This Protein-Packed Trail Mix is equal parts savory, sweet, and downright addictive.
Whether you’re climbing a mountain or hiking to your couch, this trail mix is here to fuel you through your day’s adventures. Rather than buying ready-made snack mixes, which tend to be full of all kinds of questionable ingredients, I always make sure to have treats in the house that are wholesome and satisfying. And that’s why this recipe is such a winner.
You’ll only need six ingredients (not counting the salt), and one of them is jerky, or biltong as it’s called in South Africa. It’s wildly popular in my house as a snack for a rugby game, the Formula One, or just with sundowners. When you combine jerky with other foods, something truly delicious happens: the smoky, savory depth of the jerky draws out the earthy nuttiness of toasted pecans and enhances the bright, sweet pops of flavor from dried pears and cranberries, making this trail mix a jar of bold and hearty flavors.
Is This Protein-Packed Trail Mix Healthy?
This trail mix recipe is loaded with nutrients that’ll keep your energy steady and your taste buds happy. Pecans bring healthy fats, while the dried fruit adds fiber and natural sweetness without going overboard, and the beef jerky is the protein-packed hero of the mix.
Make sure to pick out an all-natural jerky with no artificial ingredients and minimal processing. While it’s not the healthiest, I love jerky with a little fat left on, as the fat imparts an incredibly rich, savory flavor and uplifts the other ingredients.
The only vegan-unfriendly ingredient here is beef jerky. To make this trail mix recipe vegan, just swap it for another protein-rich ingredient like dried edamame beans or roasted chickpeas, or try to find a vegan jerky made from ingredients like mushrooms, tempeh, or jackfruit.
Jerky Vs Biltong: What’s the Difference?
Jerky and biltong both pack a protein punch, but they’re far from identical. While jerky has been a staple of American snacking for centuries, biltong seems to have been shared around braais in South Africa for millennia.
The main difference lies in their preparation: jerky is typically dehydrated using heat and often includes sweet marinades or smoky spices. Biltong, on the other hand, is air-dried, resulting in a more tender texture and a flavor profile that’s richer.
Another key difference is the seasoning. While jerky often leans on sugary or barbecue-inspired flavors, biltong sticks to simplicity: salt, vinegar, and a blend of spices like coriander or black pepper. This difference in preparation makes biltong a more natural, unprocessed option for those looking to avoid extra sugar or artificial flavors.
How To Make Ahead And Store
If you want to store your trail mix for later use, you can transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable bag and keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. This will keep for about 1 month. If you store it in the refrigerator, it will last for roughly 45 days. If you want to freeze your trail mix, just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
The next time you have guests over for a sports game or dinner party, pull together my ultimate snack platter and let the compliments roll in! For a little taste of Spain, serve marinated white anchovies alongside olives, Homemade Potato Chips, and aioli (trust me on this one).
On a separate plate or platter, I also like to serve a mini-charcuterie-style platter with this trail mix, some Baked Plantain Chips, some Fried Tortilla Chips, and my favorite dips: Avocado Dip, Black Bean Dip, and Tirokafteri (Spicy Feta Dip).
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 bag jerky roughly chopped
- 6 tablespoons dried pears diced
- 4 tablespoons dried cranberries roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, toss pecans with olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary and a pinch of sea salt, and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread evenly on the prepared pan and bake until golden brown and "toasted" smelling. This should take about 10 to 13 minutes, just don't let them burn! Allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Once cooled, roughly chop the pecans and place them into a large bowl. Add in the remaining ingredients and toss until evenly mixed.
- Store in resealable bags or an airtight container and enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
