Classic Trail Mix
A crunchy, salty-sweet blend of roasted nuts, seeds, and chewy dried fruit. This mix packs plenty of energy into every handful and comes together in minutes with no cooking required. Perfect for hikes, road trips, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- roast · ~10 min
Roast the nuts and seeds.
Spread the almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the tray.
TIPWatch closely during the last 2 minutes — nuts can go from golden to burnt very quickly. - mix · ~2 min
Combine all ingredients.
Transfer the cooled nuts and seeds to a large mixing bowl. Add the raisins, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. Sprinkle with sea salt and toss gently with a spatula until evenly combined.
TIPWait until the nuts are thoroughly cool before adding chocolate chips or they will melt. - serve
Portion and store the trail mix.
Divide the trail mix into individual snack bags for grab-and-go, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roast nuts at 350°F and stir halfway to ensure even browning.
- 2Cool nuts completely before adding chocolate to prevent melting.
- 3Use flaky sea salt at the end for a crunchy, salty finish.
- 4Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
- 5Double the batch and portion into snack bags for easy hiking snacks.
- 6Swap any nut or seed with a personal favorite to customize the mix.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace dried cranberries with unsweetened dried cherries or chopped apricots, and use at least 85% dark chocolate chips to reduce added sugar without sacrificing taste.
spicySpicy
Toss the roasted nuts and seeds with 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika before adding dried fruit and chocolate for a sweet-heat trail mix.
tropicalTropical
Swap raisins and cranberries for dried mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes, and use macadamia nuts instead of walnuts for a vacation-inspired blend.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas (crispy) and replace half the walnuts with extra almonds and pepitas to boost protein content for active days.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Almonds, cashews, and walnuts provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats that support brain function and help keep you full longer.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
Nuts and seeds offer a convenient protein boost, making this trail mix a satisfying snack for sustained energy.
High in Antioxidants
Dark chocolate chips and dried cranberries deliver antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and support overall wellness.
Naturally High in Fiber
Dried fruit and nuts contribute dietary fiber to aid digestion and promote gut health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but skip the roasting step entirely or you may over-toast them. Just mix with fruit and chocolate directly.
