Rosemary Sea Salt Nut Mix
A quick and flavorful Rosemary Sea Salt Nut Mix with almonds, cashews, and pecans, roasted to golden perfection with olive oil, fresh rosemary, and a touch of sea salt. High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this easy snack is perfect for everyday munching, gifting, or adding a crunch to salads and charcuterie boards.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary minced
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- Pinch garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Perfect Roasting: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature ensures your nuts roast evenly without burning, allowing them to develop a rich, golden-brown color and a perfectly toasted crunch. While the oven warms, you can prepare your nuts and flavoring, so everything is ready to go once the heat is consistent.
- Prepare the Baking Surface: Line a standard baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the nuts from sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Spreading the nuts directly on the sheet also ensures that each nut receives even heat, which is crucial for uniform roasting and flavor development.
- Combine Nuts in a Mixing Bowl: Place your almonds, cashews, and pecans into a large mixing bowl. Mixing them together in advance allows you to coat all the nuts evenly with oil and seasonings. Make sure the bowl is large enough to give you plenty of room to stir without spilling.
- Add Olive Oil and Seasonings: Drizzle the nuts with 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil. Then sprinkle in the minced fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and, if desired, a pinch of garlic powder. Using fresh rosemary is key for that aromatic flavor; optional garlic powder adds a subtle savory note.
- Toss Nuts Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to stir and toss the nuts until every piece is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Take your time here—thorough coating ensures each nut is flavorful and gets a beautiful, uniform roast. For an extra flavor boost, you can gently rub the rosemary and salt between your fingers before adding, releasing more aromatic oils.
- Spread Nuts Evenly on the Baking Sheet: Transfer the seasoned nuts to the prepared baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure they are not piled on top of each other. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate around the nuts, giving you an evenly roasted, crunchy texture rather than unevenly toasted spots.
- Begin the Roasting Process: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the nuts for 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. This initial roasting step begins to bring out the natural nutty flavors and allows the seasonings to infuse slightly into the nuts.
- Stir for Even Browning: After 10 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a spatula to stir the nuts. This ensures that each nut rotates and all sides are exposed to the heat, preventing uneven roasting or burning.
- Continue Roasting to Golden Perfection: Return the nuts to the oven and roast for an additional 5–10 minutes. Watch closely in the last few minutes, as nuts can quickly shift from perfectly toasted to slightly overcooked. The goal is a golden-brown hue with a fragrant, roasted aroma.
- Cool Before Enjoying: Once roasted to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the nuts to cool for a few minutes. Cooling helps the nuts firm up and achieve their final crunchy texture. The aroma of rosemary and toasted nuts will fill your kitchen—an irresistible sign your snack is ready!
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the nut mix immediately as a satisfying snack, or transfer to an airtight container for later. These nuts will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, or can be refrigerated for several weeks, and even frozen for long-term storage. Perfect for meal prep, gifting, or adding crunch to salads, oatmeal, or cheese boards.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary for the best aroma; dried rosemary can work, but the flavor will be less vibrant.
- For a deeper rosemary flavor, gently rub the minced rosemary into the salt or infuse the olive oil over low heat before coating the nuts.
- Stirring halfway through roasting ensures even browning and prevents burning.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste; you can also experiment with smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Store nuts in an airtight container to maintain crunch; they can also be frozen for extended shelf life.
