The beauty of trail mix is that there is no “right way” to make it. In fact, trail mix can be formulated to suit any taste preference and contain any number of ingredients. Besides being versatile, trail mix is also easy to pack and store. It can last for several days in a well-sealed container, requiring no refrigeration. For that reason, it’s the perfect snack food for campouts or other outdoor adventures. Trail mix is also loaded with nutrition, built to help fuel workouts as well as other sweat-inducing tasks.
Packed with dried fruit, nuts and whole grains, trail mix is a filling snack that is good for you, too. Trail mix is a great and easy way to refuel during a long hike or bike ride, as it can replenish carbohydrates and provide energy to continue your journey.
Not a long-distance athlete or adventurer? No problem, trail mix is the perfect snack for any road trip or traveling excursion. Anyone can enjoy the taste and nutrition of trail mix, just pay attention to portion size to avoid over-indulging. Portion out mix into ¼ -cup servings to help snack in moderation.
Note: Trail Mix is also a great holiday gift to send to friends and family; just make sure to mail it safely.
This recipe makes a big eight-cup batch of trail mix. To keep it fresh, let the clusters and nuts cool down to room temperature before mixing. Store it in a container with a tight-fitting lid or in a resealable plastic food storage bag. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture and extreme heat.
Food Safety Tip: This recipe calls for using egg whites to help make delicious granola clusters. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water after working with eggs to prevent the possibility of any cross-contamination. And don’t forget those countertops, too. Give them a good clean with a sanitizing solution to keep your kitchen clean and safe.
Trail Mix
Ingredients
- 3 cups granola* (any kind works, but a basic version works best, one without a lot of dried fruit or nuts)
- 1 large egg white
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds), toasted
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, blueberries, raisins, etc.)
- 1 cup whole-wheat cereal
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large mixing bowl whip the egg white until foamy. Add the granola and toss with a wooden spoon until mixture is well-coated.
- Spread the granola out in an even layer onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time. Do not stir.
- Remove granola from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Once granola is cool, break it gently into clusters.
- Add the clusters and the remaining ingredients to a bowl. Mix gently to combine. Serve immediately or store in a food-safe container with a tight-fitting lid or in a re-sealable plastic bag.
