Yogurt on its own is B-O-R-I-N-G!  Maybe it’s because I don’t buy the flavored kind, instead opting for the big 3-pound vat of plain Greek.  That doesn’t mean I don’t doctor it up.  I lean towards add-ins like fresh fruit, a swirl of honey or jam and something for texture.  Something chewy and crispy at the same time.  Something like this crunchy pistachio date granola.
At the market recently, I surveyed the granola offerings and was floored to see how much they were charging for about 1 1/2 cups of granola.  Depending on the brand,  pricing ranged from $3.89 to nearly $8.00.  For granola. What?!  Seriously?  It’s granola not caviar!
Not that it matters, I make my own anyway, but HOLY COW!  Eight dollars?  That’s what a pound of bacon costs– and let’s be honest, if it’s between granola and bacon — bacon wins.  So put down that over-priced pouch of processed  sawdust, because making your own granola is EASY and you can control everything that goes into it.   Which means no artificial anything and it’s completely customizable.
This is a not too sweet version with lots of pistachio crunch and chewy bits of dried fruit.   It’s exactly what I want on my morning yogurt.  I’ve used dates and pistachios, but you can easily switch it up to whatever you have in your pantry.  Almonds, cashews, pecans or walnuts would be great.  Other dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries or dried cherries are also yummy.
And this makes a big batch of granola (around 6 cups) Â that will keep for 2 weeks in an airtight container. Â Kiss your lackluster yogurt goodbye! Â You’ve just stepped up your game.
Crunchy Pistachio Date Granola
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pistachios roasted, shelled
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons flax seeds
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup orange blossom or citrus-y honey
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pitted dates finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the oats, pistachios, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, coconut and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, oil, and brown sugar and heat over medium high heat, stirring occasionally until mixture comes to a rolling boil and the sugar is dissolved. Pour the honey mixture over the oats and stir until thoroughly combined. Add the dates and mix well.
- Divide the granola between the two sheet pans and spread it out into a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, stir the granola and arrange in a single layer again.
- Bake for a second 10 minutes and stir. Spread the granola into a single layer and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the dates to the granola and toss to combine. Let cool to room temperature until dry and crisp. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
More Granola Favorites:
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- Pineapple Macadamia Granola Bars
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- Apple Walnut Spice Granola
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- Cherry Almond Granola Bars
“Pin It For Later!”
Love making granola…I’ll have to try your recipe.
Granola is one of those things that’s best made from scratch, so you can put your favorite add-ins!
You’re making me hungry! But granola is healthy, so it’s ok 😉
Glad you like it!
Yum this granola looks heavenly!! Thanks for the recipe!
It’s a good standard granola – and it’s vegan!
I remember tying plain yogurt for the first time as a kid and being completely baffled as to why anyone would willingly eat it. It was years before I understood how good it could be if you added the right fixings…
This looks fantastic as a topping, and you are so right about granola prices! I love that this is so much cheaper AND homemade, so you know exactly what’s going in there. I can’t wait to try it!
Thank you Tracy! I’m glad you like it!
Pistachios are my husband’s favorite kind of nut, and I’m always looking for healthy things he can take to work for breakfast. This granola looks perfect!
My husband loves this for his morning yogurt! I hope yours does as well!
Oh, yum….I’ve been working on having breakfast every morning and this would be great on the go!
Thank you Sabrina!
Love pistachios! Definitely want to try this granola.
The pistachios are a fun twist – I’ve found most granolas have pecans or almonds.
I need this in my life. Sounds great!
Pine no more… It’s really easy to make!
A great easy and healthy snack! I love that you added Dates those are my favorite! I will have to try this, this weekend. 🙂
Let me know how you like it!
Great photos! This also looks easy to make!
Thanks! I’ve been working on my photos!