Looking for a delicious and healthy snack? Try this Savoury Trail Mix recipe! Packed with almonds, cashews, peanuts, and seeds, it's seasoned with soy sauce, maple syrup, and spices for a flavorful crunch. Easy to make and perfect for on-the-go snacking!
Savoury Trail Mix: Your Go-To Healthy Snack for Protein and Flavor
In today's fast-paced world, finding healthy snacks can be a challenge. If you’re looking for something that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, look no further than this Savoury Trail Mix recipe. With a blend of nuts, seeds, and spices, this snack offers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and flavor. Let’s dive deeper into this recipe, how to customize it, and why it’s a fantastic addition to your daily diet.
Why Choose Savoury Trail Mix?
Nutrient-Packed Protein Boost
Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, supporting metabolic functions, and keeping you full between meals. This Savoury Trail Mix is an excellent source of plant-based protein, thanks to the combination of almonds, cashews, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds.
A handful of this mix provides a quick protein boost that can help curb hunger and keep your energy levels steady throughout the day. Whether you’re hitting the gym, working at your desk, or on the go, this snack is an ideal choice.
Rich in Healthy Fats
In addition to protein, the nuts and seeds in this mix are rich in healthy fats, particularly linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It supports heart health, aids in hormone production, and helps with skin and hair health. Consuming foods high in linoleic acid can also improve your cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the best aspects of this Savoury Trail Mix is its simplicity. With minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes. Just mix the ingredients, bake, and let cool. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals or families looking for a healthy snack without the hassle.
Customizing Your Savoury Trail Mix
One of the best features of this Savoury Trail Mix is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for customization:
Add Different Nuts
Feel free to swap out any of the nuts in the recipe. Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts can add unique flavors and textures. Each type of nut brings its own nutritional benefits, so mix and match according to what you enjoy most.
Experiment with Seeds
In addition to pumpkin and sesame seeds, consider adding chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds. These seeds not only boost the nutrient profile but also add a delightful crunch.
Spice it Up
If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg. The flavor possibilities are endless!
Try Different Oils
While olive oil and avocado oil are excellent choices, you can experiment with flavored oils like sesame oil or even coconut oil for a different twist. Just be mindful of the flavor profiles.
Incorporate Dried Fruits
For a sweet and savory balance, add some dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots after baking. This adds a chewy texture and a burst of natural sweetness.
The Health Benefits of Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that is vital for overall health. While our bodies cannot produce it, we can obtain it from dietary sources like nuts and seeds. Here’s why linoleic acid is essential:
Supports Heart Health
Linoleic acid is known for its ability to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This can lead to improved heart health and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Aids in Skin Health
Linoleic acid is beneficial for skin health, helping to maintain its barrier function and hydration. This can help prevent dryness and irritation, making it a common ingredient in many skincare products.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Consuming adequate amounts of linoleic acid may help reduce inflammation in the body. This is crucial for preventing chronic diseases and maintaining overall well-being.
Ideal Snack for Any Occasion
This Savoury Trail Mix isn’t just a great snack for your daily routine; it’s perfect for various occasions:
Post-Workout Snack: After a workout, replenish your energy with a handful of this trail mix to aid in muscle recovery.
Travel Snack: Pack it for road trips or flights to avoid unhealthy snacks at convenience stores.
Office Snack: Keep a jar at your desk for a quick pick-me-up during those long work hours.
Party Snack: Serve it at gatherings for a unique and healthy snack option that everyone will enjoy.
Storing Your Savoury Trail Mix
To keep your Savoury Trail Mix fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to two weeks, but we’re sure it’ll be gone long before then! If you want to keep it for a longer time, consider refrigerating or freezing it.
Conclusion
The Savoury Trail Mix is more than just a snack; it’s a nutrient-dense, customizable, and flavorful option that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle. With its high protein content and richness in linoleic acid, this mix provides essential nutrients your body needs to thrive. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, a handful of this trail mix is an easy way to boost your energy and satisfy your cravings.
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Savoury Trail Mix Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cooking time: 24 min Total time: 29 min
Servings:
Ingredients:
Nuts & Seeds:
2 cups almonds
1 cup cashews
1 cup peanuts
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
Seasoning Mixture:
1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Nuts & Seeds: In a large bowl, combine the almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and nutritional yeast.
Prepare the Seasoning: In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.
Combine: Pour the seasoning mixture over the nuts and seeds. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Bake: Spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 12 minutes, then stir and bake for another 12 minutes.
Cool: Allow the trail mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps it dry and harden up.
Tips:
Storage: Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Additions: Feel free to customize by adding spices or other seeds to your liking.
Serving: Great as a snack or sprinkled on salads!
Enjoy your savory treat!
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