Sweet and Salty Trail Mix
This no-bake Sweet and Salty Trail Mix is a crunchy, grab-and-go snack with roasted nuts, chewy dried fruit, chocolate, and a touch of sea salt. Perfect for busy days, road trips, hiking, lunchboxes, and make-ahead snack prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted salted almonds whole or lightly chopped
- 1 cup roasted salted peanuts or cashews for a milder flavor
- 3/4 cup roasted salted cashews
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds raw, or roasted unsalted for more crunch
- 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) raw or dry-roasted
- 3/4 cup raisins regular or golden
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup dried apricots chopped; or use dried cherries
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips 60–70% cacao
- 1/4 cup mini M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates optional
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste if needed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Grab a large mixing or salad bowl so you have plenty of room to stir the ingredients together without spilling.
- Add the roasted salted almonds, roasted salted peanuts, roasted salted cashews, sunflower seeds, and pepitas to the bowl. Toss briefly to start distributing the textures evenly.1 cup roasted salted almonds, 1 cup roasted salted peanuts, 3/4 cup roasted salted cashews, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Add the raisins, dried cranberries, and chopped dried apricots. Break apart any clumps of dried fruit with your fingers so they’re evenly dispersed.3/4 cup raisins, 3/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup dried apricots
- Sprinkle in the dark chocolate chips and mini M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates, if using. Gently stir from the bottom of the bowl upward to combine without crushing the mix-ins. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the chocolate chips in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before adding to prevent melting.3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup mini M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates
- Sprinkle the fine sea salt and ground cinnamon (if using) over the top of the mix. Stir well, then taste a small handful and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Let the trail mix rest for about 5 minutes so the salt and cinnamon distribute more evenly. Taste again and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container or divide into small snack bags or reusable snack cups. Label with the date and store according to your preference.
Notes
Ratio tip: Aim for about 60–70% nuts and seeds to 30–40% dried fruit and chocolate to keep the mix satisfying without being too sweet. Cut larger dried fruits, like apricots, into small bite-size pieces so they blend nicely into each handful. If you store the mix in one big jar, give it a shake every few days so the heavier nuts don’t settle at the bottom. Start with the recommended amount of sea salt and add more only after tasting, since different brands of nuts vary in saltiness. This recipe is very kid friendly—pre-measure ingredients and let kids pour and stir. Buying nuts and dried fruit in bulk (Costco, Sam’s Club, Aldi) significantly reduces the cost compared to pre-made trail mix.
STORAGE: At room temperature, keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for 2–3 weeks. Refrigerate for up to 1 month for extra freshness, letting the mix sit at room temperature 5–10 minutes before serving. Freeze for up to 3 months in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container; enjoy straight from the freezer or thaw briefly.
VARIATIONS:
• Tropical Trail Mix: Swap raisins and cranberries for dried pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes.
• Peanut-Free School Mix: Omit peanuts; increase sunflower seeds and pepitas, and use sunflower seed butter chips if available.
• High-Protein Power Mix: Add roasted chickpeas or edamame and extra seeds.
• Holiday Party Mix: Use red and green candy-coated chocolates, dried cherries, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Super Dark Chocolate Mix: Double the dark chocolate chips, omit candy, and add cocoa-dusted almonds.
• Low-Sugar Trail Mix: Use unsweetened dried fruit, reduce chocolate to 1/2 cup, and increase nuts and seeds.
• Tropical Trail Mix: Swap raisins and cranberries for dried pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes.
• Peanut-Free School Mix: Omit peanuts; increase sunflower seeds and pepitas, and use sunflower seed butter chips if available.
• High-Protein Power Mix: Add roasted chickpeas or edamame and extra seeds.
• Holiday Party Mix: Use red and green candy-coated chocolates, dried cherries, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Super Dark Chocolate Mix: Double the dark chocolate chips, omit candy, and add cocoa-dusted almonds.
• Low-Sugar Trail Mix: Use unsweetened dried fruit, reduce chocolate to 1/2 cup, and increase nuts and seeds.
Nutrition
Calories: 200kcal
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