Your Florida favorite, the key lime! It’s zesty sweet flavor comes together beautifully in this quinoa flake breakfast porridge that’s gluten-free, vegan, and protein packed. Finished with a sprinkling of shredded coconut, your taste buds are sure the trip down south!
In the spirit of March and St. Patrick’s Day, I decided a little green was necessary! We’re all craving the green lush foliage of Spring (please come soon!) and as a blogger I feel obligated to play along with “themed” holiday recipes. I wasn’t sure I had anything green in the “recipes-to-post” pile, but I actually had 3 options. But since I haven’t shared my love of quinoa flakes in while, I thought this yummy breakfast would be fitting!
Key Lime is one of those “flavors” that I’ve never really understood. Was it just lime, or did it have something added to make it special? Then I realized, no, it’s the type of lime used (duh!). They were first cultivated in Indo-Mayan Region thousands of years ago and were treasured for their small size, thin skin, and varies uses depending on ripeness. When they are still green, they are immature and will be sour, as they ripen and turn yellow, they become pleasantly sweet and less acidic. When the Spanish and European settlers came over to the Americas, that’s when key limes were brought into Southern Florida and have since thrived in the Floridian weather conditions.
So maybe by sharing this recipe some Florida warmth will come our way? Even though I hear it isn’t as seasonally warm as it normally is there either! But alas, even if that doesn’t happen, eating this will take you to a nice tropical heaven…in your mind and your mouth at least! Even if just for a moment! Of course, Key Limes are hard to find outside of their growing regions, so there is no shame in using a normal lime for this one! However, some groceries carry Key Lime juice in bottles which you can use, but don’t worry!
I also made this little breakfast into a Key Lime Pie “parfait” so to speak. It starts with a raw almond pulp “crust” on the bottom and then is topped with the quinoa flakes which are then topped with coconut and Key Lime zest! Super fun, healthy, gluten-free, vegan, and a protein-packed way to start the day! (Only thing I am wishing now is that I had topping this “pie” with some coconut whipped cream! Next time…always next time!)
Key Lime Quinoa Flakes
Ingredients: (serves 1)
+ 1/3 Cup Quinoa Flakes
+ 1/4 Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
+ 6 Drops of Vanilla Stevia
+ 1/2 TB Key Lime Juice
+ Zest of 1 Key Lime
+ 1/8 Tsp Matcha Green Tea Powder
+ 2/3 Cup Water
Bottom Layer and Topping:
+ 2 TB Almond Pulp (feel free to use almond meal or other finely crushed nuts)
+ 1/2 TB Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
+ Additional Lime Zest
+ Key Lime Slice (for garnish)
Directions:
+ In a microwave safe bowl, combine the quinoa flakes, vanilla, stevia, lime juice, lime zest, and water. Stir to combine and then microwave on high for 2 minutes.
+ Safely remove the hot bowl and set aside. Get a pretty glass or another bowl, and layer the almond pulp on the bottom. Next layer in the quinoa flakes, and finally top it all with the shredded coconut and extra lime zest. If you want, place a decorative lime slice on the rip of the glass or bowl!
I have a confession though…I’ve never had Key Lime Pie. Really, the only pies I’ve ever eaten (from my recollection) are pumpkin, coconut, and apple. I guess I’m just not a pie person. I don’t feel a loss though. I’ll happily take my “pie-inspired” quinoa flakes instead 😉 I would also happily take them while laying on a hammock in Miami right now. We can dream right?
So tell me:
+ Have you ever been to Florida? Yes, when I was in 4th grade I went on the one and only vacation I’ve ever been on down to Disney World! (Such a magical place!)
+ Have you ever had Key Lime Pie?
+ What’s your favorite pie? PUMPKIN!
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Real Food Recipe Roundup, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*
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Thanks for sharing, this looks absolutely divine!!
Alright then “becky”.
Wonderful! I can’t wait to try this at the weekend, thanks for sharing x
I hope you do!
This is such a beautiful dish. And it’s green (love green)! Thanks for linking up to Funtastic Friday and sharing with us. Hope to see you again this week.
Sherry recently posted…Funtastic Friday #15
The greener the better!
Sounds like a yummy and healthy recipe. I hadn’t considered using quinoa as a dessert. We are so glad you shared with us at Merry Monday! We can’t wait to see your creativity next week!
Shirley Wood recently posted…Whatâs Happening This Weekend in Middle Georgia 3/12
This is a breakfast!
This is a really cool idea! Thanks so much for sharing!
-Cindy
Thanks!
I’ve never had quinoa flakes before, but this sure does sound delicious! 🙂 Thanks for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays!
Raia recently posted…70+ Gluten-Free Cabbage & Potato Recipes
I’m surprised!!! :O
Not a pie person? You just haven’t had enough pies yet. I didn’t think I was much of a pie person either until I started making raw pies. Mmmmm. Raw pie… Anyhoo! Love the sound of this breakfast. What a creative use of almond pulp. And I’m not sure I’ll be able to find key limes, I think this would be really delicious with the regular ones too =)
Thanks for sharing this at HVF – I’m pinning this to our Pinterest Board.
I have been to Florida, a couple of times. My favourite kind of pie is raw chocolate, almond butter cup pie =) YUM
That’s why I said you can use normal 😉 Haha!
I’d just much rather have my pies in breakfast form I guess, hahahahaha!
Hi Rebecca,
I love love love easy, guilt-free treats! And quinoa is so healthy! I can’t wait to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing your healthy and delectable Key Lime Quinoa Flakes recipe with us at the Plant-Based Potluck Party Blog Hop! I sincerely appreciate it. I’m pinning and sharing!
Deborah Davis recently posted…3 Keys to a Successful Green Bathroom Remodel
Thank you!
Are quinoa flakes like corn “flakes”? Sorry, this might be a silly question. Are they pure quinoa? Your recipe sounds delish and I’d love to try it.
KC the Kitchen Chopper recently posted…The Real Food Experience Week 10 Challenge: Eat the Rainbow plus Interval Training, the Zing Factor of Exercise!
Hahahahahahahaha! Yes, they are just flattened quinoa grain! They are used as a hot breakfast cereal like quick cooking oats
I’ll have to look for them at Whole Foods. Thanks!
KC the Kitchen Chopper recently posted…The Real Food Experience Week 10 Challenge: Eat the Rainbow plus Interval Training, the Zing Factor of Exercise!
Sounds yummy! Thanks for sharing at the Homestead Blog Hop. Hope to see you again this week. 🙂
Jenna recently posted…Special Homestead Addition
Thank you!
Looks amazing! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Stephanie recently posted…Worthy Still
Thank you!
I’m a huge fan of key limes and green desserts. I’ve never made a dessert with Quinoa and can’t wait to try it.
Evolve with Mary recently posted…Daylight Saving Facts
Not a dessert! It’s a breakfast cereal!
Your Key Lime Quinoa Flakes looks like a very special treat! Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Whats For Dinner Next Week 3-8-15
Thank you!
This recipe is sending me to Florida in my mind! I love Florida and key lime…what a delightful recipe! Thanks for sharing at Let’s Get Real Friday!
Marla @ Organic Life on a Budget recently posted…Let’s Get Real Friday Party #80
Thanks Marla!
Hi Rebecca,
This sounds wonderful for a light refreshing dessert that is filled with health. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & Twitted.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #78 – Sharing Good Health With You
Haha, sorry but it’s not a dessert! Quinoa flakes are a hot breakfast cereal 😉
Looks amazing!!! There is something so refreshing and spring like with Key Lime Pie! I can’t wait to try this.
Sarah recently posted…Spring Ahead Smoothie
So right! Thanks Sarah 🙂
i never imagined such a thing! nice!!
Thanks!
Just beautiful! Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays x
Honest mum recently posted…Always’ #LikeAGirl Video & Tots100 Twitter Party
Thank you 🙂
i hope you get some warm weather soon! This looks perfect for spring. I’m a huge key lime fan. They’re good in margaritas too. 😉
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Strange But Good on Route 66
Me too! I’m seeing 50s though this coming week!
Hahaha 😉 A few more years for that 😉
Oh yeahhhhhh… no drinking for you. Drinking is bad! 😉
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Strange But Good on Route 66
I don’t often eat anything Key Lime but this looks really good!
Annmarie recently posted…Foodie Friday: 4 Ingredient Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Cookies
Me either, but, you know 😉
So pretty, and it looks delish!
Thank you Jo-Lynne!
I love key lime and I love that you made it into a healthy breakfast 🙂
I’ve been to Florida many times and have family there, but to be honest although I love the Florida sun and beach, I’m really not a fan {understatement!} of humidity. I absolutely thrive in DRY heat — so the west coast is more like my kind of sunspiration.
No key lime pie though? Now you MUST try it sometime. It’s one of the most popular recipes on my blog!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker recently posted…“Healthified” Carrot Cake {Gluten-Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar-Free}
O gosh…I need to go check out your recipe then! AH!
What a fun recipe! Love anything citrus!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted…25 Ways to Be More Active In Your Day
It’s always a fun twist 😉
I grew up in Florida and love key lime!! I’m a big fan of quinoa too, so combining these is brilliant!!
Becky recently posted…Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Stew
You’ll love it then! Woo!
I love key lime anything and this looks really tasty. I have never been to Florida, would love to visit
Alison recently posted…Greek Rice pudding (Rizogalo)
Thank you 🙂
We all need to take a trip down there…..now!
I must admit, I’m not much of a key lime pie fan (though I may have had a ‘proper’ key lime pie) but these quinoa flakes look amazing. Adding these to the must-make list!
Thank you Katie! These may just be better than pie anyway 😉
Love the use of matcha… these look great! 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…Vegan Grasshopper Oreo Cheesecake
Thank you!
You combined two of my favorite foods… key lime pie and quinoa.. I MUST TRY!
Nikki Vergakes recently posted…Monthly Link-Up: March Goals!
Damn! Nailed it!
It’s funny because I love the flavor of key lime pie but not really the pie itself. Weird, right? But this looks delicious and I’ve been wondering what to do / how to use quinoa flakes!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Meditation for Beginners aka Learning to Sit
This is so perfect then! Key Lime flavor without the pie!
I live in Florida and I must say, I love key limes. Not only are they delicious, they are just do dang cute. I buy key lime juice in bottles throughout the year when they aren’t in season, just so I can enjoy them all of the time!
Kristen recently posted…Butternut Pasta with Feta and Tomatoes
Ah! They are so cute, haha! Much easier to buy the bottles too 😛
This is so creative Rebecca. Love it!
To answer your questions:
1. I’ve been to Florida many times and I’d be there right now if my husband would give me the go ahead.
2. I love key lime pie, it’s so good.
3. My favorite pie is whatever is sitting in front of me. 🙂
Linda @ Veganosity recently posted…A Well Stocked Vegan Pantry
Hahaha, well if you go to Florida…take me please!
And really….I’d rather just not have pie, haha!
I like enjoying key lime treats best when in Key West (they even have gf key lime pie there!), but I wouldn’t turn this one down, Rebecca! 😉 Great for St. Patty’s Day!
xo,
Shirley
One day I’ll get down there 😉
Thanks my friend! XOXO
Yum, yum, yum! Dessert for breakfast!
I’ve never tried key lime pie but I’m totally intrigued by it!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Healthy Roasted Pumpkin and Feta Quinoa Bowls
I know, I need to try the REAL thing now 😉
You always do the most interesting flavor combinations that I would never think of. I love it. You should go on one of those Food Network shows haha. You’d be so great!
Brooke @ Silver LIning recently posted…In a major funk. Send help.
Hahahaha, maybe 😉 Thank you Brooke!
I love key lime anything! This looks super good! :D! I am not looking forward to the snowstorm that’s supposed to hit later today. :'( But hooray for a preceptor who actually cares whether I live or die! <3 <3 <3
Farrah recently posted…Review: idrinksant + Antioxidant Protein Bomb (Smoothie)
Omg, haha! I know! I just want the sun now…..but maybe we’ll have a snow day tomorrow 😉
Snow day definitely happened over here! D: The roads are terrible. Hope you’re doing okay!
Farrah recently posted…Reflections on Internal Medicine I
SAME! It’s a blizzard! I’m staying IN DOORS! Be careful yourself! XOXO
I loooove anything key lime…this looks super delicious!!
Erica recently posted…The Panic is Real, but so the Fuck What?!
Thank you!!!
I’ve never heard of quinoa flakes before! Sounds like something to add to my to-try list!
Emily @ Zen & Spice recently posted…The Amazing Power of Being Present
Haven’t you read my blog before?! Haha!
I love that you made this a parfait! I’ve never properly tried key lime- this recipes gives me an excuse to find some key lime!! Fave pie is hard to choose. It’s gotta be pumpkin, apple, or pecan… All fall pies! I’ve been to Florida three times, and the first two were exclusive Disneyworld trips (which was amazing!!). Happy Wednesday!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens recently posted…The Almost Scone: Vanilla Roasted Fig Biscuits
Thank you! Fall is so made for pies!
And yes! Disney World is the best! XOXO
I love a good key lime pie, although I don’t seem to eat it too often (good thing). I would happily eat this instead any time! I’ve never heard of quinoa flakes – thanks for the intro! I’m actually (possibly) visiting my bro in FL next month.
Alanna recently posted…Blueberry Ginger Breakfast Bake
WHAT!? You need to make all my quinoa flake recipes then….get them….NOW!
I had no idea what “key lime” actually meant! haha I always thought it was one of those weird flavors too. But now I know, thanks!
Autumn (@Beautifully Gray) recently posted…Happy National Nutrition Month®!!!
Haha, we learn something every day 😉
Woah this is such an interesting breakfast idea. I love shredded coconut in my breakfast grains but have never thought of adding lime!
Emma @ em-poweredwellness recently posted…Top 5 Ways to Beat a Cold in a Day
Haha, well the coconut was just for fun! The key lime is the flavor!
Key lime reminds me of sunny days – so this is sunshine in a dish!
Right!? It is so needed!
Ooh, lime and green tea, a pair I’ve never matched up! I love creative, St. Paddy’s Day creations like this!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Delavignes Dairy-Free Butter Oil
You don’t taste the matcha 😉 I just used it for natural color, gettin’ festive!
What a fun, festive idea!! I’ve had key lime pie before and it’s one of my favorites. In fact, my parents neighbors (that I grew up next to) remember the time when I was a kid and made them a key lime pie 🙂
EA-The Spicy RD recently posted…Idaho Love | Roasted Potatoes w/ Brussel’s Sprouts & Cauliflower + 5 Perfect Days in McCall
Ah! I need to try the real thing then!
Oh wow, this looks really good! Interesting combo of flavours!
Bri recently posted…#WorkoutWednesday: Total-body strength circuit part II
Thank you! It’s o so delicious! Just something a little different for breakfast!
I love LIME! anything tart and sweet is a winner for me. This looks amazing– a must try.
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted…Comment on 10 Tips for More Sound Sleep @Kohls #MakeYourMove by GiGi Eats
I’m not always for a tart/sourness, but this worked really well and was perfectly sweet too!
Actually key lime pie is my hands down favorite pie! You must try the real thing at some point, it’s simply scrumptious 🙂 Great work on this! It looks so yummy, the crust and topping are right up my alley of course 😉
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Another Sunday Runday – WIAW
I’ll have to make a gluten-free/vegan one then 😉 Haha!
Coconut and almond pulp….new breakfast faves!
Well that is super creative and different! I never would have thought of those combos! Thanks for linking up with us for meatless Monday!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Move, Nourish & Believe- Lorna Jane Fit Challenge
Quinoa goes with everything!
I have never tried quinoa flakes, but I love that you turned them into a sweet treat! 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: March 4, 2015
WHAT!? Omg….you just made me cry 🙁 You need to fix that like….last week!
Great choice! Key lime is sure to please! You dont see it too often either, so its something unique. I keep seeing more recipes with matcha…..need to give it another try!
Tina Muir recently posted…London Marathon Training 2015 Update and Racing Updates
Yea! Key Limes recipes aren’t too common! They should be though!
Matcha is so cool! But expensive 😛
I am loving this! It is just the summer time vibe I am needing on this sunny day! And even here in Florida where there are key limes we still sometimes make key lime pie with regular limes because it takes FOREVER to get enough juice from those tiny little key limes. So definitely no shame 😀
P.S. Pumpkin is my favorite too if you couldn’t already tell hehe
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Fruity Frosted Carrot Cake
Haha, girl aim so jealous of your sun! It’s raining and so dark today 🙁 I need this!
Pumpkin 4 Life!
These look super yummy and very tasty! My breakfast has been too boring lately… this recipe will help me change things up a bit 🙂
Tori recently posted…Financial Aid Tips from a Former College Student
Yes! Spice it up with something new!
Key Lime Pie is delicious, I promise! And I keep reading about green tea powder, I might just have to try it soon. Hope you have a good day, Rebecca 🙂
Christy@SweetandSavoring recently posted…The State of Things: March
Matcha is really expensive, but a little does go such a long way!
I guess I need my mission to be to try key lime pie now 😉
Yum! This looks absolutely delicious. I’ll have to give it a try!
Rachel recently posted…Sugar-Free Is Sweet Part Three: What About Non-Sugar Sweeteners?
Thank you Rachel!
Gosh that looks and sounds wonderful! I could just demolish a bowl ful now!
Vicki Montague – The Free From Fairy recently posted…Savvy Spreads Give Away!
Haha, thanks Vicki! It is good 😉