Bring on the summer melon season with this cantaloupe pistachio granola. Sweet and crunchy from real fruit, nuts, and whole grains. This gluten-free, vegan, soy-free granola makes the perfect breakfast, snack, or sweet treat topping!
May's Theme - 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.
Okay, I might as well start calling the Recipe ReDux, the Granola ReDux! So many granola recipes, but they always fit the theme! This month I had to! Kitchen staple that I used to buy = granola. Kitchen staple that I now will only make myself = granola. I refuse to spend money on overly priced small bags of granola when I can make my own in a snap and have a hellova' lot more fun doing so!
My kitchen is never without a glass jar filled with fresh granola. It was even something I made sure I made down in college too. I would probably cry if I ran out. The thing with granola is it's versatility. It can be eaten as a healthy breakfast cereal or topping in yogurt or a smoothie. It can also be used as a snack for healthy munching or even a dessert (hello best ice cream topping!) Not only can you eat it many ways, but you can customize it anyway you'd like as well!
By now you all know that though (if you've ever read my blog!). Granola is so easy to "DIY." Plus you really can't mess it up. Unless that is, you leave it in the oven for hours and burn it! Then...no good! But I'm telling you, I bet my brother could even make granola (and he can't even boil a pot of rice himself).
Granola is one of those formula recipes you should just know off the top of your head. A "keep it in the pack pocket" type deal. Just like everyone should know how to make a good sandwich or bake some chicken, granola should become a kitchen know-how. It's also great when you have a bunch of random open ingredients that just need to be used and you don't really know what to do with. When I was packing to come back home from college, I needed to do some open food consolidation. Plus I was running low on granola. Solution? Throw it all (open cereals, left over oats, random dried fruit) in a bowl and bake! Saves money, space, quick, easy, and gives you an endless yummy snack.
Cantaloupe Pistachio Granola
Cantaloupe Pistachio Granola
Bring on the summer melon season with this cantaloupe pistachio granola. Sweet and crunchy from real fruit, nuts, and whole grains. This gluten-free, vegan, soy-free granola makes the perfect breakfast, snack, or sweet treat topping!
- Yield: 4 Cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Granola
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 1 Cup Crispy Brown Rice Cereal (no-salt added)
- ½ Cup Puffed Millet
- ¼ Cup Whole Millet (uncooked)
- 1 Cup Shelled Pistachios (unsalted)
- 1 Cup (20g) Freeze-Dried Cantaloupe
- ¼ Cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- ½ Cup Cantaloupe Puree (blend some fresh melon)
- ½ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 10 Drops Vanilla Stevia
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pats, brown rice cereal, puffed millet, dry millet, pistachios, freeze-dried cantaloupe, and shredded coconut. Give everything a mix.
- Next add the cantaloupe puree (I just blended fresh cut melon in a small food processor), vanilla extract, and stevia. Give all this a stir and make sure everything is mingled and coated.
- Now spread the granola out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. No need to stir unless you see the edges start to burn.
- Remove, let cool completely, and store in an air-tight jar.
I really loved the extra crunch from the dry millet in this granola. Whole grains are such a great thing to add to granola for real good nutrition (and it's perfect to use up the "bottom of the bag"!) This granola came out super "buttery". The pistachios, flavor of the cantaloupe, and subtle coconut hints played off the millet so well! It's kinda tropical tasting which does make this granola perfect for summer!
Now that I think about it, this specific granola recipe was a total DIY. I couldn't find any "pre-shelled" unsalted pistachios at my grocery, so I had to buy unsalted pistachios with shell and de-shell them myself. That my friends, was a labor of love! But it was so worth it! I will forever be a DIY granola girl. It tastes better, saves a load of money, lasts longer with huge batches, and can be made so super healthy and allergy-free! Sorry store-bought. Actually, sorry grocery store. I may really be turning into a frugal homesteader 😉
So tell me:
+ What is one kitchen staple that you always DIY?
+ What's something that you wished you DIYed, but are just to lazy and buy at the grocery instead? For me, that would be bars! Which I've only made once, haha!
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Savannah
I seriously LOVE cantaloupe! I have never heard of freeze dried cantaloupe (or dried cantaloupe in general haha), but this seriously sounds AMAZING! Also, pistachios are like my favorite nut. I totally think you made this recipe with me in mind. Thanks <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Get some crispy green and pistachios and make this then!
Sarah | Well and Full
Cantaloupe is one of my most favorite fruits!! I'm always torn between it and pineapple. But I love how you used melon puree to flavor the granola - so natural and delicious! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's a great one! I hope you give this a try then!
Creatively Homespun
YUUUM! Thank you for linking up to Creative K Kids' Tasty Tuesdays via Creatively Homespun! I have pinned your post to our Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board! I hope to see you again this week! xo!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sherry
Anything with pistachios is a plus! Thanks for linking up and sharing your recipe with us at Funtastic Friday.
Stephanie
I love homemade granola and this looks amazing!! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Chelc | Inside the Fox Den
Yum! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Bridget - The Recipe Wench
This is a winner in my book! Pistachios are my favorite nut.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks! They are a showstopper!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
This is brilliant! I have never, ever heard of cantaloupe in granola, but I can already imagine how wonderful this is!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The stranger the better 😉
Deborah Davis
I love the inclusion of freeze dried canteloupe in this dish! I am delighted that you shared your healthy and delicious Cantaloupe Pistachio Granola recipe with us on the Plant-based Potluck Party. I appreciate it. I'm pinning and sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Kim~madeinaday
Thanks so much for joining Merry Monday this week! I'm the newest host! I am sharing your granola today on my twitter!
Kim
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Kim!
Miz Helen
I will just love this Granola! Thanks so much for sharing your post with Full Plate Thursday. Hope you are having a great day and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
Love the addition of dried cantaloupe and pistachios! YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Freeze-dried 😉 Thanks!
K @ Eat.Love.Live
I love granola but have never made it myself. I am definitely going to now and this recipe looks super tasty. Thank you for sharing. K x #recipeoftheweek
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O you must! It's so easy!
masala girl
this is why i love "granola"! you can make it your own 🙂 i love this combination!! I've had cantaloupe that i've topped with yogurt and then pistachios, but otherwise i dont think i would normally pair them. i can seee how the sweet and savory would work... oh my it sounds so good!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think they make the perfect lovely couple 😉
kimmythevegan
What a totally unique granola! I never really thought about it, but I make raw granola all the time. I had never baked any before. But last week I just randomly threw things together and baked them and it turned into a great granola! I never buy the stuff - waaaay too expensive. And usually filled with a bunch of crap sweeteners.
And I totally buy unshelled pistachios and shell them myself. That's probably why they don't make it into my pantry very often ;p
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Crap sweeteners, I feel yea 😉 Same thing with the pistashios and why they aren't around my kitchen so often 😉
Erin @ Love Peace Beauty
Wow! This sounds like a must try - love that it's budget friendly with making your own granola! Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you can try it some time!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
I've never seen dried canteloupe-how interesting! I love this combo. Thanks for linking up with us today. Have a great day.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Not dried, FREEZE-dried, very different!
skd
Cantaloupe and granola !! Wow,that's an extraordinary idea.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you!
Tina Muir
What a lovely combination! Great idea Rebecca! I always love to make my own almond and peanut butter, and bread too! That way I can make a completely from scratch homemade AB&J 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Mmmm, that sounds heavenly! SO fresh and yummy!
heidi
Granola is such a great snack. And homemade granola tastes so much better than store bought. And the combinations are endless.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! You are so right 😉 Haha!
Emma
I have been meaning to make granola for so long. Lovely photos and makes me want to get round to it. Thanks for linking with #freefromfridays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's such a quick thing! Do it!
Christine
I've burned it in less than 30 minutes I believe;p Burn the house down WITH the granola in several hours though! Anyway this looks amazing and I love the flavor combination! I need to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O no! Did you have the heat too high? Did you stir?
I hope this one brings you granola success!
Lisa @ Fun Money Finds
I love granola and this looks delicious. I didn't even know you could buy freeze dried cantaloupe!
xoxo
Lisa
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! O, it's the best!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
Yum! Cantaloupe-- I never would have thought of buying dried cantaloupe, or putting it in granola. It sounds wonderful. Great twist.
I always DIY nut milks-- but mostly because they are outrageously expensive and not always available where I live. I would buy it out of convenience. Also, always DIY cookies. I prefer knowing the ingredients, and besides, gluten-free store bought cookies? Yuck! (9 times out of 10)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love fresh nut milks, but it's a much bigger hassle when I can just buy it, hahahaha!
I know! Any baked goods are always 100% better homemade!
Corina
Granola is something I absolutely love with yogurt buy I've never actually made it myself. I feel quite inspired now, especially as I have a bag of millet in the cupboard but I'm never quite sure what to do with it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let your inspiration take you! Go make some granola!
Di Warren
What a great recipe thanks for sharing it - it is definitely on my "do" list.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yay! Thanks dear!
Quirky Homemaker
Looks yummy! I didn't even know there was such thing as freeze-dried cantaloupe! I always DIY pancakes and waffles. As far as I know none of us here are Gluten-intolerant, so we use Whole Wheat flour. It's so much easier for me to make all of my own whole wheat stuff. Stopping by from the Saturday Soiree & Weekend Hop
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Pancakes and waffles are a must for me! Never store-bought or mix-form!
Elaine @ foodbod
Love good healthy granola - this looks great 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Clotilde/Craftybegonia
Hi, visiting you via Healthy Vegan Fridays. That is totally scrumptious! Thank you so much for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Clotilde/Craftybegonia
Thank YOU, yum!
Marla
Hi Rebecca,
This sounds really tasty. I had never heard of hydrated cantaloupe before, but sure might just try it myself. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
cynthia
This one is definitely going to be a bookmark for me! Sounds intriguing and totally new! Happy FF rebecca and thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks dear! XOXO
Ginger
This looks delicious - well worth the hard labour you put in. As for my DIY skills? I could easily dismantle and devour this dish ... 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahahaha! Skill 😉
Alanna
Cantaloupe + pistachio?! Now that is one fun flavor combo I have got to try. Homemade granola is the best! I also need to use millet more often...
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Millet is the bomb 😉
Tawnie Kroll
So creative! Love it <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme
Echoing other comments - I've never seen freeze-dried cantaloupe! Trader Joe's carries all kinds of freeze-dried fruit, I'm wondering now if they carry cantaloupe (when in doubt, Whole Foods probably has it). I like to make my own hummus and salad dressings at home from scratch. I typically make vegan mayo as well, but a jar I recently bought at the store has been holding me over. That was a lazy buy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No, I've only ever seen my beloved Crispy Green make it! I have it linked 😉
Ah! Yes! Hummus! I love making my own, so fresh!
Julie is HostessAtHeart
I've never seen dried cantaloupe! What a great combination. I also love homemade granola and if you read the nutrition and ingredients on store bought you can see why!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! There are so many scary unnecessary ingredients! So much better to make you own!
Amanda @ The Chunky Chef
Ooooooh I'm wishing I had a big bowl of that this morning!! What a delicious looking granola, and gorgeous photos 🙂 I always DIY my flour tortillas, but like you, I always buy bars, even though I know I could make them, I just forget (or maybe just get lazy lol). Thank you so much for sharing with Fiesta Friday this week 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I've always wanted to make my own GF tortillas! I totally will...soon!
And I think the bars I get....they just taste so good, I have no reason to make my own! Hahaha!
Kaitie @ Fuchsia Freezer
This looks delish! I love when things come together, and granola is the perfect start to any day!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it sure is! Thanks Kaitie!
Kaila (GF Life 24/7)
What a great flavor profile! I've made granola myself before, but usually I just add chocolate chips to any granola mix I have. That doesn't count as DIY, but I just love chocolate. We make a lot of different things from scratch because we don't know what ingredients (aka: allergens) may be in store bought versions. But, we pretty much only make DIY essentials when a recipe calls for it. Happy FF, and have a wonderful weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha, well "semi-homemade"...but when chocolate is involved it always gets bonus points 😉
I feel you! Sometimes with all my food restrictions, making DIY things is easier!
Judi Graber
Now this is my kind of granola - love all of the ingredients. Thanks so much for sharing with Fiesta Friday #69 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Amanda Tempel
This sounds really good. Love granola!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sandra Laflamme
Oh I love the idea of dried cantaloupe in the granola. I should DIY granola more!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's so simple!
All that's Jas
I learned something new here: freeze-dried cantaloupe. Have to look for it next time at the grocery store. Thanks for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's amazing! Thanks dear!
Melissa @ vegan does it
Cantaloupe in granola?!? What an awesome idea. I agree, granola is one of those staples I'll never buy again. So simple to make and so customizable....like really where would you ever find a granola with cantaloupe!?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! It's just so much fun too! Never a stressful dish to put together! You can let the creativity flow!
Anna @ Sunny Side Ups
Cantaloupe puree in granola?? GENIUS!! 🙂 This looks delicious! Homemade granola is one of my favorite things in life, and I'm SO looking forward to trying out this recipe!! Pinned!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it's one of mine too! Thank you so much dear!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
Pistachios and cantaloupe?!?! WHAT?!? Why haven't I tried that yet?!? What a great combo ♥
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it is a winner 😉
Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa
Sounds so yum! Would have never thought of adding cantaloupe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks dear!
Harriet Emily
Oh. My. Wow Rebecca!! This looks so delicious! I didn't even know that freeze dried cantaloupe was possible - it sounds amazing! I love that you used pistachios in this granola too, it gives the perfect touch of added decadence. mmmm!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! Pistachios always seem so "fancy" to me, haha! 😉 Thanks dear!
Josie - Eat Thrive Glow
This looks like an amazing breakfast! Love cantaloupe, so excited to try it in granola! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It sure is fun! Thanks dear!
Marie
Oh I wished I could have oats! This recipe looks derish 🙂
I make my own sauerkraut, so easy-peasy and better yet, it's a money saver for sure!
Funny with the bars, I don't make them myself.. why? Because I can't stop eating them 😀 haha.. It's not the same when I buy a box of bars, it's like the sealed wrapping paper makes me understand that one is enough!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I want to try making my own sauerkraut and even pickles! It's on my summer to-do list!
Carolann
Now this has all the ingredience I love! I can't wait to try this. Pinning for sure! #yum
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, thank you!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
I really need to make granola at home! Such a fun inclusion of cantaloupe for the summer!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! You must!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit
This is the most unique granola flavor I've ever seen! And a most creative use of melon too! I never know what to do with melon other than just eat it...or maybe I just love it so much I always eat it all before I have the time to put it in something 😉 haha
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! I know! I never see it "cooked/baked" with much, but why not use it in granola!!! Everything is good in granola 😉
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah
I see everyone raving about the Pistachios, but I'm here for the Cantaloupe 🙂 I've never seen it used in granola before, but now I'm wondering how I've gone this long without it. Sounds like it'd be delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well I hope you give it a try...with the pistachios!
Florian @ContentednessCooking
You don't know how I love pistachios! This combination sounds delicious especially your twist with the pureed cantaloupe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Florian! Pistachios are one of my favorites! I don't get them enough though!
genevieve @ gratitude and greens
Mmmm I love pistachios! On their own, in granola... I will eat them anytime anywhere! One kitchen staple I always DIY is oatmeal but I've shared way too many oatmeal recipes on my blog to add another one, haha!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! I love them too@ They are such a treat <3
Haha, if ANYONE is still buying pre-packaged oatmeal....they have a problem!
Linda @ Veganosity
Okay, you peaked my curiosity with the pureed cantaloupe. I have a honeydew and a papaya waiting to be eaten or made into something soon. Hmmm....
I always make my own marinara, no jar stuff for me. I'm to lazy to make my own lemonade so I buy Newman's to put in my water. Just a splash in sparkling water is a great drink in the afternoon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Make granola with them!!!!!!!
I always make my own sauce too! It just TASTES so much better and no yucky stuff!
Cheyenne @ Rosevine Cottage Girls
This look so good!!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Jessica @ Moxie and Mischief
This sounds awesome!!! Perfect for me to take to work to nosh on during busy days.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Thanks Jessica!
Nicole
Cantaloupe? Are you serious! Who would have thought. I love pistachios and granola, and this looks and sounds absolutely amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thanks Nicole!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
Pistachios are one of our favorites! I never thought to put them in granola - Genius!
Cheers,
Chrystal
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are delicious!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com
Hi Rebecca, so happy you made granola! It looks delicious...it's something I tend to always just buy. For me coconut butter is the one thing I always make myself. I can't bring myself to spend over $10 for a jar when I can make it for 1/3 of that price. I'm glad to know that granola is something you can't really screw up, I'll have to give it a try 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah! I need to make my own coconut butter! We need to swap activities 😉 Coconut butter is one of my favorite things and it is SO expensive!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Man I would love to get into your head - who ever would have thought to add cantaloupe!! Genius - can't wait to try this - sounds amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha 😉 My granola brain gets pretty crazy!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
I need to make my own granola more. It's so easy and so good when I do! Maybe this will be a weekend project!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Christine, do it! You will LOVE it and get the boys involved!
Abigail
Love the cantaloupe puree you used! I'd be happy to have this for breakfast everyday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha thank you 😉
Marye
This is so unique! I love it! Sounds like a great summer breakfast.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It sure is! Thanks dear!
Chloe Logan
That looks amazing! I'd probably substitute the pistachios for almonds, but that over Greek yogurt sounds heavenly.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well that defeats the purpose 😛
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
Where do you find freeze dried cantaloupe?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's linked in the ingredients, but I use Crispy Green! They make the best exotic freeze-dried fruits! I just get my at my local grocery!
Holly
I make my own granola sometimes and this sound really good. I think people don't realize how easy it is to do.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's my favorite thing to bake! Anything you throw in the bowl will work out....at least it has for me! Haha!
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl
First of all, this sounds awesome because I love pistachios and cantaloupe. Second, I had no idea that freeze dried cantaloupe existed, but now I NEED some!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Crispy Green! They make the most BOMB amazing freeze-dried fruits!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
granola is something i never buy from the store either..i love the idea of pistachio+ cantaloupe (never seen this freeze dried version though)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's just too silly to buy! Crispy Green makes the BEST unique freeze-dried fruits!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I've never had freeze dried cantaloup but yum! I'm sure this is amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It seriously tastes so "buttery", it's weird! ...and tropical 😉
Rachel @ Athletic Avocado
Awesome flavor combo! Totally pinning this 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Renee @ Bendiful Blog
Breakfast! Yumm, I need some on the go ideas. Lately I'm living on pastries ewwww! Thanks for the idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, this will be a much better choice 😉
lindsay
girl, you know the way to my "breakfast" heart. Love this combo!!! so refreshing
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you Lindsay!
Elle Spann
This sounds AMAZING! Love all the ingredients.
Elle
Southern Elle Style
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Farrah
Pistachios are awesome, and I never would've thought to throw cantaloupe into granola (I've never had it freeze-dried :O!) , but that is a wonderful idea! :]
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I saw the freeze-dried and I KNEW I had to make granola with it! Such a lovely taste!