Name: Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds (Toast until lightly brown for added flavor.); 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (Can be toasted or spiced.); ½ cup raw pistachios (Can be swapped for walnuts or cashews.); ½ cup dried cherries (Can substitute with dried cranberries.); ½ cup dark chocolate chips (Use chips with at least 70% cocoa for more antioxidants.)

Table of Contents

why make this recipe

This Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix for Anti-Inflammation is simple and quick. It mixes healthy nuts, seeds, tart fruit, and dark chocolate. The mix gives protein, good fats, and antioxidants. It makes a good snack after work, before a walk, or when you need a quick pick-me-up.

introduction

This trail mix helps calm inflammation with nuts and cherries that have anti-inflammatory nutrients. The dark chocolate adds flavor and antioxidants. You can make this in 15 minutes and keep it for days. For pantry tips you can use with snacks, see 4 secret ingredients for the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

how to make Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix for Anti-Inflammation

Follow simple steps. Toast the almonds for more flavor. Chop the almonds for easy eating. Mix everything in a bowl. Store in an airtight jar.

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

Directions :

Set your oven to preheat at 350°F., Arrange the raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet and bake them, stirring halfway through, until they emit a fragrant aroma and start to brown slightly, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, let them cool and chop them into coarse pieces., In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, dried cherries or cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute all the ingredients., Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container for storage. It can be kept at room temperature for up to five days.

how to serve Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix for Anti-Inflammation

Serve in small bowls for snacking. Pack a portion in a small bag for work or hikes. Add a spoonful to yogurt or oatmeal for crunch.

how to store Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix for Anti-Inflammation

Keep the mix in an airtight container. Store at room temperature away from heat. Use within five days for best flavor. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

tips to make Dark Chocolate-Cherry Trail Mix for Anti-Inflammation

Toast almonds until lightly brown for more taste.
Chop nuts coarse so pieces are easy to eat.
Use tart dried cherries for more anti-inflammatory benefit.
Use dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cocoa for more antioxidants.
Let almonds cool fully before mixing to keep chocolate from melting.

variation (if any)

Swap pistachios for walnuts or cashews.
Use cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips for less sugar.
Add a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Use dried cranberries if you prefer a slightly sweeter mix.

FAQs

Q: Can I use roasted almonds instead of raw?
A: Yes. Roasted almonds work fine. Skip the oven step if you use roasted nuts.

Q: How long will this mix last?
A: At room temperature, up to five days. In the fridge, up to two weeks.

Q: Is this mix good for kids?
A: Yes, but watch portion size. Nuts are high in calories. Cut large nut pieces for small children.

Q: Can I make a big batch?
A: Yes. For large batches, store in separate airtight containers to keep fresh.

Conclusion

This simple mix gives a tasty snack with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Try small batches and change nuts to your taste. For another dark chocolate and cherry nut idea, see Sharon Palmer’s Dark Chocolate and Cherry Nut Mix recipe.