I need to ensure adequate nutrition while I train.

Ingredients and Tips

Milk: Chose the type of milk based on your preferences. I enjoy soy milk. However, dairy-free options include coconut milk, almond milk, or option to use cow’s milk..

Ripe Bananas: I prefer to use frozen banana chunks for creamy texture smoothies.

Creamy Peanut butter: Option to use chunky or smooth. This is an essential flavor in this smoothie and provides a dose of healthy fats. If you don’t have peanut butter you can create another easy recipe variation with nut butters.

Non-fat Greek Yogurt: I usually have unflavored, Greek Yogurt in my fridge. I like to add this for boost of extra protein and thickness If keeping this smoothie vegan, the option to omit the yogurt and swap for plant-based milk or yogurt.

Vanilla: Vanilla Extract for extra flavor

Optional: Vanilla protein powder ( chocolate protein powder will work too for a chocolate peanut butter smoothie) Also, check out this smoothie if you love peanut butter and chocolate.

Dates: Feel free to use more or less dates based on your sweetness preference. I like to limit the added sweetness to my smoothies and adding dates allows me to eliminate added sugar in my smoothie recipes. If you want an even sweeter smoothie or don’t have dates on hand, maple syrup works well.

Optional – Ice cubes: I say ice cubes are optional because I don’t usually use them. The frozen bananas and yogurt keep this smoothie thick and flavorful.

 

Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie Cafe Copycat, one smoothie in focus, one smoothie in the background and sitting overtop 2 blue coasters, peanut butter and date caramel on spoons in the foreground with fresh sliced bananas.

 

How to Make This Smoothie

Add Ingredients

Starting with the Milk, add all ingredients to a blender.

Blend

In a high-speed blender, blend the ingredients on high speed until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste the smoothie and adjust the flavors to taste. I.e. add more peanut butter 1 tsp at a time, vanilla, or dates for sweetness. This ensures you have a tasty smoothie suited to your preferences.

Serve and Garnish

Once you are satisfied with the taste and consistency, pour your smoothie into a glass. Garnish with date caramel, crushed peanuts, whipped cream, a sprinkle of turbinado sugar, or warmed peanut butter drizzle. Enjoy!

Note: Other Add-ins include flax meal, collagen powder, or chia seeds. This smoothie is best consumed day of but if you do have leftover smoothie, you can freeze it in ice cube trays to add to your next peanut butter smoothie creation! This smoothie is very similar to my variation of Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie recipe, another delicious drink with cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder for chocolatey goodness!

 

Close up image of the date caramel rim and sliced banana garnish on the peanut paradise tropical smoothie cafe copy cat smoothie

 

FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)

What is in a peanut paradise at Tropical Smoothie?

Typically this smoothie has Peanut butter, bananas, yogurt, milk, and ice. My version of this recipe incorporates dates, vanilla extract, and protein powder too!

Is Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie healthy?

Yes, A peanut paradise tropical smoothie is healthy! It is always important to consider portion sizes, added sugars, and ingredients customized based on an individual’s nutrition needs, allergies, and intolerances.

Check out this article about How To Make A Healthy Flexitarian Breakfast to learning more about Healthy Eating!

How many calories are in the Peanut Paradise Smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Café?

Supposedly, the Peanut Paradise smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Café has 600 to 700 calories in a 24-ounce smoothie.

My variation of this smoothie includes 366 calories per serving and 21g of protein. The beauty about making your copycat smoothies from home is you can customize the ingredients to exactly what you want. Not only is the smoothie super delicious but it is also way less expensive to make the smoothie from home!

 

Straight on shot of two peanut paradise tropical smoothie cafe copycat smoothies with a blue backdrop.

 

Enjoy This Smoothie Recipe? Try These Smoothies Too!

Berry Bliss Smoothie

Oreo Milkshake (without ice cream)

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein]

Close up image of the date caramel rim and sliced banana garnish on the peanut paradise tropical smoothie cafe copy cat smoothie

Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie (Copycat)

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie Café copycat is creamy, nutty, healthy, and delicious.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2 serving
Calories 366 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unflavored soymilk or other milk of choice
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 dates

Instructions
 

Add Ingredients

  • Starting with the Milk, add all ingredients to a blender.

Blend

  • Blend the ingredients on high until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste the smoothie and adjust the flavors to taste. I.e. add more peanut butter 1 tsp at a time, vanilla, or dates for sweetness.

Serve and Garnish

  • Once you are satisfied with the taste and consistency, pour your smoothie into a glass. Garnish with date caramel, crushed peanuts, whipped cream, or warmed peanut butter drizzle. Enjoy!

Notes

Other Add-ins include flax meal, collagen powder, or chia seeds. 

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 21gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 214mgPotassium: 618mgFiber: 4gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 271IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 204mgIron: 1mg
Keyword smoothie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Healthy and Easy Southwest Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Healthy and Easy Southwest Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Southwest Quinoa Bowl

Southwest Grain Bowls are a superb option for a healthy breakfast on the go. 

I love how this bowl is so pleasantly zesty and fresh that I had to recreate it at home.

With tomato season emerging, this is a great recipe to have in the queue for when you are swimming in tomatoes. This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, versatile, and best of all easy. 

Southwest-Quinoa-Bowl-and-vinaigrette

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Healthy

This Southwest Quinoa Bowl is protein and fiber-packed.

With yummy veggies and fresh flavors, this recipe is nutritious and delicious.

To make this recipe even more fulling and satisfying, add more protein! I like to add a plant-based protein like Baked or Air Fryer Tofu. 

Quick and Easy

This recipe is easy to throw together and can be ready for lunch or dinner in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for Leftovers

I love to make a big batch of this recipe.

It is superb for leftovers, tasting, perhaps, even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Versatile

I love this recipe because it is so versatile!

You can choose to use black beans or pinto beans, brown rice or quinoa, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, or poblanos. In the vinaigrette, you can use olive oil or avocado oil.

Moreover, you could add a bit of our sour cream to the top of your bowl, or finish the southwest bowl with lots and lots of fresh cilantro or lime juice.

Lastly, you can further top this southwest quinoa bowl with store-bought rotisserie chicken, grilled southwest chicken thighs or breasts, slow-cooker pulled pork, or baked tofu.

 

Southwest-Quinoa-Bowl-Ingredients

 

Ingredients For Southwest Bowl & Notes

Quinoa

You can’t have a quinoa bowl without quinoa. However, if you wanted to take this recipe and use a different grain for a Southwest Grain Bowl, Farro, Sorghum, and even rice would pair well with the ingredients. 

Black Beans and Corn

These two ingredients are quintessential when making a southwest-style bowl or salad.

Don’t have black beans? I would recommend pinto, kidney, or red beans. 

Cherry Tomatoes

You don’t have to limit this recipe to tomato season, but I encourage you to make this at least once with local, farm-fresh, tomatoes. Tomatoes season can range from May through October.

Curious to learn more about what to do with cherry tomatoes? Check out my article 10 Things To Do with Cherry Tomatoes on the Hood River Eats Blog! 

Jalapeno, Red Onion, and Cilantro

These ingredients add lots of fresh flavors.

Jalapeno’s can add a lot of heat, so to keep this recipe milder remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno before dicing it.

If you love fresh herbs like me, you can add more cilantro to the top of the dish as a garnish.

 

southwest-vinaigrette

 

Ingredients for Southwest Vinaigrette and Tips

This vinaigrette can be used with this recipe but it also works well in a different meal. It’s simple, easy, and ready in under 5 minutes. 

Olive oil

I prefer to use olive oil in this vinaigrette but avocado oil works well too. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

I like the slight sweetness of apple cider vinegar but white vinegar works as well. 

Lime

I use lime zest and fresh lime juice. 

Seasonings

Similar to taco seasoning, I use dried oregano, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For a bit more kick, the option to include red pepper flakes.

Interested in learning more about this dressing and marinade? I have a whole article dedicated to it called Southwest Chicken Marinade.

Southwest Vinaigrette in a glass jar with a speckled off white spoon

 

How to Make this Southwest Quinoa Bowl

Bowl Prep

Cook quinoa per package instructions. Add all the bowl ingredients to a large bowl and set aside. 

Southwest Vinaigrette

In a jar, add all vinaigrette ingredients. Place the lid on the jar, and shake until combined. 

Finish Off the Quinoa Bowl

Drizzle the southwest vinaigrette over the bowl ingredients. Using a rubber spatula mix the ingredients until combined. 

Taste the recipe and add salt, pepper, herbs, and additional lime juice as needed per the cook’s preference. 

 

Southwest-Quinoa-Bowl-and-vinaigrette

Southwest-Quinoa-Bowl-and-vinaigrette

 

Great Pairings

This recipe is magical when paired with many varieties of foods.

Depending on your mood or how you are eating this Quinoa Bowl, you can eat it alone as a hearty and healthy snack.

Alternatively, you can pair this recipe with some cooked protein and veggies. 

The last time I served this Southwest Quinoa Bowl, I made a big ole batch of it. We saved about half of the recipe to take for lunches during the week, and the other half we served alongside

My Southwest Grilled Chicken and some simply Grilled Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

 

Raw asparagus and tomatoes in a grill pan with 2 large pats of tomato butter over top

 

 

More Recipes

Enjoy this Southeast Bowl recipe, and check out these other recipes. 

Blueberry Quinoa Tabbouleh

 

 

 

Kale Apple Walnut Salad

Image of Kale Apple Walnut Salad

 

Southwest Chicken Bowl

Southwest Bowl with quinoa and grilled southwest chicken breast in a white bowl with herb and lime garnish

 

 

 

 

Southwest-Quinoa-Bowl-and-vinaigrette

Southwest Quinoa Bowl

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This is a healthy Southwest Quinoa Bowl with a zesty and citrusy vinaigrette. This grain bowl is made with quinoa, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and other fresh flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, dinner, lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, human
Servings 4 servings
Calories 437 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 set measuring spoons and cups
  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 rubber spatula

Ingredients
  

Quinoa Bowl

  • 3 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1.5 cups black beans, rinsed approx 1 15oz can of beans
  • 1 cup corn (thawed if frozen or rinsed if canned)
  • 1.5 cups quartered or halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 minced jalapeno

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Quinoa Bowl Prep

  • Cook quinoa per package instructions. Add all the recipe ingredients to a large bowl and set aside.

Southwest Vinaigrette

  • In a jar, add all vinaigrette ingredients. Place the lid on the jar, and shake until combined.

Finish Quinoa Bowl

  • Drizzle the southwest vinaigrette over the bowl ingredients. Using a rubber spatula mix ingredients until combined.
  • Taste the recipe and add salt, pepper, herbs, and additional lime juice as needed per the cook's preference.

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 14gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 174mgPotassium: 763mgFiber: 12gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 717IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 4mg
Keyword black bean, easy, grain bowl, plant based, vegan, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Bojangles Blueberry Biscuits Recipe: Easy Copycat

Bojangles Blueberry Biscuits Recipe: Easy Copycat

Better Than Bojangles Blueberry Biscuits Recipe

Today, I am unveiling a homemade marvel, an irresistible blueberry drop biscuit. These better-than-Bojangles blueberry biscuits are bursting with the natural sweetness of blueberries and buttery flakey love. Furthermore, they are so much better than a copycat recipe.

 

Blueberry Biscuits on a white plate with a sweet lemon glaze

 

Why I Made This Recipe

There is a special place in my heart for biscuits. In fact, during my undergraduate years, I dedicated my experimental foods project to exploring dairy milk alternatives in drop biscuit recipes. You could say I’m a true “biscuit enthusiast.”

However, my reasons for creating this recipe go beyond my love for biscuits.

Blueberry Season: Blueberries are in season! What a great way to use up some of your latest summer blueberry hauls. However, when blueberries are not in season, I always have a bag of frozen blueberries in the freezer (it’s Jacob’s absolute favorite food). And, frozen blueberries work just as well in this recipe.

Easy: Perhaps it’s the countless times I made drop biscuits during that undergraduate experimental foods class, but making biscuits is a breeze. They are ready in under an hour with zero proofing time, chilling time, or any lengthy waiting time.

Even after devouring a multitude of biscuits that year, my love for them remains unwavering.

Comfort food Perfect for Sharing: Few things can rival the comfort of a warm biscuit slathered with butter.

Sure you could share a plate of box brownies, or break and bake cookie dough, but sharing a batch of made-from-scratch, freshly baked biscuits takes sharing to a whole new level of “caring”. Trust me, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. I would know, I’ve shared these biscuits on numerous occasions.

 

Blueberry Biscuits sered on a plate with the sweet lemon glaze of to the side in a white bowl

 

Ingredients For Bo Berry Biscuits with Lemon Glaze

Biscuits

  • Bread Flour or all purpose flour
  • Baking Powder
  • Kosher Salt
  • Sugar
  • Cold Butter
  • Fresh or Frozen blueberries
  • 2% milk or buttermilk
  • Lemon Zest
  • Vanilla extract

Sweet Lemon Glaze

  • Lemon juice
  • Powdered sugar

 

 

Three Blueberry Biscuits Stacked

 

How to Make Bojangles Blueberry Biscuits Recipe with Lemon Glaze

Blueberry Biscuits

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs the size of peas.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients into the bowl. Gradually pour the wet ingredients with the dry and gently mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon just until the dough starts to come together. The dough will be sticky and lumpy.
  • Gently fold in the blueberries.
  • Using a large spoon, or a 2” ice cream scoop, drop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave 2 inches of space between each biscuit.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are lightly golden on the tops.

The Lemon Glaze

  • While the biscuits are baking, mix lemon juice and powdered sugar together.
  • Once the biscuits are finished baking, allow them to cool slightly, perhaps on a wire rack or a separate plate.
  • Using a spoon drizzle the glaze over the biscuits before serving you homemade biscuits.

A top down shot of a lemon glaze with a blue linen background

 

Serving Suggestions

In this recipe, I change things up by adding a mouth-puckering lemony icing glaze. Here are some other easy ways to serve up these .

  • Served simply, unglazed, with butter and honey
  • Paired with blueberry preserves
  • Alongside fresh blueberries or berries
  • Served with a plain or sweet cream cheese
  • Crumbled over a yogurt parfait
  • The biscuit for a breakfast sandwich
  • Unglazed alongside some golden brown fried chicken
  • My favorite – Alone with coffee or tea!

 

Want to have this along side a healthy breakfast? Check out my article on How To Make A Healthy Balanced Breakfast!

 

A plate of seven blueberry biscuits

 

How to Store This Recipe

Before storing these biscuits, allow them to cool completely.

  • At room temperature, you can store the biscuits in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
  • For refrigeration, keep them in the fridge for 4-5 days, maintaining their delightful taste and texture.
  • Freezing is the best bet for extended storage. These biscuits can be frozen for up to 6 months.
    • When you are ready to enjoy, take as many biscuits out as you would like and let them thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. If desired you may reheat in the oven at 350degrees F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

 

 

A bite taken out of a blueberry biscuit with the lemon glaze

 

Enjoy This Recipe? Try These Wonderful Sweet Recipes

From their buttery and flaky texture to the burst of blueberries in every bite to the mouth-puckering sweet glaze, these biscuits effortlessly blend comfort and indulgence in one bite.

Below are some other breakfast recipes you will love.

Berry Bliss Smoothie

How to Make Korean Croffles Recipe (Croissant Waffles)

Easy Chocolate Chip and Marshmallow Cookies

Blueberry Biscuits on a white plate with a sweet lemon glaze

Blueberry Drop Biscuits with a Lemon Glaze

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
These Blueberry Drop Biscuits with a Lemon Glaze are bursting with sweet tart flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 serving
Calories 203 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • rubber spatula
  • wire cooling rack
  • Baking Pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups bread flour or all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold, cubed salted butter

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup 2% milk or buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup frozen blueberries or fresh blueberries

Lemon Glaze

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Blueberry Biscuits

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  • Mix the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs the size of peas. 
  • In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients into the bowl. Gradually pour the wet ingredients with the dry and gently mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon just until the dough starts to come together. The dough will be sticky and lumpy. 
  • Gently fold in the blueberries. 
  • Using a large spoon, or a 2” ice cream scoop, drop mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave 2 inches of space between each biscuit. 
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the biscuits are lightly golden on the tops. 

Lemon Glaze

  • While the biscuits are baking, mix lemon juice and powdered sugar together. 
  • Once the biscuits are finished baking, allow them to cool slightly, perhaps on a wire rack or a separate plate. 
  • Using a spoon drizzle the glaze over the biscuits before serving. 

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 368mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 259IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword berry
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!