Gimme Some Oven

Quinoa Granola

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Quinoa Granola 1

Allow me to introduce you to the new rockstar of my morning breakfast parfait — quinoa granola!

Um, quin-whaaaaa, you might ask?

I know, I was a little confused when I first heard about the idea too. But quinoa granola literally couldn’t be easier! All you have to do is add some uncooked quinoa to your favorite granola recipe, bake it up like usual, and voila. Granola goes “ancient”! (Get it — ancient grains?)  ;)

Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

I heard from a friend that quinoa granola is actually one of the hits of Gwenyth Paltrow’s new cookbook. So you know, if Chris Martin and Apple and Moses are digging it, I figured it was worth a try. ;)

So I whipped up a batch using my latest homemade granola recipe and decided to test it out on (I think) some even cooler rock stars — my friends. So I brought a batch to an evening happy hour for them to try. You know, summer beer and granola…the normal combo. Still, my taste-testers were happy to oblige. And we passed the big Ziplock bag full of granola around the table for everyone to try. And then passed it again. And then maybe one more time.

They loved it!
Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

Everyone was super intrigued about the quinoa sprinkled throughout, and was curious (as I was) about how it would taste toasted instead of boiled. It turns out that it pretty much tastes just like the oats! But with quinoa, you get way more nutritional benefits.

In fact, did you know that the United Nations officially named 2013 The International Year of Quinoa? I know that quinoa seems to be the hip health food in the United States right now. But as someone trying to study up more lately on sustainable solutions to world hunger and clean water issues, I find its potential globally even more exciting.

Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

The facts make sense. Quinoa is widely adaptable and has the potential to grow in diverse places around the world, thriving in temperatures ranging from -8 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius, at sea level or 4,000 meters above, and is not impacted by low moisture. It is gluten-free, easy to digest, and cholesterol-free, and can be used in a wide range of diets. It is rich in protein, fiber, iron, calcium, zinc, and all sorts of other vitamins. And as someone who loves to develop recipes, I definitely appreciate that it is a super-versatile grain to mix with all sorts of flavors and ingredients, which is exciting when it comes to the hope of increasing its popularity around the world with different culture and cuisines.

So I share Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s hope that “this International Year will be a catalyst for learning about the potential of quinoa for food and nutrition security, for reducing poverty – especially among the world’s small farmers – and for environmentally sustainable agriculture.”

If you want to do some more reading about quinoa and its origin, history, cultivation, nutritional value, and more, I would totally recommend spending 10 minutes browsing the UN’s website about the quinoa. Really exciting stuff.

Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

Anyway, that said, reading up on all of this good news about quinoa lately makes me even more excited to use more quinoa throughout my day. And how better than to begin your day with an extra dose of quinoa?

So if you already have a favorite tried-and-true granola recipe, I’d recommend just taking out half of your oats and subbing in a cup or two of quinoa. I tried my first batch with all quinoa, and have to admit that I missed a little of the texture that the larger oats gave the mixture. But you can go either way. I used some almonds, apricots and cherries — my favorite fruit and nut combination as of late. But you can of course substitute in whatever extras you would like.

Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

So cheers to all things quinoa!

Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Quinoa Granola

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 cups 1x

Description

Quinoa adds extra crunch and nutrients to this crunchy, tasty granola recipe!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
  • 1 cup slivered or roughly-chopped almonds
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup shaved coconut (or 2/3 cup grated coconut)
  • 6 oz. dried apricots
  • 6 oz. dried cherries or cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. 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. Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway. Remove sheet and sprinkle the shaved coconut evenly over the top of the granola. Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes (watch closely) until the coconut is toasted. Remove and let cool, then stir in dried fruit and toss to combine.
  3. Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

Quinoa Granola Recipe | gimmesomeoven.com

Share this Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

72 comments on “Quinoa Granola”

  1. I love all things quinoa!! You made this look amazing!

  2. Ali, this looks awesome!! I love quinoa and granola, so why not combine the two!

  3. I hadn’t realised that quinoa had so many benefits other than nutrition. Thank you for sharing and for this delicious-looking recipe!

  4. I absolutely love quinoa granola! Your pictures are beautiful and the recipe looks like a must try. I posted a quinoa pumpkin seed granola recipe on my blog a few months ago and it was so good. If you’re interested, you can find it at https://www.hungryhealthygirl.com/2013/03/10/breakfast-sweet-potato/

  5. I’m a huge fan of quinoa, but I’ve only had it cooked the “usual” way. You’ve sold me on trying it toasted- can’t wait to whip up this concoction!

  6. Oh the irony…I’ve known about this ancient grain for YEARS now! It’s so TASTY!

    And THIS looks FAB! Gonna make…already pinned. :)

  7. This sounds soooo good!! What an awesome recipe!

  8. Such gorgeous photos, Ali! And I’ve actually made the quinoa granola from Gwenyth’s cookbook – it’s delicious! Love the apricots in yours!

  9. Ok I totally failed your quiz!!! Love that it’s quinoa!!!

  10. I didn’t know that!!! This looks amazing!

  11. Ali, quinoa granola is genius! I’m going to make it today!! And your photos are simply stunning – Great job! :)

  12. I haven’t met a granola that I don’t like. Quinoa sounds like a great idea. I really like the stuff but I just don’t use it much. I will give this a try!

  13. Quinoa in granola? Not sure why I’ve never done that before!

  14. I love crunchy granola, so this sounds DELICIOUS!! :)

  15. Hmm…quinoa granola and a summertime hefeweizen. That’s sound like a great combo to me! I have yet to use quinoa in any breakfast dishes, and this inspires me to change that.

  16. Amazing idea. I love it so much!

  17. This is one gorgeous granola, Ali! So many great flavors going on here, I love it!

  18. So smart to add quinoa to granola! I must try this!!

  19. I do something similar but with quinoa puffs/souffle. If any get enough of quinoa these past few years. Pleased to see it has a year of its own now! Pinning this :-)

  20. I have been wanting to make homemade granola and I love the idea of adding quinoa!

  21. This recipe came at just the right time! I’m planning an overhaul of my terrible diet (full of butter, sugar, fats, oh my!). I love quinoa and have been wanting to make homemade granola for a long time. Pinning!

  22. I love granola, this would make a fabulous breakfast!

  23. I’m a granola fanatic and a quinoa fanatic! Need to try this asap.

  24. I love adding quinoa to granola. I haven’t had it any other way – I know, right? I’m so behind the times. I totally have to make 2013 my year of the Quinoa, too.

  25. I’ve never done this, but I may have to try your recipe. We are crazy about quinoa! :)

  26. This looks delicious. I can’t wait to try this.

  27. I love adding quinoa to my homemade granola; do it all the time now! Next time I’m totally adding shaved coconut, too :)

  28. Oh wow, this granola looks fantastic! I bet it is so satisfying, I love it :)

  29. I would scarf down that bowl right about NOW.

  30. Definitely going to start adding quinoa to my granola

  31. Does anyone have thoughts about what kind of oil to substitute instead of coconut?

  32. I’ve been looking for recipes to finish up a box of quinoa and this one is right up my alley!

  33. Hi – Just wondering though- is the body able to digest and absorb all the wonderful nutrients of quinoa if it is merely roasted as in the granola recipe? I’m confused by all the articles that say it has to be sprouted/soaked etc. in order for the nutrients to be absorbed.
    I’m eager to try the granola recipe but hesitate if the quinoa nutrients are not absorbed.
    Thanks!!

  34. How about trying Agave instead of Maple Syrup?

  35. I just made this but made a couple changes. I used puffed quinoa I had in the cupboard, rolled oats, and homemade applesauce instead of the oil. It is incredible.

  36. Should quinoa be rinsed prior to using in the granola recipe?

  37. My girlfriend has an amazing granola recipe and I don’t know if she’s been hunting for another to try, but I am definitely going to send this her way!

  38. Um, yum?! I adore quinoa, so this is a perfect way to get my quinoa on! Pinned!

  39. I’ve read that uncooked quinoa doesn’t give the nutritional benefit. I also had a hard time digesting this – and think this might be because it’s in the raw form rather than cooked. Maybe it doesn’t happen to everyone- but I would be careful with use of raw quinoa.

  40. I love all your quinoa recipes.  Thanks.  Can’t wait to try Granola recipe. Thanks

  41. I made this yesterday and am eating some today in a parfait with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and plain Greek yogurt. It is wonderful, but I will cut the salt back to 1/4-1/2 teaspoon the next time I make it. Don’t like tasting salt in every bite. LOVE that it contains more protein because of the quinoa. Lovely crunchy texture!!!! Keep your great recipes coming. I have told several others about your website. Clever name!!!

    • We think that sounds like the best breakfast! Thanks so much for checking out the recipe and for spreading the word! :)

  42. This was phenomenal!  I’ve never eaten raw quinoa, and seeing how simple this recipe was, I decided to give it a whirl.  I skipped the apricots and only added in homemade dried cherries.  It was an instant hit with not only my 7 year old twins, but my husband, too!  Then, to my misfortune,  I did not save nor pinterest this lovely recipe.  I spent the next day, a good 4 hours (!) trying to find it again!  Thankfully I did,  and immediately pinned it to my breakfast board.  Thank you for the simplicity and deliciousness of this granola!

    • Thank you Jennifer, we’re so happy you and your family liked it! And homemade dried cherries? We’re impressed! :)

  43. This recipe is absolutely delicious! I just mad a batch for my sister, and I earlier this morning.:)
    Tasty recipe I’ll keep making.