Trail mix is one of the easiest to make and healthiest snacks out there, and with endless possibilities, you can try this mix or choose your own favorite nuts and seeds to create your own. 

Every so often, my dad has to bring in snacks or baked goods to work for co-workers’ birthday celebrations, and when he does, he turns to me. Last week I made an “amazing” apple spice cake that was gluten-free, but not vegan. This week, he requested a healthier snack since the birthday guy prefers those types of food over indulgent baked goods.

So, he got my mind turning, and due to lack of time, I decided to create a trail mix. Let me emphasize there is no ONE recipe for trail mix. It can be any combination of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolate or peanut butter chips, and cereals and puffed grains. From savory to sweet, the possibilities are endless.

I choose the ingredients for my mix based on my dad’s favorites since I was making it for his workplace and knew he would have at least a handful or two. If you do not care for one of the ingredients simply swap it out for one you do. Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas) could be a great substitution for the sunflower seeds, for example.

FYI– you can also save a lot of money by buying your ingredients in the bulk section of your local Whole Foods Market or similar store. That way you can buy exactly what you need. If you are a celiac like myself, I don’t recommend doing it for fear of cross-contamination, but if you’re making the mix for someone else it’s a great way to go.

Ingredients: 

1/2 roasted and salted sunflower seeds

1 cup roasted almonds

1 cup roasted cashews

1 cup raisins

3/4 pistachios

1/2 cup chocolate coconut pieces, smashed into small pieces (I used Go Raw’s Choco Chunk coconut crisps)

Directions: 

Pour all ingredients into a large container with a lid that is slightly larger than the amount of trail mix. Shake well to combine, and enjoy!