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 good for you? ›

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.

Is it healthy to eat homemade granola everyday? ›

The Bottom Line

Granola is healthy in small amounts, especially because oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit in granola provide some fiber that's good for heart and gut health. However, granola can also be a rich source of calories, saturated fat and sugar, depending on the brand you buy.

What should I look for in healthy granola? ›

Look for granola that has a good dose of protein in each serving, which can help you feel more satiated for longer. Ingredients like nuts and seeds provide a good source of protein, while some healthy granola brands may also include ingredients like whey or pea protein powder for an extra boost.

What is a healthy amount of granola to eat? ›

For a healthy snack, Sass recommends pairing 1/3 cup or less of granola with almond milk, or eating it with fresh berries alongside a protein such as grass-fed organic Greek yogurt or eggs.

Is it OK to eat granola every day? ›

Yes, granola can be eaten daily. As part of a balanced diet and if the portions are checked. Go for healthier options with less added sugars and saturated fats to get the most out of it.

Why is grain free granola better? ›

Grain-free usually features nuts and seeds rather than oats. These ingredients are sources of fiber and protein, both of which slow digestion and curb post-meal glucose. Fiber also increases the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. High levels of SCFAs are associated with improved insulin sensitivity.

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.

Is Peanut Butter good or bad for you? ›

Eating peanut butter alongside other nutritious foods is perfectly healthy — as long as you don't exceed your calorie needs. Peanut butter is high in calories and could lead to excess calorie intake if not consumed in moderation. However, it is still a high-quality food that provides numerous nutrients.

What does granola do to your body? ›

Healthy granola contains whole grains such as oats and barley, nuts, and very little added sugar and fat. Eaten in moderation, this calorie-dense food can help fill you up, provide energy, and have a positive impact on several important metabolic health indicators (blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight).

What is healthier than granola? ›

Muesli is lower in sugar and fat than granola, making it a better option for people who are watching their calorie intake. Granola is a good source of protein and healthy fats, making it an ideal option for people who want to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

What is better than granola? ›

Muesli is a better choice for people looking for low-sugar cereals or people with diabetes. Both are healthy, but consider granola if you want your cereal with a dash of sweetness from honey, chocolate or maple syrup.

What is too much sugar in granola? ›

Any granolas with 5 or more grams of added sugar per serving are probably unhealthy.

What is the healthiest cereal? ›

The 14 Healthiest Cereals You Can Eat
  • Barbara's Shredded Wheat Cereal. ...
  • Arrowhead Mills Spelt Flakes. ...
  • Cauliflower “oatmeal” ...
  • DIY peanut butter puffs cereal. ...
  • Love Grown Original Power O's. ...
  • DIY flax chia cereal. ...
  • The bottom line. Many people enjoy eating cereal for breakfast. ...
  • Meal prep: Everyday breakfast.

Is granola good for high blood pressure? ›

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day because it keeps your brain active throughout the day. It is especially true if you include granola, which lowers blood pressure in the body. Granola helps with hypertension by acting as a vasodilator due to its high potassium and low sodium content.

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.

What does grain free granola mean? ›

Gluten-Free: Going grain-free means avoiding gluten, making this granola suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Our recipe features nutrient-dense ingredients like seeds, nuts, and coconut flakes, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Is eating granola as healthy as eating oatmeal? ›

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.

Why is grain free healthier? ›

There is some evidence that eliminating grains can help lower cholesterol, LDL (not-so-good cholesterol), and triglyceride levels. A diet low or free from grains has been linked to improving symptoms of epilepsy, anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.

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