Trail Mix
A crunchy, energizing blend of roasted nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a touch of dark chocolate. This homemade trail mix is perfectly portable, endlessly customizable, and ready in minutes with no cooking required. Ideal for hiking, road trips, or a healthy midday pick-me-up.
For 8 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- roast · ~10 min
Roast the almonds and cashews.
1.Spread almonds and cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.2.Roast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden and fragrant.3.Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.TIPWatch the nuts closely after 7 minutes — they can burn quickly. - mix · ~2 min
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
1.Add the cooled roasted almonds and cashews to a large mixing bowl.2.Add walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and raisins.3.Add dark chocolate chips and a pinch of salt.4.Toss gently with a spatula or your hands until evenly distributed.TIPMake sure the roasted nuts are completely cool before adding chocolate chips to prevent melting. - serve
Portion and store the trail mix.
Divide into individual snack bags or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roast the almonds and cashews until just fragrant to avoid a burnt, bitter flavor.
- 2Let the roasted nuts cool completely before adding chocolate chips to prevent melting.
- 3Toss the mix gently to keep the chocolate chips intact and coating even.
- 4Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch for up to 2 weeks.
- 5Use unsweetened dried fruit if available to control overall sweetness of the blend.
Adapt it for your goals.
Tropical
Replace cranberries and raisins with dried mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes for a sweet, island-inspired trail mix.
low sugarLow-sugar
Omit the dark chocolate chips and use only unsweetened dried berries; add extra seeds like hemp or chia for crunch without added sugar.
savory spicedSavory-spiced
Toss the roasted nuts with a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, and cumin before mixing for a warm, spicy-savory twist.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas and an extra 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds for a protein boost, and reduce the dried fruit slightly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Almonds, walnuts, and seeds provide unsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health when eaten in moderation.
Rich in Antioxidants
Dark chocolate and dried cranberries offer polyphenols and flavonoids that help combat oxidative stress.
Good Source of Fiber
Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit contribute dietary fiber to aid digestion and promote satiety.
Natural Energy Boost
The combination of complex carbs from dried fruit and protein from nuts provides sustained energy for hiking or active days.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but roasting brings out deeper flavor and crunch. If skipping roasting, the mix will be softer and less aromatic.
