Heart-Healthy Cashew Trail Mix
A crunchy, lightly spiced blend of roasted cashews, almonds, and seeds with just a touch of sweetness from dried fruit. This homemade trail mix skips the excess salt and sugar of store-bought versions, delivering heart-healthy fats and steady energy in every handful.
For 8 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- mix
Toss nuts and seeds with oil and spices.
In a large bowl, combine cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and cinnamon powder over the top, and toss well until everything is lightly and evenly coated.
TIPUse your hands or a spatula — you want every nut and seed to have a whisper of oil so the cinnamon and salt cling. - roast · ~12 min
Roast the nut and seed mixture.
Spread the coated nuts and seeds in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the almonds and cashews are lightly golden and fragrant. Watch carefully in the last 2 minutes to prevent burning.
TIPNuts continue to crisp as they cool — pull them from the oven when they're just a shade lighter than you think they should be. - rest · ~20 min
Cool completely on the baking sheet.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roasted nuts and seeds cool completely on the pan. They will become crunchier as they cool. Do not rush this step — warm nuts will soften the dried fruit.
TIPSpreading them into a single layer on a cool counter or plate speeds up cooling without affecting the crunch. - mix
Combine with dried fruit and toss.
Once the nuts and seeds are completely cool, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the raisins and dried cranberries. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
- serve
Portion into airtight containers or serve immediately.
Divide the trail mix into resealable bags or airtight jars for grab-and-go snacking. Store at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
TIPPre-portioning into 1-cup servings makes it harder to over-snack straight from a large jar.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use raw, unsalted nuts to control the sodium level and ensure even toasting.
- 2Toss the nuts and seeds in oil with your hands for a more even, thin coating.
- 3Roast until the nuts are just one shade lighter than desired; they continue to crisp while cooling.
- 4Let the roasted nuts cool completely before mixing in dried fruit to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- 5Spread the warm nuts into a single layer on a cool counter to speed up cooling and preserve crunch.
- 6Pre-portion the finished trail mix into 1-cup servings to make grab-and-go snacking easy and portion-controlled.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy chipotle
Replace the cinnamon with ½ teaspoon chipotle powder and ¼ teaspoon cumin for a smoky, warm heat that pairs well with the sweet dried fruit.
tropicalTropical
Swap raisins and cranberries for dried mango, pineapple, and coconut chips for a sweet, tropical twist on this trail mix.
low oilLow-oil
Skip the olive oil and toss the nuts and seeds with a splash of water and the spices before roasting; the water helps the seasoning stick without added fat.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 100g of roasted chickpeas (canned, rinsed, and air-fried) to the mix for an extra plant-protein boost and a satisfying crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Cashews, almonds, and seeds provide heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health and provide sustained energy.
Good Source of Plant Protein
This trail mix offers a solid dose of plant-based protein from nuts and seeds, aiding muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
Packed with Antioxidants
Dried cranberries and raisins deliver polyphenols and flavonoids that help combat oxidative stress, while cinnamon adds additional anti-inflammatory properties.
Supports Digestive Health
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are rich in fiber and magnesium, promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe and watch the roasting time — pre-roasted nuts may burn faster in the oven.
