Delicious 4-Ingredient Mixed Nuts Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Delicious 4-Ingredient Mixed Nuts Recipe You'll Love
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 cup almonds; 1 cup cashews; 1 cup walnuts; 1 cup pecans; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil

By:

Christina R. Jones

May 30, 2025

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You know those afternoons when your stomach starts growling, but you don’t want to ruin dinner? That’s when I reach for my favorite quick fix – a big handful of mixed nuts. I’ve been obsessed with this simple snack ever since my college days, when I’d keep a jar on my desk to power through late-night study sessions. What I love most is how effortless it is to toss together a batch of roasted mixed nuts – just a few ingredients, minimal prep, and you’ve got a protein-packed snack that keeps you full for hours. The best part? You can customize the flavors to match whatever you’re craving that day.

Why You’ll Love This Mixed Nuts Recipe

Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never buy store-bought mixed nuts again! Here’s why:

Ridiculously easy – Just toss, roast, and snack. My kind of cooking!
Healthier than chips – Packed with protein and good fats to keep you satisfied
Totally customizable – I change up the spices weekly based on my mood
Perfect portion control – I keep little bags in my purse for hunger emergencies
Smells amazing – My whole apartment fills with that warm, toasty nut aroma

The best part? You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now!

Ingredients for Mixed Nuts

Here’s what you’ll need to make my go-to roasted mixed nuts – simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch:

1 cup raw almonds (whole, with skins on for that nice crunch)
1 cup raw cashews (I like the big pieces for texture)
1 cup walnut halves (break them up if they’re too large)
1 cup pecan halves (trust me, they get wonderfully buttery when roasted)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste – I sometimes go heavier!)
1 tablespoon good olive oil (the fruitier, the better)

That’s it! Just six ingredients between you and snack heaven. I always double the batch because these disappear fast in my house.

How to Make Mixed Nuts

Okay, here’s where the magic happens – turning those raw nuts into golden, toasty perfection! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step carefully. The key is not to rush the process – good things come to those who wait (and stir occasionally)!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your biggest mixing bowl and dump in all your mixed nuts. Drizzle that beautiful olive oil over them and sprinkle the salt – I like to use my hands to toss everything together so every nut gets evenly coated. The oil helps the salt stick and makes them crisp up nicely!

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Spread the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet – no overcrowding! Pop them in the oven and set your timer for 6 minutes. When it dings, take them out and give them a good stir (this prevents burning). Back in they go for another 5-6 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them like a hawk near the end – nuts go from perfect to burnt crazy fast!

Step 3: Cool and Serve

This is the hardest part – you’ve gotta let them cool completely on the baking sheet! I know they smell amazing, but trust me, the crispness develops as they cool. If you dig in too soon, they’ll taste disappointingly soft. I usually distract myself by washing the mixing bowl while they cool (about 15 minutes). Then – snack time!

Mixed Nuts - detail 1

Tips for the Best Mixed Nuts

After burning one too many batches (oops!), I’ve learned some foolproof tricks for perfect mixed nuts every time:

Nose knows best – When you start smelling that warm, nutty aroma, they’re usually done!
Salt after cooling – I sometimes sprinkle extra salt at the end for better flavor cling
Stirring is key – Don’t skip the halfway stir – it prevents those dreaded burnt edges
Watch the walnuts – They darken fastest, so use them as your doneness indicator
Freshness matters – Older nuts won’t roast as evenly, so check expiration dates

My biggest tip? Make extra – these disappear faster than you’d think!

Variations for Mixed Nuts

Oh, the fun begins when you start playing with flavors! Here are my favorite ways to jazz up basic mixed nuts:

Sweet & Spicy – Toss with 1 tbsp honey and 1/4 tsp cayenne before roasting (stickier but SO good)
Cinnamon Sugar – Mix 1 tsp cinnamon with 2 tsp sugar for that cozy fall vibe
Rosemary Garlic – Fresh rosemary and garlic powder make these fancy enough for parties
Everything Bagel – Why not? Those seeds and onion flakes work magic on nuts too

My snack drawer always has at least three flavor options – variety keeps things exciting!

Serving Suggestions for Mixed Nuts

Oh, the possibilities! I love tossing these mixed nuts on everything from morning yogurt bowls to fancy cheese boards. They’re amazing sprinkled over salads for crunch, mixed into trail mix, or simply enjoyed by the handful with a cold beer. My secret? Keep a jar by the couch for movie nights – way better than popcorn!

Storage and Reheating

Listen up – the secret to keeping your mixed nuts fresh and crispy is an airtight container at room temperature! I use mason jars because they look cute on my counter. These babies stay perfect for about 2 weeks (if they last that long). For reheating, just pop cooled nuts back in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-roasted crunch. Pro tip: Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months – they’ll taste like you just made them!

Nutritional Information for Mixed Nuts

Just a heads up – these nutrition numbers are estimates since nuts vary by brand and size. But here’s the scoop per 1/4 cup serving: 180 calories, 15g good fats, 5g protein, and 3g fiber to keep you full. Not too shabby for such a tasty snack!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixed Nuts

I get asked about my mixed nuts recipe all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often (and my honest answers after years of nut-roasting experiments):

Can I Use Different Nuts?

Absolutely! I’ve tried every nut under the sun – pistachios, Brazil nuts, even macadamias (so rich!). Just keep similar-sized nuts together so they roast evenly. My only warning? Skip peanuts unless you want full-on trail mix vibes.

How Long Do Mixed Nuts Stay Fresh?

Properly stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay crispy for about 2 weeks. You’ll know they’re past prime when they smell “off” or taste chewy instead of crunchy. The olive oil can go rancid over time, so trust your nose!

Why Are My Nuts Burning?

Been there! Oven temps vary wildly – mine runs hot, so I roast at 325°F instead. Start checking at 8 minutes, and remember: they continue cooking on the hot tray after coming out. When in doubt, pull them early!

Can I Make Them Without Oil?

You can, but they won’t get as evenly golden or crispy. The oil helps conduct heat and makes the salt stick. If avoiding oil, try spritzing with water before salting – it helps the seasoning adhere slightly better.