Delight your taste buds with a crunchy and nutritious homemade treat. This quinoa granola recipe is a wonderful way to start your day or as a quick snack anytime. It's packed with fibrous old-fashioned oats, protein-rich quinoa and almonds, sweetened with honey, and topped with a tropical punch of shaved coconut and an assortment of dried fruits.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe may be readily available in your pantry, you might need to pick few of them from the supermarket. Quinoa, a nutritious grain, can be found in the rice or grain aisle. Shaved coconut and dried fruits like apricots, cherries or cranberries can be found in the baking or dried fruit section. Choose unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of your granola.
Ingredients for Quinoa Granola
Old-fashioned oats: Whole grain, perfect for a filling breakfast. They add a chewy texture to the granola.
Quinoa: A super grain, full of protein and fiber, adds a nice crunch when baked.
Almonds: Healthy nuts that add a good crunch and protein.
Honey: Natural sweetener, could be replaced with maple syrup for vegan option.
Coconut oil: Healthy fat that helps to bind the granola.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the granola.
Ground cinnamon: Gives a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
Shaved coconut: Adds a tropical flavor and extra crunch.
Apricots: Sweet-tart dried fruits add chewiness. Can be replaced with other dried fruits.
Cherries or cranberries: Add a sweet-tart flavor and chewiness.
One reader, Duncan Darby says:
This quinoa granola recipe is a game-changer! The combination of quinoa, almonds, and dried fruit creates a delightful texture and flavor. The touch of honey and coconut oil adds a perfect sweetness. It's a nutritious and delicious breakfast option that I can't get enough of!
Key Techniques for Making Quinoa Granola Recipe
How to prepare the granola mixture: Combine oats, quinoa, almonds, honey, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl and mix until well combined.
How to bake the granola: Spread the granola mixture on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
How to toast the coconut: Sprinkle the shaved coconut evenly over the granola and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the coconut is toasted.
How to store the granola: Once cooled, store the granola in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
How To Make Quinoa Granola
Adding quinoa to the usual granola mix makes this treat extra filling. Make this healthy quinoa granola for breakfast especially when you’re on a diet.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsold-fashioned oats
- 1cupquinoa,uncooked
- 1cupalmonds,slivered or roughly-chopped
- ¼cuphoney
- 2tbspcoconut oil,melted
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspground cinnamon
- 1cupshaved coconut
- 6ozapricots,dried
- 6ozcherries or cranberries,dried
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, stir together oats, quinoa, almonds, honey, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon until combined. Spread the mixture out on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway. Remove the sheet and sprinkle the shaved coconut evenly over the top of the granola. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the coconut is toasted.
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Remove and let cool, then stir in dried fruit and toss to combine.
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Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Calories: 377.21kcal
- Fat: 18.47g
- Saturated Fat: 6.98g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.77g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.49g
- Carbohydrates: 47.40g
- Fiber: 7.57g
- Sugar: 15.08g
- Protein: 10.42g
- Sodium: 292.94mg
- Calcium: 78.47mg
- Potassium: 467.10mg
- Iron: 3.04mg
- Vitamin A: 21.31µg
- Vitamin C: 4.01mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Quinoa Granola
Toasting the almonds before adding them to the granola mix can enhance their flavor and add an extra crunch to your granola. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they become golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, allow them to cool before incorporating into the mix.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. This will save time when you're ready to make the granola.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to chop the almonds and dried fruit quickly and evenly, saving time and effort.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of granola and store it in an airtight container for future use, saving time on preparation.
Organize your ingredients: Before you start, gather all your ingredients and tools to save time searching for items while cooking.
Set a timer: Use a timer to keep track of baking and toasting times, allowing you to multitask and be more efficient in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Quinoa Granola Recipe
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can be used as a gluten-free alternative to oats, providing a similar texture and nutty flavor to the granola.
almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can be used as a creamy and slightly sweet alternative to almonds, adding a rich and buttery flavor to the granola.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey, providing a sweet and caramelized flavor to the granola.
coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to coconut oil, providing a subtle fruity flavor to the granola.
shaved coconut - Substitute with chopped macadamia nuts: Chopped macadamia nuts can be used to add a rich and buttery flavor to the granola, providing a crunchy texture similar to shaved coconut.
apricots - Substitute with dried mango: Dried mango can be used as a sweet and tangy alternative to apricots, adding a tropical flavor to the granola.
cherries or cranberries - Substitute with dried blueberries: Dried blueberries can be used as a sweet and slightly tart alternative to cherries or cranberries, adding a burst of fruity flavor to the granola.
Creative Ways to Present This Granola Recipe
Elevate the granola: Present the quinoa granola in a delicate glass jar to showcase its layers and textures. This will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Adorn the granola with a vibrant assortment of fresh berries and sliced figs to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Integrate delicate edible flowers such as pansies or violets to bring a visually stunning and whimsical element to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Serve the quinoa granola in chic ceramic bowls or porcelain ramekins to elevate the dining experience and create a sense of refinement.
Add a drizzle of honey: Before serving, delicately drizzle a touch of raw honey over the granola to create an enticing visual effect and enhance the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Quinoa Granola
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly processing nuts, fruits, and other ingredients in this recipe.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the oats, quinoa, almonds, honey, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon. It provides a spacious and sturdy container for thorough mixing.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to spread out the granola mixture for baking. It provides a flat, heat-resistant surface for even cooking.
- Foil or parchment paper: Foil or parchment paper is used to line the baking sheet, preventing the granola from sticking and making cleanup easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement is crucial in baking. Measuring cups and spoons are used to precisely measure the ingredients such as honey, quinoa, and oats.
- Spatula: A spatula is useful for stirring the granola mixture during baking and for transferring the granola to a storage container after it has cooled.
- Oven: An oven is used for baking the granola to achieve a crunchy and toasted texture. It provides consistent heat for even cooking.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Quinoa Granola
Once the quinoa granola has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to seal the container or bag tightly to prevent air and moisture from getting in, which can cause the granola to become stale or soggy.
Store the granola in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Properly stored, homemade quinoa granola can last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your quinoa granola, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place the granola in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store it in the fridge for up to 1 month.
For longer storage, you can freeze the quinoa granola. Transfer the cooled granola to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen granola, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. You can also reheat the granola in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore its crunchiness and bring out the flavors of the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
How To Reheat Leftover Quinoa Granola
The best way to reheat leftover quinoa granola is to spread it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the granola for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and slightly crispy again. This method helps to restore the granola's crunch and freshness without burning or overcooking it.
Another option is to reheat the quinoa granola in a skillet on the stovetop. Place the granola in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until it's warmed through and slightly toasted. Be careful not to leave the granola unattended, as it can burn quickly.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the quinoa granola in the microwave. Place a portion of the granola in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's warm and slightly crispy. Keep in mind that microwaving may not yield the same level of crunchiness as the oven or stovetop methods.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to let the quinoa granola cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will help to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming soggy or stale. If you notice that the granola has lost some of its crunch after reheating, you can always add a handful of fresh nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to give it an extra boost of flavor and texture.
Interesting Trivia About Quinoa Granola
The quinoa granola recipe is a great source of plant-based protein, as quinoa and almonds are both high in protein. This makes it an excellent option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it provides a nutritious and filling breakfast or snack. Additionally, quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a valuable addition to any diet.
Is Making Quinoa Granola at Home Cost-Effective?
This quinoa granola recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Quinoa and oats are affordable pantry staples, and the addition of almonds and dried fruits can be adjusted based on budget. The versatility of this recipe allows for ingredient substitutions based on seasonal availability and personal preferences, making it adaptable to varying budgets. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, depending on the quality of ingredients. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 for its cost-effectiveness and nutritional value.
Is Quinoa Granola Healthy or Unhealthy?
The quinoa granola recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional granola, thanks to the inclusion of nutrient-dense ingredients like quinoa, almonds, and dried fruits. Quinoa is a complete protein source and provides essential amino acids, while almonds offer healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E. The dried apricots and cherries or cranberries add natural sweetness and antioxidants to the mix.
However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of honey to lower the overall sugar content. You can replace some of the honey with unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas for natural sweetness.
- Use raw, unsalted almonds to minimize the sodium content. Roasting the almonds yourself allows you to control the amount of added salt.
- Opt for unsweetened shaved coconut to further reduce the sugar content.
- Consider adding more nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds for an extra boost of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
To make this recipe even more nutritious, you can:
- Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture before baking to increase the protein content.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to add depth of flavor without increasing calorie content.
- Serve the granola with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a well-rounded, protein-packed breakfast or snack.
- Use the granola as a topping for oatmeal or chia pudding to add crunch and flavor to your favorite healthy breakfast options.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Quinoa Granola
The quinoa granola recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients, offering a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness. The combination of oats, quinoa, almonds, and coconut creates a hearty base, while the dried fruit adds a burst of natural flavor. The use of honey and coconut oil provides a subtle sweetness and a pleasant aroma. This granola is versatile and can be enjoyed as a breakfast cereal, a topping for yogurt, or a standalone snack. It's a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal or snack time.
Enhance Your Quinoa Granola Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Quinoa Granola
Why trust this Quinoa Granola Recipe:
This recipe is a trustworthy choice for your granola needs. The combination of oats, quinoa, and almonds provides a hearty and nutritious base. The use of honey and coconut oil adds natural sweetness and richness. The inclusion of shaved coconut and dried apricots or cherries brings a delightful burst of flavor and texture. With a balanced blend of wholesome ingredients, this recipe offers a satisfying and wholesome breakfast or snack option.
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