Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix

### Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Base**

In a large mixing bowl, combine the **pretzels**, **mixed nuts**, **cheese crackers**, and **sunflower seeds**. These will be the base of your ranch trail mix, giving it a great balance of crunch, saltiness, and texture.

#### 2. **Add the Sweetness (Optional)**

If you enjoy a little sweetness in your snack mix, toss in a handful of **dried cranberries** or **raisins**. The sweetness of the dried fruit pairs wonderfully with the savory ranch seasoning, adding a perfect balance of flavors.

#### 3. **Coat with Ranch Seasoning**

In a small bowl, mix together the **ranch dressing mix** and **olive oil** (or melted butter). Stir well to combine. Pour this mixture over the snack mix, tossing everything gently to coat evenly. The oil or butter helps the ranch seasoning stick to each piece, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

#### 4. **Toss and Combine**

Give the entire mix a good toss to ensure that all ingredients are coated with the ranch seasoning mixture. If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle a little **garlic powder** or **onion powder** for additional depth.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy**

Once everything is evenly coated, your Ranch Trail Mix is ready to serve! Enjoy it immediately, or store it in an airtight container for later. This mix is perfect for portioning into snack bags or bowls for easy, grab-and-go enjoyment.

### Customizing Your Ranch Trail Mix

While the basic Ranch Trail Mix is already a perfect combination of savory, salty, and crunchy, there are endless ways to customize it. Here are some ideas:

– **Add Extra Protein**: For a protein boost, you can add **roasted chickpeas**, **pumpkin seeds**, or **soy nuts** to the mix.

– **Incorporate More Texture**: If you love extra crunch, swap out the pretzels for **bagel chips**, or throw in some **crispy rice snacks** or **crispy chickpeas** for additional texture.

– **Sweet and Savory Combo**: For a fun twist, you can balance out the savory ranch seasoning with a handful of **chocolate chips** or **M&Ms**. The sweet and salty combination is always a hit!

– **Add Spices**: If you like your snacks with a little heat, sprinkle some **cayenne pepper**, **chili powder**, or **paprika** into the ranch seasoning mixture to add a spicy kick.

– **Make it Cheesy**: For a more indulgent version, add some **parmesan cheese** or **cheddar powder** to enhance the cheesy flavor.

– **Go Gluten-Free**: If you need a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free pretzels and crackers in your mix.

### Tips for Perfect Ranch Trail Mix

– **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Since the mix includes nuts, seeds, and crackers, make sure that they’re fresh for the best taste. Stale ingredients can affect the overall flavor and texture of your trail mix.

– **Store Properly**: To keep your Ranch Trail Mix fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay good for about 1-2 weeks. You can also portion it into snack bags for on-the-go convenience.

– **Don’t Overdo the Oil**: While oil or butter is needed to help the seasoning stick, don’t use too much. You want just enough to coat everything lightly. Too much oil can make the mix greasy.

– **Make It in Batches**: If you’re making this for a party, picnic, or family gathering, feel free to double or triple the recipe. Ranch Trail Mix is always a crowd-pleaser, and the more, the better!

### Why Ranch Trail Mix is the Ultimate Snack

Ranch Trail Mix is the ultimate snack because it combines the best of all snack worlds: crunchy, salty, savory, and just the right amount of tangy flavor. It’s perfect for satisfying hunger between meals, curbing cravings for junk food, or keeping you energized on your next adventure.

This snack mix is highly adaptable, so you can make it your own by playing with different ingredients, flavors, and seasonings. It’s quick to prepare, requires no baking, and keeps well for days, making it a perfect staple in your snack rotation.

### Final Thoughts

Whether you’re snacking during a road trip, getting ready for a hike, or just looking for something to munch on while watching TV, **Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix** is the answer. It’s an easy, flavorful, and customizable snack that everyone will love. The ranch seasoning adds the perfect tangy kick, while the crunchy mix of pretzels, nuts, and crackers will keep you coming back for more.

Try making your own batch today—once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever went without this flavor-packed treat!