Back-to-School Trail Mix
With summer on it’s last leg (pinch me…where did it go?), I’ve been turning my thoughts toward back-to-the-routine meal ideas, after school snacks, and warming fall recipes. While we’re a good few weeks away from autumn, I’m still finding myself ready for that first Honeycrisp apple, those nippy afternoons that send me to the dresser to dig out my favorite sweater.
Along with a new season comes another school year. Growing up, snacks were an integral part of my day. I had the privilege of being homeschooled for most of my education, meaning I could duck into the kitchen at any given time to cut up a piece of fruit or a make a quick sandwich. But grab-and-go snacks still had their place. Trail mix was one of my favorite nibbles, and still is to this day. Some things never change, do they?
This basic trail mix has loads of wiggle room for variation. Add chocolate chips for a sweeter treat, or change up the nuts, seeds, and fruits to your liking. Nuts are sturdy and firm, which means that they hold up well to being crammed into the bottom of a backpack. Unlike crackers or cereal, they won’t turn into crumbs beneath a heavy load of books.
In case you missed it, my cookbook is set to be released on September 12th! You’ll find many more healthy snack recipes in the book (all gluten- and dairy-free), including:
- Crunchy Crackers
- Sea Salt & Vinegar Kale Chips
- Kitchen Sink Health Cookies
- Maple Nut Granola Bars
- Pesto Hummus
As the season progresses, I hope to share with you more quick, easy, and family-friendly meal ideas. Whether you’re a busy single gal like me or the parent of three growing kids, fast and healthy dinners appeal to just about everyone.
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More Back-to-School Recipes
- Looking for healthy lunch ideas? Check out this round-up of gluten-free recipes at Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free that includes my Pesto Chicken Collard Rolls.
- This tasty Cashew Ranch Dip, a new recipe featured in my guest post at The Spunky Coconut, is an excellent dairy-free, vegan spread for adding to sandwiches or using as a dip for veggies.
- For loads of back-to-school recipe inspiration, you don’t want to miss the FREE e-cookbook, Smart School Time Recipes, compiled by Alisa Fleming of Go Dairy Free and Alisa Cooks. The book is chock-full of nutritious, kid-friendly recipes that will have your family well fed!
Back-to-School Trail Mix
Makes 4 cups
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup raw cashews
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup dried apricots, halved
Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Store in an airtight container, such as a glass jar. (If you don’t eat up your trail mix within about a week, store it in the refrigerator for longer keeping.)
Change it up: Trail mix is infinitely versatile. Try switching up the nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to your liking. Walnuts, shelled pistachios, chopped Black Mission figs, and raisins are a few tasty swap-ins.
Visit Slightly Indulgent Tuesday for more wholesome recipe inspiration.
Hallie, I love this trail mix version. I make trail mix often, but it has to be for an after school snack because my boy’s school is nut free. I always have some on hand!! Great recipe! =)
Looks great, Hallie! And I can’t believe the summer is almost over, too. . . *sob*. ;)
This recipes needs to come with instructions on how NOT to eat it all at once. :) I’m a trail mix fiend. I’m so excited about your book too!
Yum! For a nut-free version for my girl’s school, we use pepitas and sunflower seeds. I greatly prefer it with real nuts though :)
@sproutsmama – Yes, seeds are a great nut-free option. I’ve got to say, though, I don’t know how I’d live without my almonds and walnuts! :)
Yum! I make a similar mix with almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds and dried cherries… and it lasts about as long as it took me to type this sentence :)
I’d love it if you would link up your post at my new link party featuring allergy-friendly lunchbox ideas. The party goes live on Friday morning at http://allergyfreecookery.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there!