Popcorn Trail Mix – Delicious Meets Healthy

Sweet, salty, and perfectly crunchy, this healthy Popcorn Trail Mix is my go-to 5-minute snack. Made with popcorn, chewy dried fruit, and roasted nuts and seeds, it’s lighter than traditional trail mix but just as satisfying — perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, and movie nights.

If you’re anything like me, you love a snack that’s quick, crave-worthy, and actually satisfying. This Popcorn Trail Mix has become one of my go-to healthy snack recipes when I need something fast but don’t want to reach for processed snacks. It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy—and ready in just 5 minutes. I’ve tested so many combinations over the years, and this one truly hits that perfect balance.

Whether I’m packing lunchboxes, prepping for a road trip, or setting out a bowl for movie night, this sweet and salty popcorn snack mix always disappears first.

If you love easy snack recipes like this, you might also enjoy a homemade granola bars or no-bake coconut date bites (both are great make-ahead options!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

I like to keep this popcorn snack mix simple and wholesome. Each ingredient adds a specific texture and flavor:

• Popped popcorn – I recommend air-popped or lightly salted popcorn. Avoid heavily buttered popcorn—it can make the mix greasy over time. If using microwave popcorn, choose a lightly salted variety.
• Dried fruit – This adds natural sweetness and chewiness. I love using dried apricots and cranberries for their sweet-tart balance, but dried raisins, cherries, banana slices, or mango work just as well. Chop larger pieces into bite-sized pieces so you don’t get overly large chunks.
• Roasted nuts & seeds – These add subtle nuttiness and crunch. Roasted cashews and sunflower seeds are my go-to, but almonds, peanuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds are all great options. Salted varieties enhance that sweet-and-salty flavor we’re after.

Optional Add-Ins (If You Want to Switch It Up)

Over the years, I’ve experimented with:

• Dark chocolate chips (add just before serving)
• Yogurt-covered raisins
• Mini pretzels for extra salty crunch
• Coconut flakes for tropical vibes
• A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth

How to Make Popcorn Trail Mix

This really couldn’t be easier. I’ve made this healthy popcorn trail mix recipe more times than I can count, and here’s exactly how I do it:

1. Start with a large bowl. Add your popped popcorn first. Make sure there aren’t any unpopped kernels hiding at the bottom.
2. Add the mix-ins. Toss in the chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, roasted cashews, and sunflower seeds.
3. Gently combine. Use clean hands or a large spoon to lightly toss everything together. Be gentle so the popcorn doesn’t crush.
4. Serve or store. Enjoy immediately, or transfer to an airtight container for later.

That’s it! No baking, no melting, no complicated steps.

TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN

Simple Tips for Healthy Popcorn Trail Mix

After making this recipe so many times, here are my best tips to make sure your turns out perfectly every time:

• Use fully cooled popcorn. Warm popcorn can create condensation and make the mix soggy.
• Chop dried fruit evenly. Smaller pieces distribute better throughout the mix.
• Add chocolate last-minute. If adding chocolate chips, stir them in just before serving to prevent melting.
• Don’t overdress the popcorn. If you’re popping your own, go light on oil and butter.

Serving Suggestions

I personally love serving this in:

• Individual snack cups for parties or movie nights
• Clear gift bags for gifting
• Small bags for road trips or hiking
• Lunchboxes for a sweet and salty surprise

Make It Your Own

This Sweet & Salty Popcorn Trail Mix is incredibly flexible, and you can customize it endlessly. Think of it as a base formula:

• Crunchy element (popcorn + nuts)
• Chewy element (dried fruit)
• Optional sweet or salty extras

Storing Instructions

One of the reasons I keep making this popcorn snack mix is how well it stores.

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.
• Avoid refrigerating—it can introduce moisture and soften the popcorn.

If you’re making it ahead for an event, I recommend adding the popcorn the same day for maximum crunch.

If you enjoyed this Healthy Popcorn Trail Mix recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

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• Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.

• Add the chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, roasted cashews, and sunflower seeds.

• Gently stir everything together until evenly combined.

• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

• Make sure your popcorn is fully cooled before mixing to keep the dried fruit fresh and chewy.
• Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or seeds. Almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds work beautifully.
• This mix keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 68mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 608IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.