The easiest healthy trail mix is simply combining raw or roasted unsalted nuts, seeds and dried fruit, keeping the dried fruit as a smaller addition in relation to the other ingredients. However, if you want something a little more fun, try this sweet/salty baked version.
What you will need to make about 5 cups:
2 cups raw pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
1 cup raw sesame seeds
1 cup chopped raw walnuts
1 cup raw pine nuts
1/3 cup Grade B maple syrup (darker, has more flavor)
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup dried fruit (one kind or mixed, chopped)
What you will do:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the pepitas, sesame seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, maple syrup and salt until evenly coated. Spread the mixture out, in an even single layer, on the lined baking sheets. Bake the mixture, stirring several times with a spatula or wooden spoon, alternating the sheets on the racks. Bake about 20 minutes, until the mixture is just golden.
Cool mixture completely on the pans, then add your dried fruit (s) of choice, and toss to combine. Store cooled trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature. For travel, pack in cup amounts for an easy go-to snack between meals.
Thoughts and variations:
Change out the nuts or seeds. Exchange slivered almonds, chopped pecans, cashews or macadamia nuts for walnuts and/or pine nuts. Use hemp or sunflower seeds in exchange for sesame seeds. Get creative with the dried fruit: Try dried cherries, blueberries, pineapple, coconut shavings, etc. Try honey instead of maple syrup. Expand the trail mix with other inventive additions (after baking): broken pretzels, popcorn, Chex cereal. Have fun being creative!