Healthy Holiday Chex Mix 

The holiday season is full of gatherings, laughter, and delicious snacks. If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s crunchy, flavorful, and better for your health, this Healthy Holiday Chex Mix is the perfect choice. It’s a lighter twist on the classic party mix, made with whole grains, heart-friendly fats, and seasonal herbs. 

Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Snacking 

• Whole-grain cereals provide fiber to support healthy cholesterol and digestion. 
• Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are rich in plant-based protein and magnesium, which promote heart health. 
• Olive oil offers monounsaturated fats that help reduce bad cholesterol. 
• Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Recipe 

Ingredients 

• 3 cups Chex cereal (any mix of varieties, gluten-free if needed) 
• 1 ½ cups puffed rice, corn, or millet 
• ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (hulled) 
• ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds (hulled) 
• ¼ cup olive oil 
• 1–2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup or honey 
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced 
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 
• 1 teaspoon thyme 
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional) 
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 
• ½ teaspoon salt 

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 250°F. In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, puffed grains, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. 
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), and all herbs and spices. Then drizzle the oil mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. 
3. Divide the mixture between two parchment-lined baking sheets and spread in a single layer. Bake for 60 minutes, tossing every 15 minutes for even crisping. 
4. Cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container. 

Serving Ideas 

Serve this mix in festive bowls at a holiday party, or package it in mason jars with ribbon as a homemade gift.  

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Covenant Health offers many ways to help you improve your health, including fitness centers in several locations across East Tennessee. Visit covenanthealth.com to learn more or call 865-374-0411.