Tropical Trail Mix

Here we are again. We’re halfway through summer and I’m finding myself having major beach withdrawals. I really can’t help that it feels like summer most when I’ve spent copious amounts of time in the sand, hear the rolling ocean waves and breath in that salty sea air. Tropical locations certainly help and palm trees are a necessity. This is my dream summer.

This ocean craving took hold of me in the kitchen and I’m eating the tropics. When I haven’t been eating my weight in watermelon or rhubarb this month, I’ve been eating bananas, coconut and limes. This led me to this tropical trail mix. It’s a snack full of chewy, crunchy and sweet. It’s warm, satisfying and a taste of island living.

Here’s a healthy snack that gives you sweet fruit, nutritious fats and energizing protein all in one mix. Homemade banana chips are chewier than store-bought and making them at home allows us to add a squeeze of lime and ginger for extra zing! Extra crunch and protein come from macadamia nuts and pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are an amazing source of zinc and lend a touch of color to this trail mix. Extra sweetness comes from dried pineapple and coconut flakes – the best tropical fruits! Trail mixes are perfect this time of year and this tropical medley instantly feels like summer vacation. Enjoy!

Tropical Trail Mix

1 cup Homemade Banana Chips
1/3 cup Roasted or Raw Macadamia Nuts
1/3 cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds
1/3 cup Chopped unsweetened Dried Pineapple
1/3 cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
1/4 teaspoon Ginger Powder + 1 teaspoon Xylitol or Coconut Sugar

Directions:

Prepare banana chips as directed in recipe but use lime on chips instead of lemon. Assemble on dehydrator and lightly and evenly sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 1 teaspoon xylitol.

When banana chips are dehydrated, toss with the other ingredients until well distributed. Store in an airtight container and enjoy for your summer snacking!