Zesty Ranch Jerky Trail Mix Recipe: Bold Flavor Adventure!

Snacking reaches new heights with this spicy ranch jerky trail mix that combines bold flavors and crunchy textures.

Protein-packed jerky mingles with roasted nuts and zesty seasonings for an irresistible blend.

Savory and spicy notes dance across your palate with each handful of this addictive mix.

Dried herbs and ranch seasoning create a tangy undertone that keeps you reaching for more.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver maximum flavor and nutrition.

Crunchy almonds, crisp pepitas, and tender jerky make this trail mix a perfect companion for outdoor adventures or quick energy boosts.

Fuel your next trek or midday craving with this mouthwatering snack that packs a serious punch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

Cool Ranch Jerky Trail Mix – What You’ll Need

• Jerky: Lean, savory protein that adds robust flavor and satisfying chew to the trail mix.
• Corn Nuts: Crunchy, toasted corn kernels that provide a hearty protein boost and textural contrast.

• Pretzels, Corn Chips, Crackers: Salty, crisp base ingredients that create a delightful crunch and hold the seasoning perfectly.

• Ranch Seasoning: Zesty herb blend that delivers tangy, creamy flavor profile to the entire mix.
• Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Helps distribute seasoning evenly and ensures ingredients stick together while adding richness.
• Nuts: Provide additional crunch, healthy fats, and nutty undertones that complement the ranch seasoning.

Tools to Prep and Mix Cool Ranch Trail Blend

• Large Bowl: Spacious mixing vessel for combining all dry ingredients.
• Small Bowl: Helps mix ranch seasoning with oil or butter smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Flat surface for evenly spreading and toasting trail mix.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for measuring ranch seasoning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for tossing and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Airtight Container: Essential for storing finished trail mix and keeping it fresh.

How to Make This Jerky Trail Mix at Home

• Prep Your Flavor Base

Grab a spacious mixing vessel and toss in your favorite jerky pieces, crunchy pretzels, salty corn chips, hearty nuts, zesty crackers, and crispy corn nuts for a robust trail mix foundation.

• Create Tangy Coating

Whisk ranch seasoning with smooth olive oil or melted butter until perfectly blended, creating a mouthwatering liquid that will transform your mix.

• Toss and Coat

Pour the seasoning liquid over your trail mix ingredients, gently stirring to ensure every morsel gets a delicious flavor embrace.

• Optional Toasting

If you want enhanced crunch and deeper flavors, spread the mix on a baking sheet and warm in a 250F oven for 15-20 minutes. Skip this step for immediate snacking.

• Cool and Store

Allow the trail mix to reach room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container to maintain maximum crunchiness and preserve those irresistible ranch-infused flavors.

Serve Cool Ranch Jerky Trail Mix Anytime, Anywhere

• Party Platter Powerhouse: Serve this zesty trail mix on a large wooden board with small bowls for easy grabbing during game nights or movie marathons.
• Lunch Box Boost: Pack single-serving portions in small resealable bags for kids' school lunches or adult workplace snacks that add exciting crunch and flavor.
• Tailgate Champion: Transport this mix in a large container for outdoor sporting events, camping trips, or road adventures where portable, protein-packed snacks shine.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Offer as a savory nibble alongside craft beers, light wines, or mixed drinks during casual entertaining or weekend gatherings with friends.

How to Store This Mix for On-the-Go Snacking

• Keep your trail mix in a sealed glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Consume within 5-7 days for optimal taste and texture, storing at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing near heat sources like stoves or windows, which can quickly degrade the nuts and crackers' quality and make chips lose their crunch.
• Add a small food-grade silica gel packet inside the container to absorb excess humidity and extend the mix's shelf life, keeping ingredients crisp and flavorful.

Flavor Tweaks and Crunch Additions to Explore

• Toast ingredients lightly to enhance flavor and add extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Use reduced-sodium jerky and low-salt pretzels for a heart-friendly version that doesn't compromise taste.
• Replace wheat-based pretzels and crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers or corn chips to make the mix celiac-safe.
• Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
• Substitute some nuts with roasted chickpeas or additional lean jerky to increase protein content for active lifestyles.

Spicy Ranch Jerky Trail Mix Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savor southwestern zest with cool ranch jerky trail mix, a snack that blends hearty protein and crunchy textures. Spicy, tangy flavors dance across your palate, offering adventurous munching perfect for hiking or casual snacking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsps ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsps olive oil or melted butter (for tossing)
• 1 cup beef jerky (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup corn chips (like Fritos)
• 1 cup ranch-flavored corn nuts or seasoned tortilla strips
• 1 cup cheese crackers (like Cheez-Its)
• 1 cup mini pretzels
• 1 cup roasted almonds or peanuts (57 g)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend ranch seasoning with olive oil or melted butter until thoroughly combined.
2. Mix Assembly: In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate jerky, pretzels, corn chips, nuts, crackers, and corn nuts, ensuring comprehensive ingredient integration.
3. Coating Technique: Pour seasoning mixture over trail mix components, gently tossing to achieve uniform flavor distribution and complete ingredient coverage.
4. Optional Toasting: If desired, heat oven to 250F (120C) and spread mixture evenly across baking sheet, roasting for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor complexity and texture.
5. Cooling and Storage: Allow trail mix to reach ambient temperature completely, then transfer to hermetic container for optimal freshness and crunch preservation.

Notes

• Adjust ranch seasoning amount based on personal taste preference, starting with less and adding gradually to avoid overwhelming flavors.
• Toast ingredients separately before mixing to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption from jerky or seasonings.
• Swap jerky types or use alternative protein sources like roasted chickpeas or plant-based jerky for dietary variations.
• Keep trail mix in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to preserve crunchiness and prevent staleness, consuming within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg