A quick and easy snack mix recipe that's salty, smoky, garlicky and perfect for snacking. This party mix recipe is a real crowd-pleaser!
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This healthy snack mix is so good it's hard to stop at just a handful. Salty, smoky, and garlicky, it reminds me of the traditional party snack or Chex mixes, but without the not-so-desirable ingredients. Just pure nutty goodness accented with garlic-infused olive oil and smoked spices.
It's one of my favorite snack recipes. And if you're looking for paleo, keto or Whole30 snack ideas, this recipe is perfect because it's low carb and has no added sugar or sweeteners. It makes a great trail mix too.
How to make party mix
You can make this snack mix with just about any kind of mixed nuts. I used a cup of sliced almonds and they added extra crunch to the mix. They were thin and crispy with plenty of surface area for the spicy coating. The walnuts were hearty with lots of nooks and crannies to hold the spices. I originally used cashews in this recipe, but now use pecans because they have more nooks and crannies to hold the spices.
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This recipe is so simple - just olive oil infused with garlic and the smoky spices. Because there are so few ingredients, this is the time to use spices that pack a lot of flavor.
I've been buying a lot of smoked spices lately and this was a perfect opportunity to use some of my latest finds. I used a Yakima applewood smoked sea salt and a combination of Spanish sweet and hot paprika, along with some roasted garlic olive oil. Do not skip the smoked paprika in this recipe!
You can substitute a little bit of dehydrated garlic if you only have plain olive oil, but I would not substitute the smoked paprika---it really makes the flavor. And the smoked sea salt takes the smokiness to the next level. The result is a smoky, savory paleo snack mix that would complement any drink.
And if you don't want to make your own and you're okay with dairy, you may want to try Nature's Garden probiotic keto snack mix. You can find it here.
More easy snack recipes
Looking for the best paleo and keto snacks? Try one of these easy snack ideas the next time you need a salty snack or a little something healthy to munch on.
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- 14 Easy & Delicious Keto Snack Recipes
- 10 Easy Paleo Snacks
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Easy Snack Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 tablespoon garlic infused olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons smoked sea salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon smoked hot paprika to taste
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Combine nuts in a large bowl and toss with olive oil until well coated.
- Combine salt and spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle over nuts and stir until well combined.
- Spread nuts in single layer on baking sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.
Tara says
This is amazing! And, tastes exactly like traditional snack mix. The ingredients are simple and it's quick to whip up. It will definitely be my go to paleo "party mix". Thanks for a great recipe!
Lisa says
Thank you Tara! It's my go to mix as well 🙂
Tiffany @ NOH (@txblond) says
I'm going to pick up some nuts this weekend and try this out with a few of our salt blends. Thanks! I also shared this on my blog: http://www.noordinaryhomestead.com/6-clean-quick-recipes-to-curb-the-hunger-recipe-roundup-1/
Lisa says
Awesome! Let me know how your salt blends work out - I always love to see new variations!
Jen says
This looks so delicious! My husband will love it. One quick question, did you start with raw nuts or unsalted roasted nuts? Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Lisa says
Jen, I started with raw nuts. Hope you and your husband enjoy the recipe!
Jen says
Thank you! I'm sure we will!
roenickLee says
I loove the smokey flavor of this recipe, I've actually made it a few times and bring it to work with me. Then all the other guys from work tend to devour it.
Jane says
I'm always looking for new snack mixes that are gluten free. Can't wait to make this so I have something new to pack for my afternoon snack at work. Thank you!
Lisa says
You're welcome, Jane! Hope you love it!
Carol says
I found your recipe for paleo snack mix but see the only ingredients are nuts. In the picture the mix appears to have other ingredients. Can you send a list of the other ingredients used in this snack mix? Thank you!
Lisa says
Hi Carol, this is a nut mix - all of the ingredients are listed in the recipe. The sliced almonds add a different texture. That may be what you're seeing in the photo.
Natasha says
Just made this for the first time and I'm in trouble because I may just eat them all myself! Haha love them!
Jill says
Hello! I am looking forward to making this snack mix. It sounds amazing! Unfortunately, we do not have garlic infused olive oil, so I was wondering how much dehydrated garlic you should add? Should you cook the oil first to infuse the garlic flavor or just add it to the mix?
Thank you so much for you time. Sincerely, Jill
Lisa says
Hi Jill, just add it to taste and mix it in with the rest of the spices!
KEVIN LEITCH says
the photo looks amazing! i hope to try this over the weekend. i noticed cashews were left off the ingredient list but are beautifully nestled in the bowl photographed. in efforts to keep the proportions correct I wanted to check! I'm excited to make this!
Cocktails and Carry-Ons says
This was delicious, and quite good.
Jill says
Please comment: What is the serving size, with calorie count 184 calories? Thanks.
Lisa says
The serving size is about 1/4 cup.
Nicole says
Absolutely love this recipe! Sadly our oven died the day after Christmas and we have not received the replacement. Luckily I had just made a batch but ran out today. Can I make this in the air fryer? If yes: What temp and for how long?? Thanks for your help