Today’s recipe comes from guest blogger Kelly of Running Blonde! She’s created a protein packed granola filled with chia seeds, pecans, almonds, coconut, and dried fruit! She even broke down her recipe with the Rabbit Food Pyramid for you guys! I cannot wait to give this recipe a try! xo

Hi! I’m Kelly. I’m a physician, athlete and blogger living in San Francisco, CA. On my blog I share recipes, DIY’s and travel stories. To learn more about me and what my life is like when I’m not wearing my white coat, check out Running Blonde.

Today I want to share a recipe for homemade granola with you. You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s true! An important part of your important breakfast is getting healthy protein so your body has energy to do everything you demand of it. Thanks to the pecans and almonds, this granola is protein packed. Plus, it features one of my favorite superfoods – chia seeds. These little wonders are rich in omega-3’s and fiber. This means they will help your heart and keep you feeling full all morning long.

Every time I share a granola recipe on Running Blonde, I give a little homemade granola spiel. It goes something like this – granola is one of the most flexible and most forgiving recipes ever. It’s easy to make substitutions based on your dietary needs and what you have around the home. If you are gluten intolerant, make sure you buy gluten free oats. If you are vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. You can use any type of nut from pepitas to walnuts and any type of dried fruit. There are a few secrets to perfectly toasted granola – make sure you spread the granola out on your baking sheet evenly and not too thick. To get clusters of granola, after removing it from the oven when it is still warm, use your hands to press it gently into clumps.

Protein Packed Chia Granola
Makes about 6 cups

3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped almonds
3 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dried fruit (I used cranberries)
1/4 cup honey
3 Tbsp melted coconut oil
3/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Combine the oats, pecans, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

2. Stir in the dried fruit

3. Stir in the honey, coconut oil and vanilla

4. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and bake at 300F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway. Toss, sprinkle with the shredded coconut and bake another 5 minutes.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: dried fruit
Whole Grain: oatmeal
Protein: pecans, almonds, chia seeds
Plant Based Fat: coconut oil, chia seeds

Note from Catherine: Although I would usually put nuts and seeds in the “plant based fat” category, they are an excellent combined source of plant protein in this recipe!

Follow Kelly on:
Twitter: @RunBlonde
Pinterest: pinterest.com/runblonde/