Easy Trail Mix

trail mix on a baking sheet

Do you have a go-to snack? I think just about everybody has something that they turn to when they need something quick to eat. The things I tend to reach for when I want a healthy snack are string cheese, berries, and trail mix. What I reach for when I don’t care if I’m being healthy or not is a topic for another day.

Ode to Trail Mix

There are lots of reasons to love trail mix. For one thing, it’s quick to make and serve. If you can carve out 5 minutes in your day then you have time to make trail mix. Literally all you have to do is dump all the ingredients in a bowl and toss them together. And you actually don’t have to measure anything if you don’t want to. I list measurements in this recipe to give you an idea of the ratios I prefer, but if you are in a hurry it won’t hurt anything to just throw some stuff in will-nilly.

Another reason to love trail mix is that it is highly customizable. You can make it sweet or savory, depending on your tastebuds. This is my favorite combination of goodies, but there are so many other things you could add or substitute, like:

  • Peanuts, walnuts, or pecans
  • Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
  • Raisins, dried cherries, banana chips, dehydrated pineapple or apples
  • Cheerios, Chex, or other dry cereal
  • M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, milk, white, or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Wasabi peas, if you like some heat
  • Seasonings and spices, such as extra salt, garlic powder, ranch mix, or red pepper flakes

I also like that it’s super portable. Since this particular combination is peanut-free, I pack it in little single-serving sized containers to send to school for snack time, and I often throw a half-pint jar of it in my bag for when I know I’ll be gone past lunch time to stave off those hangry feelings.

And in case you were wondering, if I don’t care if my snack is healthy or not I make a similar (but decidedly sweeter) snack: White Chocolate Cranberries & Pretzels.

What’s your favorite trail mix combo?

Easy Trail Mix
Prep Time
5 mins
 
Course: Snack
Keyword: chocolate, snacks
Servings: 7 cups
Ingredients
  • 3 cups pretzels
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup salted cashews
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Measure all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Store in an airtight container.

10 Comments

  1. I need to make our own trail mix. It’s more affordable and such a healthy and easy snack. I love pretzels, so I’m excited to try this one!

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