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Who would have thought that quinoa makes a terrific base for an amazing granola?
When combined with dried fruits, old-fashioned oats and pumpkin seeds, quinoa really shines in this delicious and easy breakfast treat.  We shared the Quinoa Granola with our son and daughter-in-law and they agreed, the nutty, crunchy texture is very satisfying and the flavor is terrific.  Be sure to rinse the quinoa first, to remove the natural coating and light bitter taste.
My favorite way to serve Quinoa Granola is on top of plain Greek yogurt drizzled with a little honey and sliced fruit.  Nectarines have been my recent fruit obsession and they pair perfectly with the toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and oats.   I added dried apricots, cherries and cranberries which gives the granola a wonderful chewiness and a little punch of sweetness.  A big batch of this homemade Quinoa Granola will keep up to two weeks in the refrigerator, but you may not have to worry about that!
I made this granola using tri-colored quinoa but you can use any color.  The black quinoa may look like I burned the granola a bit, but not at all.
High in protein, toasted quinoa is the perfect way to start the day!
Quinoa Granola
Ingredients
- â…” cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup uncooked quinoa rinsed and well drained
- â…” cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas, unsalted and raw if you can find them)
- â…” cup sliced almonds
- â…“ cup whole flaxseed
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried mixed fruit (I used chopped apricots, cherries and cranberries)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet (15x10) with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, almonds and flaxseeds. Toss to combine.
- Add the honey to a two-cup microwave-safe measuring cup. Heat on high for 20 seconds or until the honey is slightly warm. Add the coconut oil, cinnamon and salt. Stir to melt the oil and combine the seasonings. Pour the honey mixture over the oats and quinoa and toss to coat.
- Spread the granola in the prepared pan and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Stir the granola a couple of times while baking.
- Remove from the oven and add the dried fruit.
- Cool the granola completely. Break-up any large clumps and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
- Inspired by a recipe in the December 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Nutrition
Here are a few more granola recipes you might like to try:
Coconut Cherry Almond Granola ~ from Saving Room for Dessert
Healthy Homemade Granola ~ from Saving Room for Dessert
Pistachio Cardamom Granola ~ from The View From Great Island
Best Ever Granola ~ from The Cafe Sucre Farine
Muskoka Maple Granola ~ from Seasons &Â Suppers
Did you have a nice holiday weekend?  We really enjoyed the extra day!  We got out of the house and did a few fun activities instead of staying home doing yard work, and housework, the entire weekend.  Here on the East Coast, the weather is turning hot again with record highs expected from Thursday to Saturday.  But then … the cool down begins!  I’m ready … how about you?
Thanks so much for stopping by – have a wonderful week!
Tricia
Sabrina Zaragoza
Great! Love how you decorate the recipe. You make this prettier by the peaches! Thanks for sharing and have a nice weekend, Tricia.
Tricia Buice
Thank you Sabrina – I am so happy to came for a visit. Have a wonderful week!
Pat C.Wilson
this looks gorgeous. I love fruits high in protein. they fresh me up when meat need to be fried or bake…not really healthy. I must try this out tomorrow, thanks Tricia xoxo
Liz
Pinning this gorgeous granola!!! Perfect breakfast with a little extra protein to boot! Wish I still had some summer peaches to go with it 🙂
Becky Green
This looks SO GOOD, Tricia! I JUST made granola this morning! LOL Granola is my go to breakfast! I don’t like store bought granola AT ALL!!! TOO MUCH SUGAR! Now you’re making me DROOL for peaches! 😉
Tricia Buice
Hi Becky! Thanks so much. I just went and visited you today – just checking to see what you are up to. Hope you had a great summer. Have a lovely weekend!
Velva
This is a really nice twist on traditional granola. Very nice! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us.
Velva
Tricia Buice
Thank you for visiting Velva!
Sara
This is almost too pretty to eat, the perfect healthier breakfast!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Sara!
John/Kitchen Riffs
Wow, granola made with quinoa? Genius! Would never have thought of this but it’s so totally right. Thanks!
Tricia Buice
Thanks John! We all love this stuff and can’t wait to make some more. Have a lovely weekend!
Monica
I love quinoa in all sorts of ways, including toasted so I’m sure this granola is fabulous. And I also am paranoid about rinsing quinoa before cooking because I once didn’t and it tasted terrible (even if it says prewash, I can’t take the risk!). This makes me look forward to breakfast. It’s such a nice balanced, healthy, satisfying way to start the day.
Tricia Buice
I can’t wait to try this in other variations – it’s so good and nutty and love the crunch. Have a wonderful weekend Monica and thanks!
Mandy
Oh wow Tricia! This is the ultimate granola recipe! Will definitely be making this and doubt it would last anywhere near 2 weeks in our home.
Have a fabulous day.
🙂 Mandy xo
Tricia Buice
I can’t wait to hear how much you love it! It’s a good recipe and a tasty breakfast. Have a lovely week Mandy!
Chris Scheuer
I love this idea Tricia, how wonderful to add some extra protein to a morning staple like granola. It looks so pretty too. And I’m thinking I feel a little healthier just looking at it!
Tricia Buice
I know what you mean – I just feel better when I try to exercise more and eat right – guess I better make a dessert soon or people will think I’m a healthy cooking blog! This really is delicious – hope you get a chance to make it. Thanks Chris!
cheri
Wow, quinoa in granola, I bet this is delicious!! We have a storm blowing in today. What a wonderful excuse to warm up the house than to make a batch of this. Love the dried fruit combo you added. We stayed away from yard work this week-end too.
Tricia Buice
So glad you had a yard-free weekend. I’ll have to check the weather – hope it’s not a bad storm but if it cools things off, please send it on over!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
This is brilliant, I would have never thought to do this, but it makes perfect sense, quinoa has such an amazing crunch!
Tricia Buice
This is so good Sue – I know you will love it!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
o yes…I am READY for the cool and colourful pumpkin season :-)) Your granola looks terrific!
Tricia Buice
Me too Angie! Enjoy 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Beautiful granola and love all the goodness in there. So pretty with the peaches! Thanks for sharing my Maple Granola 🙂
Tricia Buice
Thanks Jennifer – this is a terrific breakfast and I can’t wait to try your maple granola! It looks wonderful. Hope you had a lovely weekend.