Secretly Healthy Sweet N' Salty Trail Mix (Gluten Free, Vegan)

When that 3 o'clock slump hits, what snack do you like to reach for? Gluten free cookies? A veggie cup? How about a (sponsored) healthy trail mix that is not only gluten and nut free (*besides coconut), but also packed with vegan protein? 

Not to toot my own horn, but this is the best trail mix recipe ever if you want to avoid allergens but get plenty of nutrition and flavor.  

You get protein from the seeds and buckwheat groats, healthy fats from the coconut flakes and a slight hit of sweetness from The Little Kernel's sweet n' salty popcorn. It's also worth mentioning that buckwheat groats are one of the main reasons this is the best trail mix recipe ever. They get delightfully light and crunchy when toasted, turning this recipe into a texture hound's paradise. (I can attest to this!). What more could you want from a healthy trail mix recipe?

Oh, and even better, this recipe takes 20 minutes or less to whip up and boasts a few superfoods thanks to a turmeric and cacao powder coating. Trust me. That late afternoon slump will never taste so sweet (and salty)! 

Ready to dive into your own bag of this secretly healthy trail mix? Then gather the ten simple ingredients below.

Ingredients:

1 cup of toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds
3/4 cup of toasted shredded coconut
1/2 cup of toasted buckwheat groats
1 cup of popcorn (I used The Little Kernel's Sweet and Salty mix)
1/2 cup of raisins
Optional: 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp cacao powder to coat

To make your soon-to-be latest snacking addiction, start by mixing all the ingredients EXCEPT for the popcorn, raisins and spices together in a large bowl. When they're well incorporated, pour them on two (or one large) skillet. You don't need to add any oil; this mix will toast all on its own! 

Turn the heat up to seven and bake for around 10 minutes, stirring the whole time. You'll know it's time to take the pan off the heat when you smell the buckwheat toasting and everything is golden brown.

Let the mix cool for a few minutes and pour it back into your bowl. Then measure and add your popcorn, raisins and spices. You could add your spices before cooking, but I found it less messy to wait until later. Stir thoroughly, let completely cool and devour! Leftovers can be stored in a sealed bag in a cool, dark place for a few weeks. 

As usual, this recipe is easily personalized and tweaked. If you're a chocoholic, add cacao nibs or make this homemade trail mix with M&Ms. You can also add your own favorite seeds (like flax or chia) or nuts (I think cashews would meld especially well). And, if you want a healthy trail mix recipe without nuts of any kind, just omit the shredded coconut! 

Need even more ideas? Experiment with different forms of dried fruit (if you've never had dried pineapple chunks, fix that ASAP), and spices (from maca to nutmeg to spirulina if you're feeling especially daring). You can even crumble up your favorite protein bar (I'm addicted to Aloha and Health Warrior these days) for chewy bits. 

As for how to eat this healthy trail mix recipe, well, just follow your taste buds' lead. It makes a deliciously crunchy topping for smoothie bowls, nana ice cream or a yogurt parfait. I also eat this trail mix by the spoonful with nut butter and fruit. In fact, if you need an easy breakfast or snack for traveling, just pack this healthy trail mix and a banana!

Like this post? Tweet me some love by clicking the following: "Enjoy a sweet & salty snack w/ this secretly #healthy trail mix recipe! #Glutenfree, #vegan & 100% yummy!"

As everyone who's been following this blog knows, I am an extreme homemade granola addict. I make a huge batch every week...and every week it magically disappears! I have a feeling, though, that this trail mix is going to sneak its way into my weekly staples. 

Because what's a better secret weapon for slaying a busy (grad school) schedule than having a bag of this healthy goodness on hand?!? 

*I received bags of The Little Kernel in return for a feature on my blog; however, all opinions, recipes, and photographs are my own. I honestly love The Little Kernel, so thanks for supporting what supports Casey the College Celiac!*

*Also found at Snickerdoodle Sunday, Made By You Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, What'd You Do This Weekend, Inspire Me Monday, Totally Terrific Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Healthy Living Link Party, Pretty Pintastic, Foodie Friday, Snickerdoodle Sunday*

What's your favorite afternoon snack? What ingredients would you put in the best trail mix recipe ever? I'm always looking for new ideas, so hit me up in the comments below!