Trail Mix Quinoa Granola {nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free}

I love granola. Crunchy, slightly sweet and full of yummy ingredients… I happily eat it with milk, yogurt or by the handful. But, most store-bought granola cereals contain tree nuts, a no-no in our nut-free home.

Quinoa granola_dish_edited

Since this month’s Recipe ReDux theme is all about a favorite pantry staple I now make from scratch, I decided to share my Trail Mix Quinoa Granola with you.

DIY Kitchen Essentials: What favorite kitchen staples do you now make from scratch–but in the past you purchased? Show us your best DIY recipe for keeping cupboards, fridge or freezer stocked with healthy basics. Think homemade frozen waffles, salad dressing, broth or other kitchen essentials.

While I still buy granola once in a while (Cascadian Farms Oats & Honey Granola is the one brand I feel safe buying for my nut-allergic daughter), I much prefer the taste of fresh, not-so-sweet granola that’s filled with my favorite goodies, like seeds, coconut and dried fruit. Plus, the quinoa flakes make this granola a protein-packed way to start the day (or keep you going at lunchtime). This pantry staple also makes a great treat when mixed with dark chocolate chips or as a topping for baked fruit.

Quinoa granola_ingredients_edited

TRAIL MIX QUINOA GRANOLA {nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free} 
3 cups quinoa flakes
1/3 cup canola or coconut oil
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. kosher or sea salt
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded (optional)
1/2 cup dried fruit (I used a mixture of chopped dried cherries, apricots and figs)
Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. In medium bowl, mix quinoa flakes, oil, syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making an even layer. Bake at 350ºF for 30-35 minutes, until granola is golden brown. Drop seeds and coconut onto granola and mix in lightly. Reduce heat to 250°F and cook for another 5 minutes, until seeds and coconut are toasted. Let cool completely. Break into chunks and add dried fruit. Store in airtight container. Makes 15 servings.
PLEASE SHARE: These are just some of my favorite granola ingredients. What are your favorite goodies in granola? Please share. I’d love to hear from you!
And, be sure to check out the recipes from my fellow Recipe ReDux’ers. You’re sure to find something mouth-watering (and nutritious!) below.


On May 22, 2015   /   Featured, Feeding Kids, Food Allergies, Healthy Eating, My Food Fix, Nutrition, Recipes  
1 Comment
  1. Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma)
    1:53 pm on June 5, 2015

    This sounds amazing and easy to make! YUM!