Delicious Gluten-Free Trail Mix Recipe for Snack Lovers
Welcome to my gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free trail mix recipe! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I always try to create simple and healthy recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone while still being delicious. Trail mixes are perfect for those who are always on-the-go or need a quick snack during the day.
This specific recipe is an ideal blend of sweet and savory flavors. It includes dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, gluten-free pretzels, and gluten-free Chex cereal mixed with dark chocolate chips. This snack mix is something that you can keep in your pantry for when you need a salty snack, appetizer, or even something to enjoy during your “me-time.”
The best part of this recipe is that it takes less than 10 minutes to prepare – this means you can prepare it quickly before leaving the house for any outing or make it ahead of time when going on a trip. Plus, there are many substitutions and variations suggested in this article in case you want to add or replace ingredients according to your taste!
So let’s get started on this healthy trail mix adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of snacking on bland, pre-packaged trail mixes? Look no further! This Gluten Free Trail Mix Recipe is a healthy and delicious alternative to those store-bought snack bags.
Firstly, this recipe contains a variety of ingredients that not only offer great flavor but also provide numerous health benefits. The combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit all offer essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, and antioxidants. And the best part? This recipe uses gluten-free ingredients so those with dietary restrictions can indulge in a hearty snack without feeling limited.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly easy to make! With just 10 simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch that will last you for days. It’s perfect for those who are always on the go or for anyone who’s just looking for an easy snack option.
Lastly, this mix is versatile and customizable to suit all your snacking needs. You can easily switch out ingredients based on your preferences or add in some extras such as dark chocolate chips or even popcorn to give your trail mix a fun twist. Plus, it makes the perfect snack for any occasion whether it be a camping trip or Christmas party appetizer.
In conclusion, this Gluten Free Trail Mix Recipe is the ultimate go-to snack that you won’t regret trying. It’s nutritious, quick-to-make, and customizable making it perfect for anyone looking for an easy and enjoyable snacking experience.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this healthy, gluten-free trail mix recipe.
Ingredients List:
- 4 cups gluten-free Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 2 cups gluten-free pretzels (broken into smaller pieces)
- 1 cup roasted almonds
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (gluten-free)
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
All the listed ingredients can easily be substituted with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. This makes it easy to customize the recipe to fit your specific taste preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to dive into the exciting part- how to make this delectable gluten-free trail mix! Trust me, the process is quick and effortless.
Ingredients:
Let’s first gather all the ingredients required to make this healthy snack mix:
- 2 cups gluten-free pretzels
- 3 cups gluten-free chex cereal (1 cup Rice Chex Cereal + 2 cups Corn Chex Cereal)
- 1 cup roasted pecans
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup almond butter
Note:
You can also try adding other nuts such as almonds or walnuts, if you like.
Instructions:
Now that we’ve got everything we need, let’s get started with the recipe. Here are the step-by-step instructions on making this yummy gluten-free trail mix:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take a baking sheet and spread the gluten-free pretzels on it in a single layer.
- Bake the pretzels for about 5 minutes until they start turning golden brown.
- Meanwhile, place all other ingredients in a large bowl and stir them together.
- Once the pretzels are done, remove them from the oven and add them to the bowl containing other ingredients (except for almond butter).
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat up almond butter for about 15 seconds until melted completely.
- Pour the melted almond butter over the trail mix mixture and stir well to coat evenly with it.
- Spread out the mixture on another baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes until it appears crispy.
- Take the baking sheet out from the oven and allow the trail mix to cool down before storing it in an airtight container.
Serving and Pairing:
This gluten-free trail mix is perfect as a healthy snack to munch on anytime, anywhere. You can serve it as a pre-workout snack or take it with you on hikes, camping trips or any other outdoor adventure. It is also great for sharing with friends and family during get-togethers, BBQs or even movie nights. You can pair it with your preferred beverages such as tea, green juice or even coconut water.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating:
You can make this trail mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Store it in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight to keep its freshness intact. This snack mix doesn’t require refrigeration. If you want to reheat the snack mix, you
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this gluten-free trail mix recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile, making it easy to change up the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences or accentuate your dietary goals. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Nut free: If you’re allergic to tree nuts or peanuts, swap them out for more seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds. You could also use roasted chickpeas or edamame for an added protein boost.
– Dairy free: This recipe is already dairy-free, but if you want to add a cheesy flavor, try tossing in some nutritional yeast.
– Vegan: Use vegan butter instead of regular butter when roasting the nuts and seeds, and use dark chocolate chips that are vegan-friendly.
– Low sugar: Use unsweetened dried fruit and dark chocolate chips with a high percentage of cocoa solids (80% or higher) to minimize added sugars.
– S’mores version: This variation is a hit with kids (and adults who are kids at heart). Add gluten-free graham crackers broken into pieces, mini marshmallows, and dairy-free chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.
– Christmas version: The festive season calls for a special version of this trail mix. Swap out the chocolate chips in the original recipe for red and green M&Ms or peanut butter cups. Add some homemade popcorn snack mixed with a drizzle of olive oil, salted cashews and raisins to make it even more Christmassy!
Whatever tweaks you make, be sure to keep the ratios of ingredients balanced so that you end up with a delicious snack mix that’s just sweet enough without overwhelming your taste buds. Happy snacking!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delicious and healthy trail mix, it’s time to start enjoying it. One great thing about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be eaten in many different ways.
Firstly, the trail mix makes for a perfect snack on its own. It’s the ideal snack to pack on the go or bring to work for an afternoon pick-me-up.
You can also use this trail mix as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal bowls. Simply sprinkle some over the top of your breakfast bowl for added crunch and texture.
If you’re feeling creative, try using the mix as a salad topper. This will add a burst of flavor and make your salads more filling.
Another great way of serving this trail mix is by using it as an appetizer before a meal. Serve in small cups or bowls as an alternative to chips or popcorn snacks.
For those with a sweet tooth, adding a few extra chocolate chips opens up the possibility of an indulgent s’mores experience made right at home which would be perfect for Christmas!
In terms of pairing, this trail mix goes well with almost anything! A nice refreshing drink such as water, iced tea or lemonade can perfectly complement the taste of the mix.
Overall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to serving and pairing this delicious healthy trail mix recipe! So feel free to experiment and find what suits your taste buds best!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of this gluten-free trail mix recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it for later use. Once you’ve combined all the ingredients, transfer the trail mix to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. I recommend keeping it on your kitchen counter or pantry shelf where it’s easily accessible.
If you need to store the trail mix for an extended period, put it in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh for longer. For best results, consume stored trail mix within two to three weeks for optimal freshness.
Reheating the trail mix is not necessary since all the ingredients are served raw. However, if you prefer your nuts and seeds roasted for more flavor or crunch, you can certainly do so before mixing them with the other ingredients. To roast the nuts and seeds, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
To reheat roasted nuts and seeds, put them in a skillet over low heat and stir constantly until they are heated through. Please note that reheating may affect the texture and flavor of your trail mix.
In summary, making and storing this healthy gluten-free trail mix recipe is incredibly easy. Just remember to keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or refrigerate/freeze if needed for longer storage life!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re a fan of the beloved snack mix, but want to step up your game and try a homemade, healthier version, then this gluten-free trail mix recipe is for you! As with all recipes, there are some tips and tricks that can help make the final product even better. After all, we want the perfect snack for our on-the-go lifestyle – easy to make, nutritious, and of course, tasty. Here are some essential tips to take into account when making this recipe.
1. Roasting Nuts
If you want your nuts to have that perfect crunch in your trail mix, then roasting them is key! Spread out your nuts on a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for about ten minutes, or until they start to turn golden brown. This process will not only enhance their flavor but give them that satisfyingly crispy texture.
2. Avoid Soggy Trail Mix
One of the worst things about trail mix (or any snack mix) is when it becomes soggy. To avoid this, make sure to keep any dried fruit separate from moist ingredients until you’re ready to eat or serve them. If you are mixing these ingredients in advance store it in an air-tight container or bag with paper towels inside to absorb any moisture.
3. Opt for Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a little bit of chocolate in their trail mix? But not all chocolate is created equal; opt for dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips to add more health benefits to your snack. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can support heart health.
4. Keep the Mix Fresh
If you’re preparing this mix ahead of time or have leftovers, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it if you need to extend its life by an extra week. If you want to take it a step further and really extend shelf life (or planning on gifting this) you can add an oxygen absorber (those white packets that come in snack bags) to prevent moisture and extend shelf-life.
5. Experiment with Variations
Lastly, don’t be afraid to have a little fun and experiment with the ingredients! Maybe swap out the almonds for walnuts, or try using pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds. You can incorporate different dry fruits like apricots, cranberries, or cherries. You can even add a hint of salty with dried olives or crispy bacon bits. As long as you keep the same proportions, you can create your own special mix to satisfy your taste buds.
By following these tips, you can ensure perfect results every time and step-up your trail mix game effortlessly. With a medley of sweet and savory flavors- crunchy nuts; soft, chewy fruit; and delectable dark chocolate chips – this snack is the perfect size for satisfying hunger pangs without overindulging- whether on-the-go or relaxing at home.
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the information you need – let me persuade you to try this Gluten Free Trail Mix Recipe.
This recipe is not only gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free but it’s packed with nutritious ingredients and can be easily adjusted to your personal taste preferences!
Whether you’re on a hike or working from home, a small serving of this healthy trail mix can provide you an instant energy boost that keeps you fueled throughout the day.
Moreover, by using organic ingredients like dried cranberries and sunflower seeds, you’re promoting healthier eating habits in your daily diet which is essential for maintaining good health.
The salty-sweet combination of the chocolate chips and pretzels make it an excellent option for an appetizer recipe or even as a homemade snack to serve at Christmas parties!
This Gluten-Free Trail Mix is genuinely the best mix of sweet, salty, chewy and crunchy in one go. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed.
Gluten Free Trail Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients into a snack bag. Then you'll always have a snack on hand wherever you are!
- Note: If you prefer you may use walnuts instead of pecans.