Customizable Paleo Trail Mix
A crunchy, salty-sweet blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit that's completely grain-free and paleo-friendly. This trail mix skips the peanuts, chocolate, and processed oils, using only whole-food ingredients you can customize endlessly. Toss together in minutes for a portable snack that delivers healthy fats and steady energy on hikes, road trips, or busy afternoons.
For 8 servings
- prep
Measure all ingredients.
Gather and measure all nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, and dried fruit. Make sure everything is at room temperature and completely dry to prevent clumping.
- mix · ~1 min
Combine the nuts and seeds.
1.Add almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts to the large mixing bowl.2.Add sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.3.Add unsweetened coconut flakes and toss gently to distribute evenly. - mix · ~1 min
Add the dried fruit and seasonings.
1.Add dried cranberries, dried blueberries, and banana chips to the bowl.2.Sprinkle sea salt and cinnamon powder over the mixture.3.Toss everything together with the spoon until the fruit and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout.TIPToss gently so the banana chips and coconut flakes don't break apart. - prep
Store the trail mix.
1.Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container or divide into individual portion bags.2.Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 2 weeks.TIPFor longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a month. The cold prevents nuts from going rancid. - serve
Serve when ready.
Enjoy straight from the container as a snack. No additional prep needed.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast the nuts and seeds at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before mixing to deepen their flavor and add crunch.
- 2Use your hands to toss the mix gently so the banana chips and coconut flakes stay intact rather than crumbling.
- 3Store in an airtight glass jar rather than plastic to keep nuts from absorbing off-flavors and to extend shelf life.
- 4For extra savory notes, swap cinnamon for smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne — great for a spicy trail mix.
- 5Make a double batch and vacuum-seal portion bags for grab-and-go snacks that stay fresh for weeks.
- 6If using salted nuts, omit the added sea salt and adjust to taste after mixing to avoid oversalting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Tropical
Replace pecans and walnuts with macadamia nuts and add dried mango and pineapple for a sunny, island-inspired twist that pairs beautifully with the coconut flakes.
low carb / ketoLow-carb / keto
Swap the dried fruit (cranberries, blueberries, banana chips) for additional seeds like hemp hearts and more coconut flakes to reduce sugar while keeping fat high and carbs low.
spicySpicy
Add ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in place of cinnamon for a savory, smoky-sweet snack that's great with beer or on hikes.
extra crunchyExtra crunchy
Throw in ½ cup of paleo-friendly roasted chickpeas or cacao nibs for added crunch and a slight bitterness that balances the sweet fruit.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts provide heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support brain function and help keep you full longer.
Good Source of Plant Protein
The mix of nuts and seeds delivers a solid dose of plant-based protein, making this snack ideal for sustained energy without processed ingredients.
High in Fiber
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit all contribute dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
Dried blueberries, cranberries, and walnuts are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Grain-Free and Paleo-Friendly
This trail mix contains no grains, refined sugars, peanuts, or soy, making it suitable for paleo, AIP, and gluten-free diets while offering whole-food nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — swap in roasted unsalted nuts for a deeper flavor, but note they may be slightly less moist and can turn stale faster.
