30 Easy, Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Every Morning Mood

Two types of morning people exist. Some roll out of bed and hit the ground running without giving much thought to breakfast, or even eating, for hours—move first, fuel later. Then, there are the ones who revel in a morning routine that very much revolves around food. Healthy breakfast ideas are constantly swirling as they slide out of bed to craft the perfect cup of artfully poured coffee.

There isn’t necessarily a right morning person to be, but generally, I assume anyone who doesn’t identify as a breakfast person simply hasn’t found an AM meal they truly love. So, we’re here to help. Below, I’ve rounded up a collection of easy, healthy breakfast ideas to suit every kind of morning mood, from sweet chia puddings and hearty favorites to nutritious takes on global-inspired brunches. And if you don’t have time to sit and savor, no worries. There are plenty of make-ahead meals you could easily grab and go, too.

Feature image by Michelle Nash.

Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas

Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats

Why we love it: Between the ease they offer and the extremely low effort they require, the joy of overnight oats truly knows no bounds. For anyone who thinks oatmeal is dull, this blueberry muffin-inspired recipe should change your tune.

Hero ingredient: It’s not necessary to toast the oats for 10 minutes, but it adds a solid kick.

Get the recipe for Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats.

Whole Oat Savory Porridge by Love and Lemons

Why we love it: You know the feeling. You’re about to order brunch, but you’re torn between the soothing sweetness of oatmeal and something savory. With this whole oat-based porridge recipe, which can be made two ways (miso and avocado or butternut squash and ginger), you can have it all.

Hero Ingredient: We’re going to give it up to either the ginger (anti-inflammatory) or the avocado (for its velvety smoothness) depending on which route you take.

Get the recipe for Whole Oat Savory Porridge.

Passion Fruit Chia Pudding

Why we love it: No matter what season or weather you’re experiencing, waking up to a bowl of tropical-inspired chia pudding is a cheery, antioxidant-packed way to kickstart any day.

Hero ingredient: Between the fiber and nutrients, chia’s list of benefits (all delivered in a low-calorie vehicle) are seriously vast.

Get the recipe for Passion Fruit Chia Pudding.

Tropical Paradise Overnight Oats

Why we love it: In keeping with the vacation-inspired theme, these overnight oats, paired with mango, banana, and coconut milk, make for a sunny start.

Hero ingredient: Beyond the oats, topping your dish with Toasted Coconut Blue Diamond Almonds adds an extra far-flung feel.

Get the recipe for Tropical Paradise Overnight Oats.

Breakfast Salads

Breakfast Salad from Damn Delicious

Why We Love It: Breakfast salads are having a moment. If you’re someone who has a honed-in breakfast routine and is looking to switch up your sweet or savory go-to, salads are the way to go. A base of fresh greens balances out the heartier ingredients (crispy bacon and jammy eggs) to perfection. You’ll be shocked how well it goes with a cup of strong coffee.

Hero Ingredient: Baby gold potatoes introduce a delicious texture play that’s a welcome variation from the arugula.

Get the recipe for Breakfast Salad.

Healthy Breakfast Salad from Fed + Fit

Why We Love It: We all know that getting more greens into our daily meals is key for optimal health. One of the easiest, surefire ways to make that happen? Pile up a plate of greens first thing in the morning. But before you worry about whether or not this salad will keep you full until lunch, know that it packs in a ton of protein with your choice of sausage or bacon (plant-based works, too), eggs, and avocado.

Hero Ingredient: I love the slight, savory heat from the quarter-cup of onion.

Get the recipe for Healthy Breakfast Salad.

Arugula Breakfast Salad With Toasted Pistachio, Radish & Soft Eggs

Why We Love It: One of the things we love most about breakfast salads (or any salad for that matter) is the freedom the basic formula gives you to mix and match ingredients as you please. This particular array of components brings in flavor, a surprising mix of textures (pistachios and quinoa, anyone?), and the knowledge that you’re doing your body—and your taste buds—a whole lot of good even before opening your laptop.

Hero Ingredient: Nothing competes with the pistachios’ crunch.

Get the recipe for Arugula Breakfast Salad With Toasted Pistachio, Radish & Soft Eggs.

Gluten-Free Starts

Mushroom, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Frittata

Why we love it: This could really be called the “Whatever-you-might-have-in-your-fridge frittata.”

Hero ingredient: For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, browned eggs are a top-notch vehicle for enjoying a savory breakfast.

Get the recipe for Mushroom, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Frittata.

Jam-Filled Gluten-Free Muffins

Why we love it: If the idea of gluten-free baking conjures up dry, bland baked goods, this luscious, sweet recipe (which also happens to be dairy-free) will be a game-changer.

Hero ingredient: The details are key when it comes to nailing gluten-free baked goods (Camille learned a lot from a bit of trial and error). This is a rare case when add-ins (like cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extract) are particularly important.

Get the recipe for Jam-Filled Gluten-Free Muffins.

Blueberry Power Muffins

Why we love it: Both gluten- and dairy-free, Brooklyn-based baker Lani Halliday’s go-to blueberry muffin recipe also serves as a nourishing, energy-boosting snack.

Hero ingredient: Use almond or hazelnut flour for baked goods that are naturally gluten-free.

Get the recipe for Blueberry Power Muffins .

Mini Dill Frittatas

Why we love it: These easy-to-make cups of goodness can be made ahead and enjoyed as a wholesome start all week.

Hero ingredient: The fresh, citrus-like taste of dill is hard to describe, but the flavor is undeniable.

Get the recipe for Mini Dill Frittatas.

Insanely Simple Breakfast Ideas

Egg and Greens Bowl from Eating Bird Food

Why we love it: When I set out to curate a few simple, tasty-looking recipes, I didn’t expect to find something so beautifully uncomplicated and, frankly, beautiful.

Hero Ingredient: It’s all about the egg here, with the nonstick frying pan (an ingredient of sorts) coming in at a close second.

Get the recipe for Egg and Greens Bowl from Eating Bird Food.

Power Greens Breakfast Egg Bites

Why we love it: These power green-packed bites encompass two of our favorite recipe qualities: they can be made days ahead of time, and they’re incredibly easy to whip together.

Hero ingredient: The eggs may be the ones gluing it all together, but it’s the dark leafy greens (kale, chard, or spinach) stealing the show.

Get the recipe for Power Greens Breakfast Egg Bites.

Smoothies

Vanilla Matcha Smoothie from Simply Green Smoothies

Why we love it: Matcha is so often served in dessert form, it’s easy to forget how healthy the ingredient really is. That being said, there’s still a touch of sweetness thanks to a banana, vanilla, and almond milk base. But it’s still healthy, promise.

Hero Ingredient: Matcha provides the caffeinated burst you need to start your day without the threat of crashing.

Get the recipe for Vanilla Matcha Smoothie.

3 Beat-Bloating Smoothies

Why We Love It: CS Wellness Editor, Edie Horstman, developed these three smoothie recipes specifically to help you enjoy your favorite flavors without having to worry about that uncomfortable post-breakfast bloat. Tropical Turmeric, Strawberries and Cream, and Matcha Plant Power each include a whole lot of goodness in one glass. Trust me, these’ll go down easy.

Hero Ingredient: The ingredients vary from recipe to recipe, but be sure to add a little something on top of each for a nice bit of crunch.

Get the recipe for 3 Beat-Bloating Smoothies.

Cookies and Cream Smoothie from Kelly LeVeque

Why We Love It: This smoothie couldn’t be more appropriately named. I mean, it tastes exactly like the cookies and cream milkshakes we all know and love. But instead of being an, albeit delicious, sugar bomb, this smoothie was designed to follow LeVeque’s strategic combo of fat, greens, fiber, and protein to balance blood sugar, boost energy, and keep you satiated all morning. And if I haven’t convinced you yet, know that this is Jennifer Garner’s fave smoothie.

Hero Ingredient: Almond butter works in healthy fats while making this smoothie taste deceivingly indulgent.

Get the recipe for Cookies and Cream Smoothie.

Kale Smoothie from Love & Lemons

Why We Love It: The vibrant color and virtuous combo of powerhouse ingredients make this smoothie the energy burst you need to take on the day. When it comes to smoothies, there are three things I keep top of mind: it needs to be creamy, slightly sweet, and satisfying. This recipe checks off all three boxes.

Hero Ingredient: Whether you opt for peaches or mango, the lightly tropical flavor is totally addicting.

Get the recipe for Kale Smoothie.

Creative Toasts

Spicy Avocado Toast

Why we love it: It’s not exactly groundbreaking, but we’ll always love any and all avocado toasts. Crushed red pepper flakes elevate this particular variation.

Hero ingredient: Perfectly ripe avocado is, naturally, the secret weapon for this dish.

Get the recipe for Spicy Avocado Toast.

Yogurt Toast With Peanut Butter and Banana

Why We Love It: The custard toast trend has taken TikTok (and really the entire internet) by storm. Camille’s version skips the baking and instead layers a slice or two of sourdough with super smooth yogurt, bananas, granola, and runny PB for a toast that doesn’t skimp on flavor, creaminess, or crunch.

Hero Ingredient: My childhood self would go hard for the peanut butter on toast combo. My adult self? Still a fan.

Get the recipe for Yogurt Toast With Peanut Butter and Banana.

Mushroom Toast With Arugula & Lemon

Why We Love It: Having spent a few months in England, I fell hard for the British tradition of mushrooms on toast. Nowadays, you can catch mushrooms on my breakfast bread 9/10 times. Not only are mushrooms packed with plenty of nutrition, but when cooked in the pan with a little olive oil and minced garlic, there’s nothing better.

Hero Ingredient: While the ricotta’s optional, you better believe I’m spooning and slathering a thick layer on top of my sourdough. The cheese’s creaminess is the perfect base for the arugula and mushroom layer.

Get the recipe for Mushroom Toast With Arugula & Lemon.

Sweet Potato Toast 3 Ways

Why We Love It: When I first discovered that slices of sweet potato could be popped in the toaster and serve as a grain-free alternative to bread, my life changed for the better. Use it as an excuse to pile on all your favorite toppings—and dive fork-and-knife (or fingers) first.

Hero Ingredient: The toppings ideas vary, but one thing stays deliciously the same: sweet potatoes.

Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Toast 3 Ways.

Avocado Toast with Kale Pesto and Crunchy Veggies

Why We Love It: Two avocado toasts in one healthy breakfast ideas roundup? You better believe it. This recipe gives a fun variation on the classic with garlicky pesto, crunchy radish slices, and—don’t you dare skip it—everything seasoning.

Hero Ingredient: Hands up for the nutritional yeast that makes the pesto cheesy while still being plant-based.

Get the recipe for Avocado Toast with Kale Pesto and Crunchy Veggies.

Hearty Favorites

“Bowl of Doom” by The Defined Dish

Why we love it: Don’t let the name intimidate you. The only foreboding thing about this recipe, inspired by a popular off-the-menu breakfast hash at Dallas’ Kozy Kitchen, is how addicting it becomes.

Hero ingredient: The paleo-approved dish is packed with protein. Make it with bison meat for a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Get the recipe for “Bowl of Doom”.

The Ultimate Healthy Breakfast Sandwich by Danilicious Dishes

Why we love it: They said it couldn’t be done, but thanks to recipe developer Danielle Davis, you can indulge in a breakfast sandwich that’s as healthful as it is satisfying.

Hero Ingredient: Everything Bagel Seasoning from Trader Joe’s. It could make a paper bag taste good.

Get the recipe for The Ultimate Healthy Breakfast Sandwich.

Two Hands-Inspired Açai Power Bowl

Why we love it: Inspired by a dish from the beloved, all-day café in New York, the not-too-sweet bowl offers a hearty, antioxidant-filled breakfast.

Hero ingredient: In addition to the nutrition benefits, açai powder will help keep you full for hours.

Get the recipe for Two Hands-Inspired Açai Power Bowl.

Superfood Breakfast Bowl

Why we love it: A good breakfast bowl is always a wholesome, nutrient-dense option, but this superfood-filled recipe raises the a.m. bowl bar.

Hero ingredient: If you’re looking to start your day with healthy protein, you can’t do much better than quinoa.

Get the recipe for Superfood Breakfast Bowl.

International Inspiration

Masala Eggs

Why we love it: This traditional Indian dish might just be the most flavorful breakfast you can make.

Hero ingredient: In addition to fragrant herbs and spices, getting the eggs silky smooth is important.

Get the recipe for Masala Eggs.

Spicy Mexican Baked Eggs

Why we love it: A mix of kale, avocado, bell pepper, and eggs offers a balanced breakfast, but we’re always pro anything that doubles as a clean, healthy dip.

Hero ingredient: With so many ingredients mixed in, the eggs are what holds it all together. But never underestimate the power of garlic.

Get the recipe for Spicy Mexican Baked Eggs.

The Best Shakshuka Ever

Why we love it: This healthy dish is popular in Israel and any U.S. brunch menu you’re lucky enough to find it on. Made with an incredibly flavorful tomato sauce, Shakshuka will warm you right up.

Hero ingredient: Perfect poached eggs are the key.

Get the recipe for The Best Shakshuka Ever.

Vegan Banh Mi Sandwich by The Minimalist Baker

Why we love it: The classic Vietnamese sandwich gets a vegan, gluten-free twist thanks to the Minimalist Baker, where you can also learn more about the origins of the grab-and-go staple.

Hero Ingredient: Cauliflower proves, once again, that it can truly do it all.

Get the recipe for Vegan Banh Mi Sandwich.

This post was originally published on August 26, 2021 and has since been updated.