Granola sure has gotten expensive at the grocery store; making it myself saves me a lot of money. It makes me happy knowing how easy it is to make, and my version doesn’t have any unwanted chemicals or preservatives – unlike the grocery store-bought versions! My granola recipe is naturally dairy free and vegetarian. If you’re looking for a vegan option, just sub agave for honey.
I enjoy a bowl of Greek yogurt at night with blueberries and granola (and sometimes in the morning, on the rare occasion I eat breakfast as I typically fast). I really wanted to make my own batch of granola to save money and cut the processed chemicals out but felt a bit intimidated to make my own. Good thing the intimidation wore off because this delicious batch of granola turned out so amazing that I think I’ll continue to make my own homemade granola, using my own delicious recipe, for my yogurt and berries, for eternity! I mean, why buy it when it doesn’t taste as good and costs triple the cost of what I can make it for myself?! I’ve made this version numerous times and it always hits the spot as it contains just the right amount of ingredients.
My easy and simple healthy granola recipe contains old-fashioned oats, nuts and seeds, salt, cinnamon, extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla, and is done in less than a half hour, making it one fast granola recipe! Once you make your own with minimal ingredients, you’ll notice the quality and unsurpassed flavor and won’t go back to buying its store-bought counterpart!
Ingredients in Healthy Granola
Old-fashioned oats. Old-fashioned oats work best in this granola recipe.
Nuts and seeds. Use any variety of nuts and seed you like.
Salt. Salt seasons and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cinnamon. Cinnamon provides spice and nutrition.
Extra virgin olive oil. High quality extra virgin olive oil is best in this recipe.
Maple syrup. We love this pure maple syrup although any type of maple syrup will suffice.
Honey. Honey helps bind the ingredients as well as acts as a natural sweetener.
Vanilla. Vanilla adds a sweet taste to this granola recipe.
How to make the best Healthy Granola
STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP 2: In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts and or seeds, salt, and cinnamon.
STEP 3: Add the oil, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla and mix everything together with a wooden spoon to coat every granule with the oil mixture. Spoon the granola on the prepared baking sheet.
STEP 4: Bake until golden, about 22-25 minutes.
STEP 5: If you make this, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Benefits of Chia Seeds
Although tiny, chia seeds are packed with nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Healthline’s article reports that chia seeds, a staple in the ancient Aztec and Maya diets, have been known to provide powerful health benefits for centuries. The antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood glucose levels.
Chia seeds are known to benefit human health by neutralizing reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can damage cell compounds when they build up inside your body. Free radical damage contributes to aging and diseases like cancer.
The specific antioxidants in chia seeds include chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. These may all exhibit protective effects on the heart and liver, as well as produce anti-cancer properties.
Chia seeds are pretty bland and can easily be added to many snacks and meals. I enjoy them in yogurt with granola and berries or on a slice of peanut butter and banana toast.
Health Benefits of Oats
The main ingredient in this recipe is oats. Healthline’s article states that oats are among the healthiest grains on this planet. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood sugar, and reduced risk of heart disease. Oats are packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds, and are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can consume.
Recommended items to make this recipe
- Baking sheet. This is the baking sheet I love and use.
- Large bowl. I love this large bowl.
- Wooden spoon. Wooden spoons like this one work best when mixing the ingredients.
More recipes you’ll love!
Healthy Blueberry Zucchini Bread
Sizzler Cheese Toast Copycat Recipe
Egg and Veggie Breakfast Muffins
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this healthy granola, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Healthy Granola
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 c old-fashioned oats
- 1½ c chopped nuts and seeds I used pecans, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, sunflower seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ c extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ c pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp honey for vegan, use agave
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- optional add ins: chia seeds, ground flaxseed, dried fruit, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and so on
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts and or seeds, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the oil, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla and mix everything together with a wooden spoon to coat every granule with the oil mixture. Spoon the granola on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until golden, about 22-25 minutes.
- If you make this, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Notes
- If you plan to use dried fruit, wait at least 45 minutes before adding it to the cooked granola; stir well to combine.
- Store in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.
Nutrition (per serving)
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