Last updated on April 22nd, 2023 at 07:54 am
Granola is a popular breakfast food for its crunchy texture and sweet taste. Quinoa granola takes this classic breakfast food to the next level by adding the nutritional benefits of quinoa.
Quinoa is a gluten-free protein-packed superfood containing all nine essential amino acids.

Quinoa Granola
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fine-mesh strainer (for rinsing the quinoa)
- Oven
- Spatula (for stirring the granola while baking)
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup raw sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries or other dried fruit (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the quinoa, rolled oats, shredded coconut, sliced almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt.
- Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to combine, making sure that everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the granola for 20-25minutes, or until lightly golden brown, stirring once or twice during baking to ensure even browning.
- Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once the granola is cool, stir in the dried cranberries or other dried fruit, if using.
- Store the quinoa granola in anairtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy with milk oryogurt, or as a crunchy snack!
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Notes
- Be sure to rinse the quinoa before using it to remove any bitterness or debris.
- You can use any combination of nuts and seeds that you like in this recipe. Try almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
- The coconut oil should be melted before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Make sure to stir the granola every 10-15 minutes while it bakes to ensure it cooks evenly.
- The granola will continue to crisp up as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little soft when you first take it out of the oven.
- You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding additional spices or extracts like vanilla, almond, or coconut extract.
- Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve the quinoa granola with milk or yogurt and fresh fruit for a nutritious breakfast, or enjoy it as a snack.
Tips for Making the Best Quinoa Granola
Here are some tips for making the best quinoa granola:
- Rinse the quinoa: Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that can make it taste bitter or soapy if not rinsed properly. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before using it in the recipe.
- Use a mix of nuts and seeds: You can add variety to your quinoa granola by using a mix of nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. If you prefer your granola to be less sweet, use less sweetener.
- Store the granola properly: To keep your quinoa granola fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Can I use other types of nuts or seeds in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the nuts and seeds in this recipe for your favorites or whatever you have.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup instead of honey if you prefer.
How do I know when the granola is done baking?
The granola should be lightly golden brown and fragrant when hiking, and it will continue to crisp up as it cools.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make this recipe vegan by swapping out the honey for maple syrup and using a vegan-friendly oil, such as coconut or vegetable oil.
How should I store the quinoa granola?
Store the quinoa granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Can I use instant quinoa instead of uncooked quinoa?
Instant quinoa won’t work for this recipe because it’s already cooked and won’t crisp up like uncooked.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
YeYouan, add chocolate chips to this recipe after the granola has cooled completely.
Can I add spices other than cinnamon and ginger?
Absolutely! To customize the flavor, you can experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves.
Can I dodouble-checkhis recipe?
Yes, you can double this recipe if you make a larger batch.
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
YeYouan use sweetened shredded coconut if you prefer an enter granola. Just keep in mind that it will add more sugar to the recipe.
Final Thought On Quinoa Granola
In conclusion, quinoa granola is a nutritious, delicious breakfast option that is easy to make and packed with protein and other essential nutrients. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can make the best quinoa granola to fuel your day.