Protein-Packed Trail Mix
A crunchy, satisfying blend of roasted nuts, seeds, and chewy dried fruit with a hint of sweetness. This homemade trail mix is loaded with plant-based protein and healthy fats, making it the perfect grab-and-go snack for hiking, office munching, or a post-workout energy boost. Ready in under 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
For 8 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).2.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. - mix
Coat the nuts and seeds.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.2.Drizzle with oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with salt and cinnamon.3.Toss well until everything is evenly coated.TIPUse your hands to toss — it distributes the syrup most evenly. - roast · ~10 min
Roast the nut and seed mixture.
1.Spread the coated nuts and seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.2.Roast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and lightly golden.TIPWatch closely after 7 minutes — nuts can burn fast. They should smell toasty, not scorched. - rest · ~15 min
Cool the roasted mixture completely.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the nuts and seeds cool on the sheet for at least 15 minutes. They will crisp up as they cool.
TIPDon't add the chocolate yet — it will melt. The mix must be fully room temperature. - mix
Combine all ingredients.
1.Once cooled, transfer the roasted nuts and seeds to a large bowl.2.Add dried cranberries, raisins, and dark chocolate chips.3.Toss gently to distribute evenly. - serve
Serve or store the trail mix.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Divide into small portable bags for grab-and-go snacks.
TIPA mason jar with a tight lid keeps it crunchy and looks great on the counter.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toss the nuts with your hands to evenly coat them in the syrup without clumping.
- 2Watch the nuts closely after 7 minutes of roasting; they go from golden to burnt very quickly.
- 3Let the roasted nuts cool completely on the sheet before adding chocolate to prevent melting.
- 4Store the trail mix in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness for up to two weeks.
- 5For a saltier kick, add an extra pinch of flaky sea salt right after roasting while the nuts are still warm.
- 6Portion the finished mix into small resealable bags for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Omit the maple syrup and roast the nuts dry; replace dried cranberries with unsweetened dried tart cherries for a tangy, low-sugar version.
spicy savorySpicy-savory
Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika with the cinnamon for a sweet-heat trail mix that's excellent with beer or as a salad topper.
veganVegan
This recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup and dark chocolate chips that are dairy-free; just confirm the chocolate label says 'vegan' or 'dairy-free'.
tropicalTropical
Swap the dried cranberries and raisins for dried mango chunks and unsweetened coconut flakes, and use macadamia nuts in place of peanuts for a tropical vacation vibe.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Protein
The blend of almonds, cashews, peanuts, and seeds provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein to support muscle repair and keep you full longer.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Raw nuts and seeds are naturally high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are linked to better cholesterol levels and heart health.
Source of Antioxidants
Dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher) and cinnamon both contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Natural Energy Boost
The combination of complex carbs from nuts and seeds with quick energy from dried fruit makes this mix ideal for sustained energy during hiking or workouts.
Satisfies Sweet Cravings Naturally
Using maple syrup and dried fruit provides natural sweetness without refined white sugar, helping to curb sugar cravings in a healthier way.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce or skip the added salt, and roast for less time (about 5 minutes) since pre-roasted nuts can burn faster.
