Quick and Easy Flavorful Snack Ideas
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, here are some quick and easy snack ideas to satisfy your craving. First up, hummus and veggie sticks. Simply blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and spices to make homemade hummus. Serve with crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, cucumbers and bell peppers for dipping.
Next, trail mix. Mix together nuts like almonds and cashews, seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower, and dried fruit like raisins and cranberries. Add in chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for extra flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
For something fruity, try yogurt with granola and fresh berries. Layer plain yogurt or Greek yogurt with granola and top with berries of your choice such as blueberries, raspberries or strawberries.
If you want a savory snack, make popcorn. Heat coconut or avocado oil in a saucepan and add popcorn kernels. Cover, shake frequently and remove from heat once the kernels start popping. Season with salt to taste.
For a creamy treat, make chocolate banana smoothies. Blend together bananas, milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, cocoa powder, honey and ice. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings or crushed nuts.
Moving on to sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches are always a good option. Butter the outsides of bread slices and place cheese such as cheddar, Swiss or Gouda in between. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
For dips, make spinach artichoke dip. Sauté chopped spinach and artichoke hearts, then mix into a creamy base made from mayonnaise, cream cheese, parmesan, garlic and spices. Serve warm with pita wedges, crackers or bread.
If you want chips, bake some kale chips. Toss chopped kale leaves with olive oil, salt and pepper and spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 350 F until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes.
For a protein-packed snack, have hard-boiled eggs. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 7 minutes for large eggs. Drain and rinse under cold water. Peel and enjoy!