Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix for Anti-Inflammation Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix is a delicious and nutritious snack designed to support anti-inflammation. Combining nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate, it’s perfect for keeping your energy up throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (toasted or spiced)
- ½ cup raw pistachios
- ½ cup dried cherries or cranberries
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Step 2: Spread the raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake them for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Allow them to cool, then chop into coarse pieces.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the chopped almonds with pumpkin seeds, pistachios, dried cherries or cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. Stir well to combine evenly.
- Step 4: Store the trail mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Tips & Variations
- Try swapping dried cherries with dried blueberries or raisins for a different fruity flavor.
- Adding a pinch of sea salt can enhance the chocolate’s richness and balance the sweetness.
- For extra crunch, toast the pumpkin seeds with a sprinkle of cinnamon or smoked paprika before mixing.
Storage
Keep the trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want it to last longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy it as a quick snack or sprinkle it over yogurt.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use roasted nuts instead of raw nuts?
Yes, roasted nuts will work fine, but toasting raw nuts fresh in the oven enhances their flavor and aroma, making your trail mix more flavorful.
Is dark chocolate better than milk chocolate for this recipe?
Dark chocolate is preferred because it contains less sugar and more antioxidants, which aligns well with the anti-inflammatory goal of this trail mix.
PrintChocolate-Cherry Trail Mix for Anti-Inflammation Recipe
This Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix is a delicious and nutritious snack packed with raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, dried cherries, and dark chocolate chips. Featuring anti-inflammatory ingredients and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s ideal for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat on the go.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Nuts & Seeds
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (toasted or spiced)
- ½ cup raw pistachios
Fruits & Sweets
- ½ cup dried cherries or cranberries
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F to prepare for roasting the almonds, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Roast Almonds: Arrange the raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake them for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Roast until they emit a fragrant aroma and begin to brown slightly. Allow them to cool, then chop into coarse pieces for optimal texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped almonds, raw pumpkin seeds, raw pistachios, dried cherries or cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients throughout the trail mix.
- Store Trail Mix: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Roasting the almonds intensifies their flavor but can be skipped if you prefer raw nuts.
- Pumpkin seeds can be toasted or spiced before adding for extra flavor.
- Use dried cherries or cranberries based on your taste preference; both add natural sweetness and tartness.
- Keep the trail mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
- This mix makes a great snack for combating inflammation due to its antioxidant-rich ingredients.
Keywords: Chocolate cherry trail mix, anti-inflammatory snack, healthy trail mix, almonds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, dried cherries, dark chocolate chips
