Eat your greens!
Healthy & Delicious: learn 12 tasty snacks that are also nutritious
Image: cottonbro studio
Everybody knows that healthy food can sometimes be a bit bland in terms of flavor, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The following 12 tasty options prove otherwise, offering both a healthy and appetizing meal or snack. Take a look and see if you can find at least one that suits your taste!
1
Roasted chickpeas
Image: Rashpal Singh
Healthy snacks are a great way to kick off our list of nutritious and delicious treats. And roasted chickpeas are as tasty, crunchy, healthy, and easy to make as it gets.
Simply grab a can of chickpeas , rinse and dry them, then toss them with paprika , ground cumin , salt, and a bit of olive oil. Spread the chickpeas on a baking tray and roast them at maximum heat for about 30 minutes. Once they’re crunchy, they’re ready. Let them cool and enjoy!
2
Chocolate hummus
Image: Ludovic Avice
Yes, you read that right—chocolate hummus. And it’s amazing! This crowd-pleasing dip pairs perfectly with fruit, pancakes, or waffles. To make it, blend canned chickpeas (rinsed), a spoonful of vanilla almond milk , a spoonful of cocoa powder , and honey . Let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, and you're done. Ready to dip!
3
Air-fryer sweet potato fries
Image: Ella Olsson
The basic idea here is simple: sweet potatoes are healthier than regular potatoes, and air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying.
This recipe is quick and easy. Just cut a couple of sweet potatoes into strips, toss them with canola oil , salt , and pepper in a bowl, and transfer them to the air-fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, pausing to stir halfway through. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly—and eat!
4
Peanut butter cookies
Image: No Revisions
This peanut butter cookie recipe is completely flourless—gluten-free and dairy-free! To make it, mix peanut butter , one large egg , two tablespoons of oat bran , and a bit of maple syrup . Preheat the oven to 350°F, and while it heats up, shape the cookies.
Place them on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. Let them cool for a bit, and they’re ready to enjoy!
5
Sesame-garlic pumpkin seeds
Image: Anshu A
Here’s another snack that’s both delicious and nutritious! This pumpkin seed mix is a great way to use leftover seeds from your pumpkin recipe.
In a small bowl, mix pumpkin seeds , a large egg white , sesame seeds , a teaspoon of minced garlic , and salt . Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until dry and golden brown.
6
Watermelon cups
Image: Ibrahim Rifath
The great-looking appetizer is incredibly simple to make, and its fresh flavor is perfect for warm months.
Just cut the watermelon into cubes and scoop out the center of each. In a small bowl, mix chopped cucumber , red onion , fresh mint , cilantro , and a splash of lime juice . Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out watermelon cubes—you’re done!
7
Pan-seared shrimp
Image: Daniel Lee
These pan-seared shrimp are the first non-vegan recipe on this list—and they’re incredibly easy to make!
Sauté one pound of peeled and deveined uncooked medium shrimp in two tablespoons of olive oil with two minced garlic cloves . Add one-third of a cup of white wine , then cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink. Serve with white rice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
8
Guacamole
Image: Zoshua Colah
Everybody loves guacamole, but do you know how to make it? This simple recipe is a delicious and healthy snack to try. Just be sure to prepare it right before serving, as avocados brown quickly.
Peel and chop two ripe medium-sized avocados , place them in a small bowl, and sprinkle with lemon juice . Add one-fourth of a cup of chunky salsa and mash coarsely with a fork. Let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.
9
Roasted peppers and cauliflower
Image: Deon Black
This simple, delicious, and colorful recipe will quickly become a staple once you try it. Place one medium head of cauliflower (broken into florets), two medium red peppers (cut into strips), and two sliced onions in a shallow roasting pan. Drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil , season with salt and pepper , and toss to coat.
Roast uncovered at 425°F for 20 minutes. Stir, then roast for 10 more minutes or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Done!
10
Caprese brochettes
Image: Patrick Ho
Light, delicious, and easy to make on short notice, these Caprese brochettes are a lifesaver when you need a quick, health-conscious party snack.
Simply take some skewers and assemble each one with grape tomatoes , fresh mozzarella balls , and basil leaves . Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar —and enjoy!
11
Green & gold salsa
Image: Kat
This salsa is a fantastic dip made with just a few simple ingredients. Combine one cup of shelled edamame , one cup of corn , one cup of cubed avocado , and sliced cucumber . Blend well, then let it chill in the fridge for half an hour before serving. Bon appétit!
12
Red pepper tapenade
Image: Nick Collins
A simple appetizer for any occasion, this roasted red pepper tapenade pairs perfectly with water crackers or toasted bread.
In a small saucepan, bring two cups of water to a boil. Add two peeled garlic cloves and cook uncovered for six to eight minutes, or until tender. Drain and pat the garlic dry. In a small food processor, combine the blanched garlic , red peppers , almonds , tomato paste , olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth. Chill, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.
