Creating this make-ahead breakfast is incredibly simple. Follow these two main phases for perfect results every time.

Phase 1: The Night Before (10 Minutes)

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Place the uncooked quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse it thoroughly under cold, running water for about 30-60 seconds, rubbing the grains with your fingers. This is the most important step to ensure a sweet, nutty flavor, not a bitter one. Drain it well.
2. Combine Ingredients: Find a medium-sized bowl or a large jar (at least 24 oz or 700ml) with a lid. Add the rinsed quinoa, your milk of choice, the finely diced apple, chia seeds, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and the pinch of salt.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together vigorously with a spoon or whisk until completely combined. Make sure the chia seeds are well-distributed and there are no clumps of cinnamon.
4. Seal and Chill: Secure the lid on your jar or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight, or for a minimum of 6-8 hours. This allows the quinoa and chia seeds enough time to absorb the liquid and for the flavors to fully develop.

Phase 2: The Morning Of (2 Minutes)

1. Check and Stir: In the morning, remove the quinoa from the fridge. It will have thickened considerably. Give it a good stir to loosen it up and redistribute the ingredients. If it looks too thick for your liking, you can stir in an extra splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
2. Taste and Adjust: Take a small taste. If you’d like it a bit sweeter, now is the time to add an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
3. Add Toppings and Serve: Spoon the overnight quinoa into serving bowls or enjoy it straight from the jar. Now for the fun part—add your favorite toppings (see our serving suggestions below) and enjoy your delicious, healthy, and effortless breakfast!