Sweet, salty, and spring-ready—this garden party snack mix is here to steal the show.
Whether you’re hosting a picnic in the backyard or just relaxing with your favorite springtime playlist, this Garden Party Snack Mix is the perfect treat. It’s crunchy, colorful, and hits that perfect sweet-salty balance with candied pecans, cinnamon-sugar Chex, kettle chips, and a touch of dark chocolate. The pastel chocolate candies and optional coconut give it warm-weather flavor, while the drizzle and sea salt seal the deal. You can make the pecans from scratch—or cheat a little and use store-bought. No judgment at this party!
Recipe Rundown
When I put this mix together, I wanted it to be the ultimate salty-sweet mashup with a springtime twist. Of course, you can swap the pastel candies for something non-seasonal—M&Ms work year-round. I keep things semi-homemade, so feel free to grab store-bought pecans, but if you’ve got a few extra minutes, try the homemade version. They taste just like those warm, sugary pecans from the fair—completely addicting. If you make this, I’d love to hear what you think… I was way too excited about how it all came together.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at room temperature. Just make sure the chocolate is fully set before storing.
What if I don’t like coconut?
Skip it! The mix still holds its flavor and texture without it. You could also sub in mini marshmallows or extra chips.
Can I use different chocolate for the drizzle?
Totally. Milk or white chocolate work too—but dark balances the sweet stuff best.
How do I toast the coconut?
Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, stirring once. Keep an eye on it—it toasts fast!
Any nut-free options?
You can replace pecans with pretzel twists or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Sprinkle of Fun
Portion this mix into cute flower pots or mini garden baskets for a spring get-together with friends. Pair it with lawn games like ring toss, giant Jenga, or a backyard scavenger hunt. It’s the kind of snack that disappears fast—especially when the sun’s out and spring is blooming.
Spring Garden Party Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups homemade candied vanilla pecans (recipe below) or store-bought
- 1 ½ cups kettle-cooked potato chips
- 1 cup cinnamon-sugar Chex cereal
- ½ cup pastel-colored chocolate candies
- ½ cup cinnamon-sugar pita chips
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional, toasted)
- Drizzle: Dark chocolate + flaky sea salt
Instructions
To Make Candied Vanilla Pecans:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup pecan halves with 1 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway. Let cool before using.
Final Assembly:
- Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Melt ½ cup dark chocolate and lightly drizzle over the mix.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before the chocolate hardens.
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