Zesty Mediterranean Chex Mix

Name: Zesty Mediterranean Chex Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups Rice Chex; 3 cups Corn Chex; 1 cup pita chips, coarsely crushed; 1 cup roasted almonds; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 10

★★★★★

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This Zesty Mediterranean Chex Mix is a delightful twist on the classic party snack. With bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, it's perfect for gatherings or just cozy nights in. It's crunchy, flavorful, and irresistibly moreish!

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Ingredients for Zesty Mediterranean Chex Mix

Rice Chex and Corn Chex form the crunchy base, soaking up all the delicious spices and oils. Pita chips add an extra layer of texture with their crispy, flat surfaces. Roasted almonds provide a nutty richness that complements the savory flavors. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness that brightens the mix. Kalamata olives add a briny depth that ties the Mediterranean theme together. The olive oil is the perfect carrier for the dried oregano, smoked paprika, and other spices, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crunch, let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet.
Adjust cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier mix.
Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent spills when stirring.

Serving Suggestions

This mix pairs beautifully with a cold glass of white wine or a citrusy cocktail. It's also a great addition to a charcuterie board, offering a crunchy contrast to soft cheeses and meats. For an alfresco dining experience, serve it alongside grilled meats and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?: Fresh tomatoes won't hold up well in the oven. Stick to sun-dried for the best texture and flavor.
How long will this mix stay fresh?: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should stay fresh for up to a week.

Zesty Mediterranean Chex Mix Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature allows the flavors to meld without burning. In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pita chips, roasted almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. This creates a nice, colorful base for your mix.

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil with dried oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is what gives your Chex Mix its distinct Mediterranean flair.

Pour the seasoned oil mixture over the Chex mixture. Toss everything together until all pieces are well-coated. The idea here is to ensure that each bite has a bit of everything, so take your time to mix it evenly.

Spread the coated mix evenly on a baking sheet. This ensures even baking and prevents clumps. Place the sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Stirring helps to redistribute the oil and spices, ensuring an even crispness. Once it's golden and crisp, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfectly balanced with Mediterranean flavors.
Simple to make, with a gourmet touch.
Great for parties, snacks, or gifts.
Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

3 cups Rice Chex

3 cups Corn Chex

1 cup pita chips, coarsely crushed

1 cup roasted almonds

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pita chips, roasted almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper.

4. Pour the olive oil mixture over the Chex mixture and toss until evenly coated.

5. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.

6. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the mix is golden and crisp.

7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving.

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