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    Home » Diet » Gluten Free Recipes

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios

    5 from 1 vote
    Posted December 1, 2016 (last updated October 7, 2022) by Wendy Polisi

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    This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Looking for a healthy and delicious treat? Look no further than this Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark! This recipe is easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, it's packed with nutrition thanks to the quinoa and antioxidant-rich chocolate. So why not give it a try today? You may just find yourself making this recipe again and again!

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios

    It is an exciting day around our house!

    The boys were up extra-early, anxious to open their first day of their Lego Advent calendars.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios

    It is an annual tradition that they love so much.

    This was the first year that Skye has one too, and I think the boys must have been getting her amped up about it.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios

    Even before they were up, Skye said: "Mommy, I'm so excited."  At 3, I don't recall her ever saying that before.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios


    When I asked her why, her reply was "Christmas!"

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios


    Since our tree isn't up yet and I haven't been talking about it with her, I can only assume that one of the boys told her that today was a special day.

    If I had to place my odds on who it was, it would be Alex, my oldest.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios

    He is all about the holidays!

    For years he has used Amazon to build huge wish lists. Lists so big that they stop being helpful because there is so much on them.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios

    It reminds me of how as I kid I spend hours with the Sears catalog circling everything I wanted for Christmas.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios


    Even though I knew I wasn't going to get it all, that didn't stop me from looking through the catalog every chance I got finding all the "stuff" I wanted.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios


    It is so fun to see Skye just starting to understand what is going on and Alex (who will be twelve in a few weeks) growing up. This year he's into the decor more than ever, and we are even talking menus.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios


    Since it is a special day, what do you say we have some chocolate?

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios


    Not just any chocolate. Let's share a new twist on an old favorite - Quinoa Chocolate Bark.

    This year I'm making it with pistachios, a hint of heat and a little extra salt. If you are looking for a dessert that is quick and easy, it doesn't get better than this.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios

    I LOVE the texture of popped quinoa and if you haven't tried it you really must! In this chocolate bark, it reminds me of a really small rice crispy.

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios


    I'm not going to lie - an oil based popcorn popper is the easiest way to pop quinoa, simply because it does the stirring for you. If you don't have one, never fear. You can either pop it on the stove top or skip popping all together and use toasted quinoa. Toasted quinoa won't have quite the same lightness, but it is still yummy.

    Have you tried making quinoa chocolate bark?

    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark with Pistachios

    This Salted Quinoa Chocolate Bark is simple, easy & delicious!  A healthier dessert for those times where you need a treat.
    Prep Time35 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Healthy
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 232kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces good quality chocolate melted (I used Green & Black's Dark Chocolate)
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
    • ¼ cup popped or toasted quinoa
    • ½ cup shelled pistachios chopped
    • ¼ - ½ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    • Line an 8 inch pan with parchment paper. Mix melted chocolate with cayenne pepper and stir well. Pour chocolate in to prepared pan and smooth with a dry spatula. Top with popped or toasted quinoa, pistachios and sea salt.
    • Chill for 30 minutes, or until set. Remove from pan and break into pieces.
    • To pop quinoa: Heat coconut oil in a popcorn popper or heavy duty saucepan. Add quinoa and pop for about three to five minutes, until the seeds become golden brown. (If you are using a saucepan you will want to cover it and shake frequently to prevent burning.) Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

    Notes

    Servings 6, Calories 152, Fat 9.8g, Carbohydrates 12.8g, Protein 4g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 139mg, Fiber 3g, Sugars 6g
    Here is a great tutorial for toasting quinoa: http://www.food.com/recipe/how-to-properly-clean-and-toast-quinoa-421986

    Nutrition

    Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 311mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 3.9mg

    Filed Under:

    Dessert RecipesGluten Free RecipesQuinoa RecipesVegan RecipesVegetarian Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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      Rating




    1. jill

      December 03, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      Ok...popped quinoa sounds awesome. Make it just like popcorn? how to tell when done? I buy sprouted quinoa so no need to rinse, this sounds really good as in the old days i liked the crispy choc bars..thanks for recipe!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 05, 2016 at 2:01 pm

        It is done when it turns a golden brown. You have to keep a close eye on it because it goes from perfect to burnt fairly quickly.

        Reply
    2. Paula Whelan

      December 04, 2016 at 12:25 am

      Will my electric popcorn maker pop quinoa? I sure hope you say yes!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 05, 2016 at 2:00 pm

        That is what I use! You just have to keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn.

        Reply
    3. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle

      December 08, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      I can't wait to try this recipe! I always love treats that are health and delicious. This looks great.

      Reply
    4. Tessa @ Mama Smith's

      December 08, 2016 at 10:15 pm

      That's what I like to see! I'm all about nom noms that have a healthy benefit. That gives me an excuse to eat more of it. 😉

      Reply
    5. Emily, Our house now a home

      December 09, 2016 at 1:24 am

      Oh wow, this is a great combination of flavors! I would love to give this a try, maybe make a big batch of it and take it to a party as a yummy dish.

      Reply
    6. Jeanette

      December 09, 2016 at 1:54 am

      OHH you are speaking my language! I will be making this over the weekend! It looks so good!

      Reply
    7. Notorious Spinks

      December 09, 2016 at 3:20 am

      This looks good and yummy. I bet the pistachio and the chocolate compliment each other just right.

      Reply
    8. Carol Bryant

      December 09, 2016 at 5:14 am

      I have discovered how wonderful quinoa is over the last two years or so. I love the nutty taste of it and did not think you can put it in chocolate. Is it delish?

      Reply
    9. WithOurBest

      December 09, 2016 at 5:25 am

      YESSSSS! I just pinned this recipe! It is gluten free and I can make sure to get dairy free chocolate. LOVE THIS!

      Reply
    10. Dogvills

      December 09, 2016 at 8:46 am

      This looks so yummy! Quinoa is not popular where I live, so I hope I find it here.

      Reply
    11. myteenguide

      December 09, 2016 at 9:03 am

      Quinoa chocolate looks so yummy..I haven't tried this but very interesting! I love it.

      Reply
    12. Michelle Varga

      December 09, 2016 at 2:51 pm

      Looks like such an easy and delicious treat to make this time of year! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    13. Beyond Beauty Lounge

      December 10, 2016 at 10:02 am

      I had to pin can't wait to make it, yum!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 10, 2016 at 1:01 pm

        Hope you enjoy!
        --
        Wendy Polisi

        Reply
    14. Angela Harris

      December 10, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      I love Quinoa and always eat it as a rice substitute, but what a wonderful way to change things up a bit. Looks so yummy.

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 10, 2016 at 2:59 pm

        Thanks so much! It is a fun way to change things up.

        --
        Wendy Polisi

        Reply
    15. Eloise Maoudj Riley

      December 11, 2016 at 1:33 am

      what great combos, I bet this taste fantastic! I'd love to give this a try : )

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 11, 2016 at 11:22 am

        Thanks so much Eloise. If you do try it let me know how it goes.

        --
        Wendy Polisi

        Reply
    16. Shannon Graham

      August 24, 2017 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      Chocolate is my favorite and pistachios are my husbands favorite...this is meant to be XD

      Reply

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    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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