Nikki Yelton is a Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist serving clients worldwide. She offers a personalized functional medicine approach using advanced labs and her unique 5-phase method. Nikki helps purpose-driven women who have tried everything finally restore their energy and reclaim their health--without another DIY protocol--so they can show up fully in their work and at home!
This Homemade Cranberry Orange Grain-Free Granola Recipe is perfect as a topping on your morning smoothie or chia pudding, as a cereal with dairy-free milk, or on its own as a quick snack (it’s that good)!
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Is it just me or are the prices at the grocery store getting CRAZY lately?!
Most of the healthier options and alternatives for snacks and foods that are grain-free, gluten-free, or just not packed with preservatives & gut triggers have gotten SO EXPENSIVE.
It shouldn’t cost so much to make healthy choices!
And while I’m all about convenience when in a pinch— I’m an advocate of homemade over store-bought whenever possible!
There are some things that are so easy and cost-effective to make at home that it’s almost a no-brainer.
A big example… GRANOLA.
Quality gluten and grain-free granola can often be expensive, but making it at home is not only more cost-effective but also healthier!
This Homemade Cranberry Orange Grain-Free Granola Recipe is perfect as a topping on your morning smoothie or chia pudding, as a cereal with dairy-free milk, or on its own as a quick snack (it’s that good)!
By preparing your granola from scratch, you have full control over the quality and quantity of ingredients, ensuring that you’re nourishing your body with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods without breaking the bank.
Now, let’s delve into how each ingredient in this cranberry orange granola recipe benefits your health:
Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
Rich in healthy fats and fiber, coconut flakes provide sustained energy and support gut health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Bonus: These are AIP (autoimmune) friendly!
Raw Cashews
These nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats, which help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation, supporting a healthy gut and immune system.
Pumpkin Seeds
High in zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, pumpkin seeds support immune function and have anti-inflammatory properties, crucial for autoimmune conditions. Bonus: They support parasite removal!
Orange Zest
Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, orange zest boosts immune function and supports collagen production, aiding in gut repair and reducing inflammation. Bonus: This digestive bitter helps support stomach acid and digestion (which is often low in leaky gut)
Sea Salt
Provides essential minerals and electrolytes, balancing hydration and supporting proper digestion and nutrient absorption. TIP: Salt is our friend! Avoiding it can deplete energy! I like Redmond’s Sea Salt.
Maple Syrup
A natural sweetener with antioxidants and minerals, maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness without causing a major spike in blood sugar levels, making it suitable for autoimmune-friendly diets.
Coconut Oil
Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil supports gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Dried Unsweetened Cranberries
Packed with antioxidants and fiber, cranberries support urinary tract health and have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for autoimmune conditions. Tip: Swap these for a different dried fruit if you aren’t into cranberries!
This Homemade Cranberry Orange Grain-Free Granola Recipe is perfect as a topping on your morning smoothie or chia pudding, as a cereal with dairy-free milk, or on its own as a quick snack (it’s that good)!
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
1/2 cup Cashews (raw, roughly chopped)
1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds
3 tbsps Orange Zest
1/4 tsp Sea Salt
1/3 cup Maple Syrup
2 tbsps Coconut Oil (melted, slightly cooled)
1/2 cup Dried Unsweetened Cranberries
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the coconut flakes, cashews, pumpkin seeds, orange zest, and salt. Stir in the maple syrup and coconut oil.
Add the granola to the baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until everything is golden brown. Check on it every five minutes and toss it around.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before stirring in the cranberries. It will crisp up as it cools. Enjoy!
I also suggest buying these ingredients in bulk so that you can make several batches!
Not sure where to get quality nuts/seeds that aren’t cross-contaminated with gluten? Anthony’s Goods is a great online market for batch tested gluten free nuts and seeds! 👇🏻
One question I get often is if nuts and seeds are OKAY for gut issues or those with autoimmunity?
My answer to that depends on where you are along your healing journey. I only suggest avoiding nuts and seeds for those currently in an autoimmune flare. For everyone else, a balanced approach is ideal! This might look like keeping it at 1 nut serving and 1 seed serving per day. Meaning if you eat a serving of granola, this would cover one of those servings!
I hope you enjoy this Grain-Free Cranberry Orange Granola as a nourishing addition to your meals and snacks, knowing that you’re supporting your gut health and immune system with every bite.
"When it comes to balancing our body, healing the gut, reversing autoimmunity, and achieving optimal health—we are a lot like a car that won’t run right. In order to fix the problem once and for all instead of relying on jumper cables, we must get underneath the hood, run the diagnostics, and replace the battery so that it runs good as new."
-Nikki Yelton, RD
a note from nikki:
If you are ready to stop wasting precious time, get off the never-ending hamster wheel, and finally surrender trying to figure things out on your own—this is your moment.
You don’t have to settle for just getting by and hoping tomorrow is a better day. We both know you are a woman who deserves better and are made for so. much. more.
are you ready?
Ready to restore your energy, reclaim your health, and live your extraordinary life?
