Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups Mixed Whole Grain Cereal: (e.g., Cheerios, Chex, Kix, or similar) – Provides a crunchy, high-fiber base. Choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties.
- 1 cup Pretzels: (mini twists, sticks, or snaps) – Adds a salty crunch and satisfying texture.
- 1 cup Nuts and/or Seeds: (e.g., almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds) – Offer healthy fats, protein, and a more substantial bite. Use roasted and lightly salted, or raw.
- 1/2 cup Dried Fruit: (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots (chopped), apple rings (chopped)) – Lends natural sweetness, chewiness, and a boost of vitamins.
- 1/2 cup “Fun” Add-in (Optional): (e.g., mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, yogurt-covered raisins, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut) – Adds an element of treat and excitement, especially for kids. Use sparingly for a healthier mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (Optional): – Enhances the overall flavor profile, especially if using unsalted nuts or pretzels.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Gather a very large mixing bowl, your measuring cups, and all your chosen ingredients. Ensure your hands are clean.
- Combine Cereals and Pretzels: Add the mixed whole grain cereals and pretzels to the large mixing bowl. Gently toss them together to distribute them evenly.
- Incorporate Nuts and Seeds: Add your selection of nuts and/or seeds to the bowl. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to crush the more delicate cereal pieces.
- Mix in Dried Fruit: Sprinkle the dried fruit over the mixture. If using larger dried fruits like apricots or apple rings, ensure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces beforehand. Stir again, ensuring the dried fruit doesn’t clump together too much.
- Add the “Fun” Element (and Salt, if using): If you’re including a fun add-in like chocolate chips or mini marshmallows, now is the time to add them. Sprinkle them in, along with the optional fine sea salt if you desire a more pronounced sweet-and-salty balance.
- Gently Toss to Combine: Using a large spoon or your hands, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well distributed. The goal is to have a little bit of everything in each handful. Avoid over-mixing, which can break down the cereals.
- Portion into Snack Bags (Optional but Recommended): Once thoroughly mixed, you can immediately portion the trail mix into individual snack-sized resealable bags or small airtight containers. This is great for grab-and-go convenience and portion control.
- Store Properly: If not portioning immediately, transfer the entire batch of trail mix into a large airtight container. Store at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250