Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (2024)

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This healthy grain-free granola recipe is one that I’ve been making on repeat recently. It’s super crunchy and keeps well, making it a great option to have on hand for a speedy breakfast, healthy snack or a crunchy addition to elevate meals.

Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (1)

Granola is something that you can easily make at home with one bowl, no equipment (apart from an oven, which most people have access to) and very little time. You can make it so much healthier than most shop bought granolas and at a fraction of the price. It’s so adaptable – you can change the ingredients around according to your likes, or use what you have available in your cupboard to save you a shopping trip.

Usually made with oats, in fact it’s quite difficult to get hold of shop bought oat-free granola. I’ve shared a few granola recipes before like this chocolate hazelnut granola or this high protein granola, but this is my first time making a grain-free version. I use oats in so many of my recipes and always get comments asking for a replacement for oats as well as oat-free recipes.

When made with the right ingredients, granola can be an extremely nutrient dense breakfast. This healthy grain-free granola recipe for example is packed with healthy fats, plant protein and is a great source of fibre, nutrients and antioxidants. It’s much lower in sugar compared to shop bought versions (I only used 1 tbsp of sweetener in the whole recipe and didn’t add any dried fruit).

Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (2)

The other great thing about granola is that it keeps a while, which makes it really handy for grab-and-go snacks and minimal prep/hassle-free breakfasts. My favourite way to enjoy this healthy grain-free granola recipe is sprinkled on high protein greek style yoghurt with some fresh/frozen berries. It makes a great balanced and filling breakfast with all the macro nutrients that gives me enough energy to sustain me on busy mornings.

I also love sprinkling some on anything and everything really. Another favourite breakfast/lunch is a slice of sourdough toast, cottage cheese and a sprinkle of granola on top!

Here are some more serving suggestions:

  • With milk and berries.
  • With yoghurt and fruit (pick a higher protein yoghurt for a more rounded meal/snack).
  • Sprinkled on smoothie bowls/overnight oats/porridge for some crunch.
  • Sprinkled on top of salads/roasted vegetables/avocado toast.
  • On it’s own as a crunchy snack.

Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (3)

What you need to make this healthy grain-free granola recipe:

Nuts – you can use a mixture of any nuts you like or have available. I used a combination of almonds, cashews & hazelnuts. Nuts in general are a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They’re great for bone, brain and digestive health and help control blood sugar levels. They’re also a source of antioxidants (polyphenols), which are known to help protect against some health conditions.

Seeds – rich in vitamins (vitamin E, B vitamins & folate) and minerals (magnesium, zinc & iron) as well as heart healthy fats. Like nuts, seeds are a great addition to your diet. I always include them in my breakfasts, snacks and even sprinkle them on my main meals. They’re also a great source of fibre, plant protein and antioxidants.

Tahini – made of sesame seeds, tahini is another great source of seed goodness in the form of healthy fats. I use it in so many of my recipes – I’m simply addicted to the liquid gold! If you don’t have any, you can use any nut butter or even coconut oil/dairy butter.

Liquid sweetener – I only use 1 tbsp of maple syrup in the whole recipe to add a hint of sweetness, but also to help everything hold together. It’s what gives this recipe that satisfying crunch you want when you take a bit of granola. You can use other liquid sweeteners like honey, agave, rice syrup, etc.

Salt – A pinch of salt goes a long way in enhancing all the flavours and making your granola tastes.

Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (4)

This healthy grain-free granola recipe is:

  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Grain-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Easy to make
  • Packed with healthy fats
  • A great source of plant protein (7g of protein per serving)
  • A great source of fibre
  • Great as a snack
  • Great for breakfast with yoghurt and berries
  • A great addition to savoury meals like soups, avocado on toast, salads, roasted vegetables, etc.
  • Great for meal prepping since it keeps a while.
  • So tasty!

Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (5)

Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (6)

Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (7)

This healthy grain-free granola recipe is one that I've been making non-stop on repeat recently. It's super crunchy and keeps well, so a great option to have on hand for a speedy breakfast, healthy snack or a crunchy addition to elevate meals.

5 from 3 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Snack

Servings 6

Calories 213 kcal

Ingredients

  • 45g unsalted hazelnuts
  • 45g unsalted almonds
  • 45g unsalted cashews
  • 40g pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed/linseed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp tahini or nut butter
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan/350F.

  • Mix everything together in a bowl making sure everything is evenly coated.

  • Transfer onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Spread out in an even layer.

  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.

  • Once cooled, break up chunks an transfer them into an air-tight jar/container.

  • Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Notes

You can use any mixture of nuts and seeds.

You can use nut butter instead of tahini or even regular butter/coconut oil.

Other liquid sweeteners will also work instead of maple syrup. Things like honey, rice syrup, agave, etc.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

  • With milk and berries.
  • With yoghurt and fruit (pick a higher protein yoghurt for a more rounded meal/snack).
  • Sprinkled on smoothie bowls/overnight oats/porridge for some crunch.
  • Sprinkled on top of salads/roasted vegetables/avocado toast.
  • On it's own as a crunchy snack.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 252mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg

Keyword dairy-free, grain-free, healthy breakfast, healthy recipes, healthy snack, nuts, oat-free, vegan breakfast, vegan recipes

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (8)

Nadia2023-08-16T18:10:03+01:00August 16, 2023|Breakfasts, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Granola, snack, Vegan, Vegetarian|5 Comments

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5 Comments

  1. Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (12)

    JamilaAugust 19, 2023 at 1:21 pm - Reply

    Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (13)
    I made this and it was so good I am making it again! I might added some toasted coconut flakes this time and it was so tasty.

    • Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (14)

      NadiaAugust 21, 2023 at 11:05 am - Reply

      So glad you enjoyed it Jamila 😀 It’s m y favourite granola recipe. Love the idea of adding coconut flakes, will definitely try it next time! x

  2. Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (15)

    SamAugust 21, 2023 at 10:19 am - Reply

    Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (16)
    So crunchy – the best granola recipe i’ve tried! Thank you for sharing 🙂

    • Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (17)

      NadiaAugust 21, 2023 at 11:05 am - Reply

      That’s so amazing to hear ? it’s my fave too! Thank you for your feedback Sam x

  3. Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (18)

    JaneJanuary 30, 2024 at 1:35 pm - Reply

    Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (19)
    Mmm, so tasty and satisfying. I loved this fact it wasn’t sweet, it was just the right balance. Definitely will make again.

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Healthy Grain-free Granola Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is grain free granola healthy? ›

Because this granola doesn't have any grains, it's extremely nutrient rich: 6.2 grams of protein + 4.7 grams of fiber per 1/4 cup serving! You can either eat it as is or with your favorite dairy-free milk of yogurt.

What is a good substitute for oats in granola? ›

This simple Oat Free Granola is made with quinoa flakes, puffed millet and wheat, pumpkin seeds and coconut. Sweetened with maple syrup so it's healthier than your average granola. A great high protein breakfast or snack!

Is homemade granola healthier? ›

YUM! More reasons to obsess over homemade granola: Healthier: it has less sugar and is lower Calorie than anything you'll find at the store. Freezer Friendly: It will keep for months in the freezer, stored in a freezer safe bag.

Why does granola spike blood sugar? ›

If a granola contains some sugar and the serving size is very small, that sugar can quickly add up and spike your blood glucose. Some brands consider one-quarter cup to be a serving, and research finds that we tend to portion out more granola than other breakfast cereals.

What was the downside to granola as a food? ›

Granola may prompt weight gain if eaten in excess, as it can be high in calories from added fats and sugars. What's more, sugar is linked to chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

What is a healthy version of granola? ›

Some brands offer unique varieties such as quinoa and spelt. Granola without some sort of sugar would taste like cardboard. But the best bet is to choose a granola with minimally processed sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey and agave. Dried fruit will also add fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

What is a grain free substitute for oatmeal? ›

Nuts and seeds can be a great grain-free substitute for oatmeal if you're following a paleo diet. In addition to being rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein, foods like almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and pecans are all high in plenty of essential vitamins and minerals ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ).

Is granola better for you than oatmeal? ›

Which One Is Better for Breakfast? Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.

What is grain free granola made of? ›

Grain free granola is made from a base of nuts and seeds instead of oats. This version is bound with coconut oil and nut butter, and it's flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

Can I eat granola while losing weight? ›

Weight Loss

High-fiber foods, like the oats and whole grains found in granola, fill you up and keep you feeling fuller longer. Dietary studies have found eating a high-fiber diet can help you lose weight.

Is it worth making your own granola? ›

Once you try homemade granola, you won't go back to store-bought granola. It's so much better! This granola recipe is also a far more healthy granola option, since it's made with whole grains, unrefined oil and naturally sweetened.

Is Greek yogurt and granola healthy? ›

Yogurt and granola are excellent sources of fiber. It contains a high fiber content that provides numerous benefits to the digestive system. Therefore, it is the ideal way to maintain fast digestion to avoid fat formation in the body.

What is unhealthy about granola? ›

On the downside, granola can be high in added sugars, hidden calories, and saturated fat, making some options less healthy.

What to avoid in granola? ›

"Standard granola often contains rolled oats, which provide fiber and complex carbohydrates, and nuts that contribute healthy fats, plant protein and vitamin E," says Gellman. On the flip side, it can also be a source of saturated fats and added sugars, which are harmful for your heart when eaten in excess.

What should I eat in the morning to not spike my blood sugar? ›

To keep your blood sugar stable, opt for carb sources that release energy slowly. Oats, whole wheat bread, and fruit, are good choices, dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine said. For a protein-packed breakfast, try baked oats, chia pudding, or avocado and eggs on wholegrain toast.

Why choose grain free granola? ›

Grain-free granola is a good source of protein and good fats from seeds and nuts. This granola has 12g of protein per serve. It's endlessly adaptable - make it your own!

Is going grain free healthy? ›

A grain-free diet may reduce inflammation, aid weight loss, and improve digestion and blood sugar levels. It may also promote mental health and alleviate pain in people with fibromyalgia or endometriosis, though more research is needed.

Why is grain free healthier? ›

Support Your Heart Health

There is some evidence that eliminating grains can help lower cholesterol, LDL (not-so-good cholesterol), and triglyceride levels.

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