Saving Room for Dessert

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Quinoa Granola

5 from 2 votes

Quinoa Granola is high in protein and the perfect way to start the day! Combined with dried fruits, nuts and seeds, you'll the nutty flavor!

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Quinoa Granola with oats, almonds, pepitas and dried fruit | www.savingdessert.com

 

 

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.

 

 

Quinoa Granola with oats, almonds, pepitas and dried fruit | www.savingdessert.com

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!

 

 

Quinoa Granola with oats, almonds, pepitas and dried fruit | www.savingdessert.com

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 with oats, almonds, pepitas and dried fruit | www.savingdessert.com

Quinoa Granola

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Course: Breakfast
Author: Tricia
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5 from 2 votes
High in protein, toasted quinoa is the perfect way to start the day! Combined with dried fruits, nuts and seeds, you will love the nutty flavor served over a bowl of yogurt.

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ¾ cup uncooked quinoa rinsed and well drained
  • ⅔ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas, unsalted and raw if you can find them)
  • ⅔ cup sliced almonds
  • ⅓ 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 information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg

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 & 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

Quinoa-Pumpkin Seed Granola | www.savingdessert.com

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26 Comments

  4. 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! 😉

    Reply

  8. 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.

    Reply

  9. 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

    Reply

  10. 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!

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  11. 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.

    Reply