Ah, trail mix! It’s like a little bag of happiness, isn’t it? I’ve loved trail mix ever since my hiking days in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. After a long trek, nothing compares to sitting on a rocky ledge and savoring a handful of crunchy nuts and sweet dried fruits. It’s the perfect energy booster, and I’ve always believed that you should never hike without a good snack in your pocket!
This Superfood Trail Mix is my go-to recipe when I want a healthy snack that satisfies my cravings without weighing me down. It’s packed with flavors and textures that create the kind of mix that makes your taste buds do a happy dance! Plus, it’s wonderfully customizable, so you can tweak it to your liking. Now, let me take you through the specifics!
What’s in Superfood Trail Mix?
Let’s break down these delightful ingredients, shall we?
Raw Cashews: Creamy and crunchy, these little gems add a lovely richness. I suggest using raw cashews for that natural goodness, which you can roast if you desire a deeper flavor.
Raw Almonds: These provide a nice crunch and are super good for you with healthy fats that help keep you energized.
Goji Berries: Known as a superfood, goji berries bring a sweet-tart flavor and are packed with antioxidants. They look so pretty in the mix too!
Dried Cranberries: I use these for that burst of sweetness and their vibrant color. Just make sure you grab the unsweetened kind to keep it healthy.
Mulberries: These sweet and chewy berries are a unique addition, providing a delightful texture along with vitamins and minerals.
Dark Chocolate Chips: This is where the fun happens! Dark chocolate is my guilty pleasure, and it adds a rich sweetness. If you’re feeling really health-conscious, go with cacao nibs!
Sunflower Seeds: They add a nice crunch and are rich in vitamin E. Plus, they bring that nutty flavor that ties everything together.
Pumpkin Seeds: These little green seeds are protein-packed and nutrient-dense, giving a satisfying crunch to your munch.
Chia Seeds: Tiny but mighty, they’re full of omega-3 fats and provide a little bit of chewiness.
Hemp Seeds: I love these for their nutty flavor and protein boost! They’re such a delightful addition to the mix.
Vanilla Extract (Optional): A drizzle of this adds a lovely aroma and can make your trail mix taste premium.
Sea Salt (Optional): Just a pinch can elevate the flavors beautifully, but it’s definitely optional if you’re watching your sodium intake!
Is Superfood Trail Mix Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! This trail mix not only tastes amazing, but it also packs a nutritious punch.
Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for keeping your energy levels stable. They can help you feel full longer — no more mid-afternoon sugar crashes!
Dried fruits like goji berries and cranberries offer antioxidants, vitamins, and soft sweetness that contrast beautifully with the crunch of the nuts and seeds.
However, while trail mix is healthy, it can also be calorie-dense, especially with the addition of dark chocolate. So, it’s best to enjoy it mindfully, perhaps sticking to an ounce or two if you’re trying to keep an eye on caloric intake.
Ingredients
– 1 cup raw cashews
– 1 cup raw almonds
– 1 cup goji berries
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup mulberries
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or cacao nibs for a healthier option)
– 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– 1/4 cup hemp seeds
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– Pinch of sea salt (optional)
This recipe yields about 8 servings, perfect for sharing (or not)!
How to Make Superfood Trail Mix?
Ready to dive into the snack-making adventure? Let’s make this trail mix together!
1. Start by preparing your ingredients. If you want to enhance the flavor and crunchiness, lightly roast the raw cashews and almonds in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Trust me, this is worth your time! Just let them cool down afterward.
2. Grab a large mixing bowl, and combine your cooled nuts (cashews and almonds), goji berries, dried cranberries, mulberries, dark chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.
3. If you decided to include vanilla extract, drizzle it over the mixture now and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt if you’re feeling it!
4. Mix everything together well until all your ingredients are evenly distributed — you’re looking for harmony here.
5. Once mixed, transfer your delightful trail mix to an airtight container or bag. Store it in a cool, dry place, and it can last up to two weeks (if you can resist it for that long!).
6. Enjoy it straight as a snack, or get creative! Toss it on yogurt, oatmeal, or sprinkle over salads for a burst of flavor!
Snack Hacks & Fun Serving Suggestions!
Let’s talk about how to make the most of this scrumptious trail mix.
– **Mix and Match:** Feel free to swap out ingredients! Want to add dried mango or apricots? Go for it! Prefer pecans over almonds? No problem!
– **Portion Control:** Pre-pack individual servings in snack bags for those busy days when you need to grab and go.
– **Perfect for Gifting:** Put the trail mix in a cute jar, tie a ribbon around it, and give it as a gift! Everyone loves homemade snacks.
I can’t wait for you to try this Superfood Trail Mix! It’s so easy to make and perfect for any time of the day, whether you’re on a hike, at work, or just relaxing at home. If you whip up a batch, come back and tell me how much you loved it! Happy snacking!
