There is no better time to start sharing ALL the granola recipes! Why? Granola is basically the quintessential perfect foodie gift to give during the holiday season. Am I right? Yes, of course I am! Not only does giving granola make some happy tummies, but it also shows you took the time and love to actually prepare a thoughtful creation with your own two hands. You didn’t just run out and pick up a bottle of wine or grab a gift card. You actually made something, which I think is often sadly neglected now-a-days.
With just a few simple ingredients and under an hour of your time, you could have some wonderful, from the heart, granola to give to a loved one. (Or just keep it for yourself…I won’t tell! But to be safe, just make a double, even triple batch!). This isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill granola either. It will wow whomever you give it to, I guarantee!
We have a lot going on here to make the perfect, subtly sweet, and festive healthy granola! I’ve included tri-colored quinoa, honey roasted pecans, and the best fragrant spices of the season! Gluten-free, vegan (if you’re okay with honey!), and protein packed! A healthy “indulgence” to share this holiday season!
When I first tried this granola, I knew it was now one of my new favorites. I actually made this recipe in my college dorm floor kitchen! The whole 1st floor smelled lovingly of holiday spice and yumminess! A few kids in the kitchen at the time asked what I was making. I simply said, “Granola.” And this time, it was all for me, mwahhh!
Maybe I’ll be in the loving spirit closer to the holidays and make some of this for my peers. Probably not (poor college student budget…have to safe every penny and not waste it!). But I will make some for family when I get home! You should plan on making some too. I know it will bring some love and joy and warm hearts during your holiday season!
Festive Spiced Pecan Quinoa Granola
Ingredients: (serves 6-8)
+ 2 Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
+ 1 Cup Salt-Free Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
+ 1/2 Cup Quinoa Flakes
+ 1/4 Cup Living Now® Tri-Color Quinoa
+ 1/2 Cup NOW Real Food® Honey Roasted Pecans
+ 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
+ 1 TB Stevia Syrup
+ 1/2 TB Cinnamon
+ 1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (or 1/2 Tsp Nutmeg + 1/2 Tsp Allspice)
+ 1/2 Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
Directions:
+ Preheat oven to 325°F.
+ In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown rice cereal, quinoa flakes, quinoa, pecans, and stir. Then add the remaining wet ingredients and spices and stir again until everything is equally coated and distributed throughout the mixture.
+ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil. Spread the granola mixture on the sheet evenly. It should be clumpy too so you get nice clumps of granola when it’s done!
+ Bake the granola for 25 minutes, stirring every 10. Remove and let cool before storing in an airtight jar or container!
See those clumps of goodness? And those hunks of pecans? It is like biting into pure holiday heaven! This granola just has so many uses! Give it as a gift in a pretty jar, set it out in some little bowls for holiday gathering snaking, simple eat it for breakfast in a bowl with non-dairy milk, on yogurt, or a topping for a smoothie! The granola possibilities are endless 😉
Want some more granola recipes? Check out my Apple Cinnamon Granola, Chocolate Banana Cashew Granola, More Than Carrot Cake Granola, Orange Hemp Seed Granola, Pumpkin Spice Granola, Vanilla Pear Quinoa Granola!
So tell me:
+ What is the best homemade gift you ever received during the holidays?
+ Would you rather bake cookies for someone or granola? Granola! Duh! Haha 😉 Cookies are so 1990s 😛
**Disclaimer: This recipe post was created as part of the NOW Foods Holiday Smart Swap Recipe Challenge. I received NOW Foods products for free to use in my original creation.**
*Recipe linking up for the week! WIAW, Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, #WeekendBites, Real Food Recipe Roundup, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*
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You’re right, this would make an awesome gift in a cute jar or tin. Sounds sweet and delicious!
Gin recently posted…Meatless Monday: Weeknight Spicy Peanut Noodles
Thank you!
This sounds like such a delicious granola recipe. I love the festive theme of it. Quinoa is one of my favorite granola additions, too. So this has gone straight on the “to make” list. If you had a spare moment, I would be delighted if you’d drop this (and anything else you’d like to share) by at the #PureBlogLove DIY and recipe link party!
Nicole Neverman recently posted…#PureBlogLove Link Party – Week 12
Thank you Nicole! Quinoa is really the perfect crunchy protein packed addition!
Sorry if someone has already asked this, there’s too many comments to read through! Can you sub the quinoa flakes for more rolled oats? I can’t afford quinoa flakes, but this is FINALLY an oil-free granola which I need for my bad gallbladder diet. And it looks damn delicious!
Of course you can, but you won’t get the strong quinoa flavor if you only use the quinoa without the flakes as well in the recipe. So, you can call it Festive Spiced Pecan Granola instead I guess 😛
All my granola recipes are oil-free if you need more ideas.
I love the quinoa ingredient! Pinning it!
It’s my favorite granola addition!
This looks delicious! #tastytuesdays
Stacey Guilliatt (Nobody Said It Was Easy) recently posted…Getting back into employment
Thanks!
Thank you for linking up with us at the Ultimate Virtual Cookies & Goodies Party and Giveaway! Be sure to visit the party Pinterest board to see your recipes and more. #ultimatecookieparty
Shirley Wood recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #14
Thanks!
I love granola, and yours looks delicious! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party! I’ve pinned you post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Tammy @ TOTS Family recently posted…PomTree Stuck on Fun Pets Review
Granola is the best! Thanks!
One of my old neighbors use to make homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch for christmas day breakfasts for all the neighbors! She would arrange a tin full of them and then all you had to do on christmas morning was pop them in the oven for a bit and you had homemade cinnamon rolls! I thought it was the cutest and tastiest idea (:
Hayley@healthyregards recently posted…Pumpkin Balls (vegan, gluten and sweetener free!)
That is SO awesome! How sweet (literally!) 😉
I’ve never thought of pudding quinoa in my granola. Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing at Savoring Saturdays, Rebecca!
Raia recently posted…Paleo Pumpkin Pie, GF Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes & Cookies
You have to try it! You really will love it!
What an awesome way to use quinoa! Thanks for linking up with SNF! Pinned to our party board!
Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) recently posted…Chocolate Pecan Pie Cookie Bars
Thank you!
Thanks for coming and linking up at our Happy Holidays Link Party!
Judy recently posted…Latest News from Ziplist & Temporary Access To Recipe Box
Thanks Judy!
Oh man this sounds absolutely amazing! I love giving homemade gifts – it’s one of my favourite things to do over the holidays. I tend to make something a little more decadent, but over the years have been making healthier treats and look forward to trying this out =)
Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe at Healthy Vegan Fridays. I have pinned & shared your recipe.
kimmythevegan recently posted…Raw Chocolate Mint Grasshopper Pie & Blogiversary
Hehe, I’ve I’m making food for someone, everyone knows it is going to be healthy but o so yummy! Homemade gifts are just the best! I’ve been going completely homemade with my gift giving for 3 years now and I plan on continuing that this year!
This looks great!
Laina Turner recently posted…Tasty Tuesday: Buffalo Falafel Wraps with Garlic Blue Cheese Fries
Thanks!
I SWEAR I’m going to make granola this week. That looks too incredible! Love the quinoa. Yay protein!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Red Velvet Protein Waffles [Recipe]
Yay! You really must! Everyone should always have a fresh batch on hand!
And hell yea for clean plant protein! 😉
This looks DELICIOUS and perfect for the holiday season…LOVE pecans and haven’t had them in a long time. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…Learning To Say “NO”…
Thank you! Pecans are one of the quintessential holiday nuts! They always remind me of Christmas, haha!
How delicious! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Stephanie recently posted…Flashback Friday Party
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I hadn’t heard of quinoa flakes before! I love breakfast quinoa, though, so I need to make some of this. Visiting from SNF!
Natashalh recently posted…Petomato and AeroGarden Apartment Gardening Progress Update – Week 3
Quinoa flakes are the “breakfast quinoa”! Best hot cereal out there!
Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays Party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you share next time!
-Cindy
Thanks!
Sounds delicious! Love quinoa!
Thanks!
Yum! Rebecca, this looks so good! I’m def. going to have to give this a try. I love the blog, BTW…the new colors look so pretty!
Sami recently posted…No Bake Coconut Almond Protein Bites
Thank you Sami!
Haha, the blog has been this way since the end of August 😉
This looks very tasty. I love quinoa but I’ve never eaten it in granola before. Living in a vegan household I’m always on the lookout for new ideas. I love this for our home, and I also love it as a little gift idea. Now I’m going to pin this and then send it to my sister. Looking forward to trying this right away. I’m very happy to have found you through Sits.
Donna recently posted…Uneventful Days
Haha, thank you so much Donna! I’m so glad you like it! Using quinoa is granola is so good! The perfect nutrition addition and along with the quinoa flakes, the flavor is a standout!
Mmmmmmmmmyum. Thanks for linking up to #recipefriday!
Kierston recently posted…#RECIPEFRIDAY: Curried Sweet Potato Soup (dairy-free)
And thank you 😉
Hahaha I was just thinking about holiday presents and granola was one of the first things on my mind! I got addicted to homemade granola, so I haven’t eaten any store bought since I tried making my own 🙂
joiedevivrebypia recently posted…Chocolate Chunky Granola
You sound just like me 😉
I’ve ever tried quinoa in my granola before. You’ve convinced me–that needs to change!
Julia @ Swirls and Spice recently posted…Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream {Dairy-Free, Paleo}
It so does Julia! You won’t be sorry 😉
Whattt I need this in my life <3 haha. Your recipes are so perfect! They always turn out amazing
Haha, thank you so much Sunnie 🙂
Wow this looks so delicious!!! What a great recipe, thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you Amanda!
Delicious, love how inspiring your blog is-you make me want to eat the best I can! I love this just can’t eat nuts Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Honest mum recently posted…Official A/W Modelling Shoot for Nova Harley
Aw, thank you so much! That is my intent!
Skip the pecans and add in some pumpkin seeds!
I love the addition of quinoa! Pinned. Can’t wait to try it.
Heidi Fowler recently posted…60+ Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes!
Thank you Heidi!
YUM!! I need to try this!!!! LInking from Katherines Corner. If you get a chance stop by and visit!!!
Thank you! I hope you do try it!
This sounds amazing, and the pictures are making me drool. I have definitely saved it for future yumminess.
Aubrey recently posted…Friday Confessional 11.7.14
Yes please! Save it for the very near future 😉
No worries. My husband will love it. I’ll let you know when we try it out.
Aubrey recently posted…Friday Confessional 11.7.14
Sounds like a great snack for anytime of the year but certainly does go well with Christmas. I love all your ingredients filled with a wealth of health. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays blog hop. Pinned & twitted.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #63 – Living Life The Organic, Healthy Way
Thank you! It sure is!
this sounds amazing! Will definitely try this out. He quinoa is uncooked right?
Meredith recently posted…Dreary Day, Bright Red Pants
YES!
this looks amazing! love the addition of quinoa! yum!
Athletic Avocado recently posted…Heavenly Healthy Chocolate Fudge Sauce!
Thank you! The quinoa and quinoa flakes just rock this!
This sounds loooovveellly! I am a huge fan of granola, but have never tried it with quinoa…maybe I should!
Tina Muir recently posted…SO Delicious Review
Maybe! YES you should! It tastes like magic 😉
Homemade granola is absolutely worth the effort. I love making my own, and especially love finding new flavors. Yours sounds amazing. On the to make list!
Nicole Neverman recently posted…Chicken Lasagna
It takes no effort! Homemade granola should be even a new bakers essential! Its so easy and so yummy!
Loving everything about this yummy granola! Last year I gave out my homemade gingerbread pancake mix as gifts…maybe this year it will be granola 🙂
EA-The Spicy RD recently posted…Celiac Participants Still Needed for CeliAction Study
Gingerbread pancake mix sounds like a winner too 😉
I just made a fresh batch of granola last night! I’ve never added quinoa flakes to my granola…but I’ll have to give that a shot next time. And I absolutely love that you made this in your dorm kitchen. I’m guessing that was not the easiest of adventures! 🙂
David @ Spiced recently posted…Multi-Grain Sandwich Bread
I love adding all things quinoa to granola! It just gives such a great flavor and extra dose of protein!
Haha, it was easy since we have a full kitchen on our floor. However, I didn’t have a mixing bowl, so the mixing happened just right on the baking sheet!
Wow this looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Bethany recently posted…Pistachio Crusted Orange Tilapia
Thanks!
Quinoa in granola is such an awesome idea!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog recently posted…Cranberry Orange Bread
It is the best!
YUM! This sounds absolutely delicious!
I love making my own granola, and just love how this is so festive! Definitely need to give this one a go =)
{Teffy’s Perks} X
Teffy recently posted…‘Glowing Green’ Apple and Kale Smoothie
Thank you lovely friend! XOXO
Oh my gosh, if you were baking that in the kitchen on my floor, I’d totally pop out into the hallway to see where the yummy smells were coming from! LOVE homemade granola!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits recently posted…One Pot // Moroccan Beef Chili
Haha, o yes! And it was one lovely smell! Homemade rocks world!
Cookies may be old school, but you can’t decorate granola with colorful frosting in holiday themed colors. However, granola making is a heck of a lot faster and a more unique gift!
Natalie recently posted…Vanilla Persimmon Swirl Pudding with Graham Crumbles
Challenge is on! I bet you I CAN decorate my granola 😉
Looks delish! Pinned for future reference.
Jenny recently posted…Things You Shouldn’t Ask a Pregnant Woman!
Thanks Jenny!
LOL @ cookies are so 90s. I’d probably make granola too tho, but mostly because you can make more at once. I HATE having to do multiple batches when I’m making cookies over the holidays…not looking forward to that.
And tri-coloured quinoa in granola is the BOMB 😀 Pinning!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth recently posted…Spiced Apple & Pear Brown Rice Pudding
Screw cookies! Granola rocks!
Haha it is BOMB 😉 Makes it extra festive 😉
This granola looks amazing! Pinning so I can enjoy this sprinkled into my favorite almond milk yogurt!
Jen recently posted…Tuesday 10 – Goals for November
Thank you! That sounds like a delicious plan to me 😉
I would totally make granola over cookies to share. Any day. Cookies are what people would expect… but granola is something special and unexpected. This mix sounds awesome!
Thank you Heather!
I totally agree! Granola is so much better! There are too many cookies to be had anyway during the holidays! Let’s switch it up with healthy granola!
That looks amazing — your photos are gorgeous. I’ve only made homemade granola once, but I love the thought of being able to actually control the ingredients that goes into it. The store-bought stuff can be so sugary!
Yes! Homemade is 1000000x better and healthier. Really just so much tastier! You need to make some ASAP!
I am thinking about making candied nuts for people’s gifts this year. I am not too huge on cookies.
Throw those nuts into a granola! 😉
Mmmmm quinoa granola…something else I need to try soon. Looks so good 🙂
Annmarie recently posted…Sprinkle a Little Goodness with Kickers! Review & Giveaway
It is the best addition to granolas!
This looks seriously delicious. Granola is one of my all time favorite foods – perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert! I’m right there with ya on the budget though since my husband is in dental school. Someday I’ll make a million batches for friends and family!!
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite recently posted…Roasted Chick Peas
Haha, yea! At least I know if I DO make it for friends and family, I don’t have to spend extra on special GF oats like I have to do for myself!
I love giving- and receiving- granola for gifts! I usually give soup or brownie mixes and granola! Love that you’ve made this one so healthy- pinning to save for later!
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) recently posted…Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Thanks Alex! Those make the best gifts! Something that WILL get used and enjoyed 😉
I love making and giving granola to other people too! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a good batch of it. I also really like knitting headbands for others. I tried to pin your images but for some reason it “couldn’t fetch” the image… I will definitely come back and do it later, once the Internet has sorted itself out!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens recently posted…The 411: Chai Tea + A Recipe For Maple Chai Lattes!
Granola truly is a gift of love 😉
I’d totally dig a homemade headband! I wear them everyday!
You can always just Repin my pin on pinterest!
YUMMMM!! I’d love this to sprinkle on my yogurt! And the ingredients are on point! Thanks for sharing
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…WIAW #10 – Carrot Cake Pancakes
Yes! Perfect festive topping 😉
I love home made granola! Store bought always tastes so super sweet, and making my own I don’t add any sweeteners at all, except maybe some honey.
Pinning this recipe 🙂
Thanks for linking to Tasty Tuesday!
Lean Lena recently posted…Crockpot Chili Recipe and Tasty Tuesday Linkup Party #39
Same here! Oil-free, sugar-free goodness!
The fact that you added quinoa to this makes me so happy! I love when I see quinoa in breakfast recipes 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: November 5, 2014 (Recent Eats)
Quinoa in granola is SO good! I’ve been adding it to all my granolas!
Yum! Embarrassed to say that I never really thought about gifting granola, but it’s such a great idea! & this looks delicious
Rebecca recently posted…The Food Nazi
You’ll be everyone’s favorite person if you do!
Yum! That looks delicious. I always make the same old granola (which is pretty fantastic) but I think it is time to shake things up and make this Christmas-y granola recipe! Thanks!
Alyssa recently posted…WIAW #8
It is always time to shake up your granola recipes! I always make a new creation when I make a new batch!
What a great idea! I personally LOVE granola and my family might be getting some this year 😉 shh don’t tell
Great pictures – I wanted to reach into my computer to grab some!
Georgie recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Keep it Simple Stupid
Haha, thank you!
Yea…they might get some…if you don’t eat it all first! It’s too good!
ooh yummy! Thanks for linking up another great recipe with us this week Have a great day
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…10 Reasons to Love the Run For The Parks 10K
Thanks friend!
Your homemade granola always looks amazing. I’d love to try this for my family!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Lazy Day Paleo – Easy Breezy Meals and Snacks
Do it! They will love you soooo much, haha 😉 XOXO
I love making my own granola too
Allie recently posted…Pea, Ricotta and Bacon Salad
It is the best!
i LOVE homemade granola! so much better fresh!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…WIAW
Yes! I refuse to ever by “machine-made” granola, haha! I just have to much fun making my own now anyway!
That looks and sounds super delicious! I love granola but once I get started on it I can’t stop eating it, and since I try to avoid too much sugar that is not good!!
Vicki Montague recently posted…Spiced Toffee Apple Traybake
Haha, well this one isn’t loaded up on sugar! Totally clean for munching!
This sounds wonderful! Love the combination! I am definitely more of a cookie than a granola, but its close, I LOVE granola! Thanks for the recipe!
Tina Muir recently posted…5 Tips for Staying Motivated When You Stop Running PBs
I think we need some GRANOLA COOKIES!
I drool!!! YUM!
Haha, me too 😉
This looks delicious! I’ll be the house smells amazing when it’s cooking, Yum!
Kelly recently posted…From O Magazine…Feeling Grateful
The smell was incredible! Just like Christmas!