The Easy Grain-Free Granola I Meal Prep Every Week

If you’re looking for a satisfying and healthy breakfast or snack option—that also happens to be grain-free—this granola is for you. I’ve been meal-prepping this exact grain-free granola recipe every Sunday for the past several months, and it’s so wholesome and delicious, I go through the entire batch most weeks. Packed with a variety of seeds, nuts, and coconut flakes, it’s perfect for those following Paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, or Keto diets—or simply anyone seeking a nutritious start to their day.

Why Eat Grain-Free

I’m working on a post that deep dives into why I’m currently following a grain-free diet (my reason is completely due to the gut health issues that have plagued me for years!) While grains are certainly not “bad” and can even be a really healthy part of some people’s diets, there are a variety of reasons why someone may choose to eliminate or cut back on grains.

  1. Lower Carb Content: Traditional granola typically contains grains like oats, which can be high in carbohydrates. Our grain-free version cuts down on carbs, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
  2. Gluten-Free: Going grain-free means avoiding gluten, making this granola suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
  3. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Our recipe features nutrient-dense ingredients like seeds, nuts, and coconut flakes, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
  4. Blood Sugar Control: With no grains or added sugars, this granola won’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a smart choice for those monitoring their glucose.
grain-free granola recipe

This grain-free granola recipe is so simple, I don’t even follow a recipe when I make it on the weekend. Essentially, you take coconut flake cereal (I like this one from Thrive Market), a bunch of seeds, and a bunch of nuts. You spread them out on a baking sheet, then toss in a “wet” mixture of applesauce and egg white until evenly coated (these take the place of the sugar and oil that most granola recipes are loaded with!) Then, you bake until golden brown and crunchy.

grain-free granola recipe

My Favorite Ways to Eat Grain-Free Granola

Now that you’ve prepared this healthy grain-free granola, here are some delightful ways to enjoy it throughout the week:

  • Serve with nut milk and fresh berries for a refreshing breakfast.
  • Top your whole milk Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with a generous sprinkle of this crunchy goodness.
  • Get creative by using it as a salad topping for an unexpected and delightful crunch.
  • Satisfy your snack cravings by munching on a handful of this granola all on its own.

This granola is not only a healthier alternative to traditional granola—it’s also a versatile treat that fits into just about any diet (except nut-free!) Make a batch on Sunday, store it in a mason jar in the freezer, and enjoy it throughout the week in countless delicious ways.

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Description

I make this easy grain-free granola recipe every Sunday, pop it in the freezer, then enjoy it all week on top of yogurt, fruit, or by the handful as a snack.


  • 3 cups Coconut Flakes cereal (I buy the one from Thrive Market—look for one with the main ingredient organic coconut meat)
  • 1 1/2 cups seeds of choice—I mix sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds
  • 1 1/2 cups raw nuts of choice—slivered almonds and chopped walnuts are my picks
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 small container applesauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Cinnamon, to taste

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together egg white, applesauce, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Spread out the coconut flakes cereal, seeds, and nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour the egg white mixture over, use your hands to toss together until everything is moistened, then spread out in an even layer.
  4. Bake for 20 – 30 minutes until starting to get toasty. Flip the granola and stir it around, then bake for about 15 more minutes until both sides are starting to turn golden brown.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool—the granola will become even crispier as it cools.

Notes

  • Feel free to swap an equal amount of any nuts or seeds—I’ve used flaxseeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, pecans, and pistachios all with great success!
  • You can also use 1/4 cup canned puréed pumpkin in place of the applesauce. I love to do this in the fall with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for “pumpkin spice” granola!
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: breakfast

Keywords: grain-free granola

Found: 6 Gorgeous Dinnerware Sets to Elevate Every Meal

The dining table sits at the heart of every home. Family-favorite dishes blend seamlessly with the evening’s conversation, and the tablescape—however you choose to set it—is the foundation upon which all of these flavors, stories, and connections unfold. Of course, the best dinnerware sets are a crucial piece of the puzzle. They mix function with craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal, helping your well-loved recipes shine.

With so much riding on this element of the table, it’s important to select a dinnerware set you’ll be excited to use for years to come. Whether you’re a hosting maven or save your gatherings for special occasions, you’ll find a set fit for your lifestyle and entertaining approach. From classic and clean to contemporary charm, there are options for everyone. Ahead, discover the best dinnerware sets for every style and occasion.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Image by Michelle Nash

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Why We Love It: You have all you need with this style-inclined, five-piece set. With the brand’s signature Breakfast Bowl, Everyday Bowl, Cake Plate, Side Plate, and Dinner Plate, no element is missing. While decidedly chic, the set is far from fussy. Instead, the look blends rustic elegance with a well-worn appeal. Handmade in Asheville, North Carolina, you can expect unique character and a one-of-a-kind look in each piece.

  • Set Includes: Breakfast Bowl, Everyday Bowl, Cake Plate, Side Plate, and Dinner Plate
  • Care: Dishwasher and microwave safe
  • Color options: Black Mountain, Blue Ridge, Eggshell, Panna Cotta, Morel, Amaro

Why We Love It: Some dinnerware sets are finicky and overly formal. Instead, this set, with its kiln-fired build and earthy palette, bridges the gap between special occasion and everyday use. With its wabi-sabi design and perfectly imperfect charm, it’s our go-to for weeknight dinners as well as gatherings (where the set is sure to garner plenty of compliments). Handmade in Mexico with one-of-a-kind charm, this set, as reiterated by the name, will quickly become a household essential.

  • Set Includes: Dinner Plate, Salad Plate, and Pasta Bowl
  • Care: Dishwasher safe
  • Color options: Matte speckled white glaze

Why We Love It: When you’re looking for an outdoor dinnerware set, the first thought is durability. Of course, you want something to stand up to the elements as well as the transfer from the kitchen to the outdoor dining table. But oftentimes, when it comes to dinnerware sets that stand up to the test, they fall short on style. Thankfully, West Elm delivers a true unicorn dinnerware collection with this affordable, high-style set. This modern take on melamine features rimmed plates to keep any potential spill contained. What’s more, with a variety of colors to choose from, you’re welcome to coordinate a bright, summery mix of hues that’ll infuse any picnic with joy. Bonus: Right now, the set’s on sale.

  • Set Includes: Set of 16 includes four of each: Dinner Plate, Salad Plate, Pasta Bowl, and Cereal Bowl
  • Care: Dishwasher safe
  • Color options: Stone White, Silver Pine, Pink Grapefruit, Turquoise

Why We Love It: Enamelware evokes a certain vintage charm that’s easy to weave into any aesthetic. The colored rims and white surface are crisp and clean, letting you set a streamlined table or serving as the foundation for a more maximalist interpretation. If you’d like to take the latter route, I love the Americana feel of pairing this set with a checkered tablecloth and a scattering of bud vases filled with ranunculus. And while other enamelware sets can scratch easily, these plates, bowls, and mugs are virtually scratch-proof, letting them stay in pristine condition for years to come.

  • Set Includes: Set of 16 includes four of each: Dinner Plates, Salad Plates, Cereal Bowls, and Mugs
  • Care: Dishwasher and oven safe
  • Color options: Blue, Black, Gray, Red

Why We Love It: For those who dream of a dinnerware set that does it all, we’ve found your answer. This three-piece set is a conversation starter in and of itself. (And paired with party-ready recipes, it’s perfection.) If romanticizing your routines is top of mind, simply enjoy your morning avocado toast or a lunchtime grain bowl in one of these pieces. With their handmade beauty and one-of-a-kind appeal, each element is sure to spark joy, no matter what’s on the menu.

  • Set Includes: Dinner Plate, Salad Plate, and Pasta Bowl
  • Care: Dishwasher safe
  • Color options: Glazed in variegated tones of grey with amber accents

Why We Love It: When you’re entertaining larger groups, it’s important to have backup dinnerware available at your fingertips. This affordable, 12-piece set gives you plenty of bang for your buck. And where other cheaper options lack quality material and build, these pieces boast a smooth texture and modern, rimmed shape that feel far more expensive than their accessible price point. A word to the wise: stock up—these plates are every hostess’ secret weapon.

  • Set Includes: Includes four of each: dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls
  • Care: Dishwasher and microwave safe
  • Color options: White

Spicy Melon Ricotta Toast Is the Ultimate No-Cook Meal

Growing up, my household favored savory summer fruit. We appreciated fruit as a deliciously sweet, warm-weather treat. When picked at peak ripeness, it was evident: whatever fruit was served would rival the sweetness of almost any dessert around. (Summery cakes, very much so included.) And while I love a good bowl of honey-kissed peaches, ice cream, and berries galore, my association with fruit is first and foremost savory. That’s why, when I was tasked with creating a ricotta toast that would become my ultimate late-summer snack, I sought an edge of spicy, jalapeño-laced goodness.

Without fail, my mom always kept a bowl of whatever fruit was in season on the counter. She would top it with black salt and chaat masala—giving the melons, pears, apples, and so forth a sweet-meets-savory and slightly salty flavor that is very near addictive. And when summer comes around, I’m always looking for ways to pair these savory flavors with the sweetness of warm-weather fruit. Today’s version? My truly addicting, minty melon ricotta toast.

I know what you’re thinking—at first, it’s an intriguing, if not unexpected combo. But in the search of new ways to celebrate summer fruits, I figured adding a little spice would be the perfect way to elevate the sweetness of summer melons. This toast is one of those “no recipe” recipes, coming together in about ten minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when the thought of turning on the stovetop seems just a little too much.

Ingredients for Spicy Melon Ricotta Toast

Cantaloupe. I love cantaloupe, particularly in the summer when its flavor leans more floral in sweetness. If you don’t, you can use honeydew, blackberries, peaches, or whatever fruit you crave.

Jalapeño and red chili powder. Both add a slightly different heat and flavor. I like using both to bring a little spice to this recipe.

Mint. Freshly chopped to add some brightness to the toast.

Honey. I find that honey complements the sweetness of fruit without being overpowering. If you want a little more sweetness, add a pinch of sugar to taste.

Lemon juice. A little acidity is always the key to brightening up any recipe while cutting through the sweetness.

Ricotta. Whole milk, always.

Sourdough. Toasted until golden brown. The crunchy texture acts as a nice complement to the creamy and soft toppings.

Tips for Serving

While this is a no-recipe recipe, there are a few tricks to maximizing flavor.

  • Prep the cantaloupe ahead of time. Not only does this allow the flavors to all meld together, but giving it a chance to hang out in the fridge keeps everything cold. And I don’t need to tell you that summer melons taste ten times better when ice cold and crisp.
  • Serve as an assembly line. The nice part of prepping the melons and the ricotta ahead of time is that you can set this up as a “serve yourself” meal. This also keeps the bread from getting soggy and allows people to serve up their toast as they prefer.
  • If you wish, serve as a salad. Spread ricotta onto a platter and pour over the melons. Top with as many fresh herbs as you can, drizzle with olive oil, and enjoy.

What to Serve With This Spicy Melon Ricotta Toast

This recipe is perfect for any end-of-summer menu you have planned. Consider serving as a side dish, appetizer, or salad at your next golden hour dinner alongside your favorites.

To take things over the top, serve some arugula tossed in lemon juice and olive oil so guests can assemble their own salad. Put out a bowl of Greek yogurt for a sweet-meets-savory summer yogurt bowl. Make it a whole fruit salad and use a medley of fruits of your choice. Either way, you’ll be coming back to this one for seconds—guaranteed.

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Description

This sweet-meets-savory toast is the epitome of summer, letting you celebrate the end of August with succulent fruits and fresh herbs that’ll have you holding onto the warm-weather season.


  • 1/2 cantaloupe, chopped into small pieces or scooped with a melon baller
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 small bunch mint, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, more or less to taste
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Big pinch of salt to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 6 ounces whole milk ricotta
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeded
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Sourdough bread, sliced and toasted

  1. Prep the ricotta. To a food processor, add the ricotta, ½ jalapeño, honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth. Pour into a serving bowl and set in the fridge to keep cold.

  2. To assemble and serve, spread ricotta onto bread, and spoon over melons. Top with additional fresh mint and salt to taste. Enjoy!