Oil-Free Quinoa Protein Granola (GF)

High protein breakfast is easy as can be when you have a jar full of oil-free quinoa protein granola at the ready! Each serving has 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber.

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day yesterday!

Mine was terrific. I spoke with my parents, went for a walk in the woods with my husband and son, read a brain candy book, lolled in the garden, and pet our cat.

More important than what I did, was what I did not do. Namely:

• Wake up early
• Work
• Exercise (well, sort of; went for a leisurely walk)
• Make meals (unless you count strawberry ice cream as a meal. It’s a hard call.)
• Wash dishes
• Think smart thoughts
• Watch dumb TV
• Complain

Bliss.

To segue into an equally sweet Monday, I made a quick batch of my oil-free quinoa protein granola.

Recipe Benefits

• High protein (8 grams per serving)
• High fiber (6 grams per serving)
• Oil-free
• Gluten-free
• Vegan (egg-free, oil-free)
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Easily varied (with spices, stir-ins, and more)

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.

• flaxseed meal , (or ground chia seeds)
• coconut sugar (see notes for options)
• salt
• rolled oats, (certified gluten-free, as needed)
• coarsely chopped raw nuts, seeds, or a mix, (e.g., pecans, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, green pumpkin seeds (pepitas), almonds)
• uncooked quinoa

You will also need a small amount of water to mix the granola. I use filtered tap water.

You can add in all kinds of extra ingredients, such as chopped dried fruit or chopped chocolate, as well as add extra flavorings, such as spices and extracts. I have suggestions in the notes to get your creative juices flowing.

Step by Step Directions

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

• Preheat oven to 300F (150F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine the water, flaxseed meal, coconut sugar and salt in a small bowl. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
• In a large bowl, combine the oats, quinoa and nuts/seeds. Add the flax mixture, stirring to completely coat I like to use my hands to make sure everything gets coated).
• Spoon and spread the granola in an even layer onto the prepared pan. Be careful not to spread too thin at the edges.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 38 minutes, stirring halfway through baking time, until light golden brown and completely dry to the touch. 
• Transfer to a cooling rack. Using a pancake turner or large spoon, firmly press down the granola (this will help form clusters and clumps). Cool completley without stirring.
• Break the cooled granola into pieces and stir in the dried fruit, if adding.

How to Serve Oil-Free Quinoa Protein Granola

Serve the quinoa granola as you would serve any other granola or crispy cereal:

• With the milk of your choice (e.g., almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk)
• On top of your favorite yogurt, along with fresh fruits
• Sprinkled on dairy-free ice cream
• As a topping on cut fruit / fruit bowls
• Added for crunch on smoothie bowls
• Straight out of your hand (instant snack!)

Storage

Store the quinoa granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Ingredient Swaps

• Sugar Options: An equal amount of the granulated sugar or other granulated sweetener of your choice can be used in place of the coconut sugar. Maple syrup or other liquid sweeteners can also be used. Use an equal amount as the coconut sugar and reduce the water to 3 tablespoons (45 mL).
• Nuts/Seeds: Vary the nuts and seeds to your heart’s content or based on what you have on hand. You can substitute the nuts/seeds with any equal amount of unsweetened coconut (flakes or shredded) or more oats.
• Quinoa Flakes: For even more protein, use an equal volume of quinoa flakes in place of the rolled oats. Quinoa flakes can be found in health food stores and online.

Add-In Ideas

Customize your oil-free quinoa protein granola to your tastes with any of these add-ins (or a combination of add-ins):

• Spices: Add 1/4 to 2 teaspoons of your favorite spice, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice. Or add a combination of spices (no more than 2 teaspoons total).
• Dried Fruit: Stir in up to 1/2 cup (118 mL) of chopped dried fruit, such as raisins, dried apricots, dried cherries, dried cranberries or 1 cup of chopped dried apples..
• Chocolate: Add up to 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, chopped chocolate or cacao nibs.
• Extracts or Zests: Add a teaspoon or two of pure vanilla extract or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of almond extract, rum extract or coconut extract. Or add one to two teaspoons of finely grated lime, lemon or orange zest.
• Coconut: Add up to 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) or unsweetened coconut flakes to the oats and quinoa mixture before baking.

Related Recipes

• Grain-Free Oil-Free Banana Granola {No Added Sugar}
• 3-Ingredient No-Bake Granola Bars {vegan, GF}
• Banana Bread Protein Granola {vegan, GF}
• 3-Ingredient Oil-Free Peanut Butter Granola (V, GF)
• Grain-Free Red Lentil Granola (V, Oil-Free Option)