Back to school and back to non-stop activities means back to the familiar afternoon chorus: “We’re hungry!” Whether you’re at home, on the sports field, or in the office, a lineup of nutritious snacks is key to keeping energy levels constant and spirits high for every member of the family. The best way to avoid that afternoon crash is to approach midday munchies the same way you would build a balanced meal. Ideally, a balanced snack will have some fruits or veggies and paired with a protein. If working that math into a busy weekday sounds tricky, check out these 16 nutritious, quick, and easy healthy snack ideas to keep everyone full and fueled until dinnertime.
Sunflower Seed Snack Mix
Swap your packaged granola for this savory mix that gets a touch of spice from fiery cayenne and sneaky protein from egg whites, nuts, and seeds. Pair with your favorite crunchy veggies or fruit for a snacking combo you won’t want to stop eating.
Get the recipe: Sunflower Seed Snack Mix
Cereal and Strawberry Breakfast Bars
Five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep are all you need for these berry delicious, better-for-you bars made with oat cereal, peanut butter, and freeze-dried strawberries. Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or your favorite fruit for a balanced snack and just the right amount of natural sweetness.
Get the recipe: Cereal and Strawberry Breakfast Bars
Loaded Peanut Butter Toast
This take on peanut butter toast stacks up big tastes and textures, along with fiber and protein, to keep you satisfied. Apple slices, granola, and a touch of hot honey are a sweet-spicy trifecta on top of whole wheat bread schmeared with creamy peanut butter. Switch things up with your favorite nut butter and/or sprinkle on hemp hearts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for even more nutrients.
Get the recipe: Loaded Peanut Butter Toast
Turkey and Veggie Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
This handheld snack, which also works for breakfast or lunch, is mess-free and ready to roll in just five minutes. Seedless cucumber brings the crunch to deli turkey spiraled inside whole wheat tortillas with veggie-studded cream cheese. For more plant power, tuck in extra veggies, like peppers, shredded carrots, or sprouts.
Get the recipe: Turkey and Veggie Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Apple “Donuts”
Kids will love to customize and devour these colorful “donuts” that will leave them full and satisfied. Peanut butter, cream cheese, or chocolate hazelnut spread work as the tasty “glue” for rings of fresh apples with sky’s-the-limit-toppings, like raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts. We love a sprinkle of granola for a little extra carbohydrate fuel.
Get the recipe: Apple “Donuts”
Smoked Salmon-Wrapped Melon Wedges
This spin on the classic duo of prosciutto and melon is refreshing and hydrating and comes together with just three ingredients. Wedges of honeydew or cantaloupe wrapped in protein-rich smoked salmon get a sprinkle of umami from everything bagel seasoning.
Get the recipe: Smoked Salmon-Wrapped Melon Wedges
Pineapple and Ham Skewers
Take a stab at this simple, five-minute snack that takes its cues from Hawaiian pizza. Fresh pineapple, deli ham, and cheddar cheese cubes stack up as sweet-salty skewers you can enjoy on the go.
Get the recipe: Pineapple and Ham Skewers
On-the-Go Car-Cuterie
This endlessly customizable, meal-worthy snack is a more nutritious and kid-friendly take on your favorite charcuterie board. Mix and match their favorites, like fresh berries, mini cucumbers, deli turkey, and whole wheat crackers, in a resealable container for a portable smorgasbord even picky eaters will love.
Get the recipe: On-the-Go Car-Cuterie
Cauliflower-Broccoli Tots
No one will complain about eating their veggies when they’re in the form of crispy tots. Frozen riced cauliflower and broccoli blend is the key to these crispy, oven-baked bites with mozzarella that freeze beautifully for an anytime snack or side. Coat them in panko bread crumbs for the perfect crisp and serve alongside your favorite dip.
Get the recipe: Cauliflower-Broccoli Tots
Stuffed Celery Sticks
Turn up the volume on snack time with this 5-minute recipe that delivers maximum crunch. Celery stalks topped with veggie cream cheese and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds will satisfy snack cravings without weighing you down. Enjoy with whole wheat crackers or bagel crisps for an additional serving of filling carbs.
Get the recipe: Stuffed Celery Sticks
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter-Yogurt Dip
Keep the ingredients for this easy, four-ingredient recipe on hand and let kids take care of their own afternoon snack. Plain yogurt adds extra protein to creamy peanut butter with a touch of honey that’s delicious for dunking apples or other fresh fruit, like bananas, pears, and beyond. Bonus: add a sprinkle of granola for more filling flavor and texture.
Get the recipe: Apple Slices with Peanut Butter-Yogurt Dip
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bites
We replaced sandwich bread with hearty rolled oats in this snackable take on PB and J. Dates add natural sweetness to a combination of creamy peanut butter and strawberry jam portioned into individual bites that set up in the fridge.
Get the recipe: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bites
Carrot Hummus
Carrots and hummus are a flavor match made in heaven, so we combined them in one vibrant, veggie-powered dip. Traditional ingredients like tahini and garlic round out the flavors of this one-of-a-kind spread that uses carrots in place of chickpeas. Serve with crunchy veggies and whole wheat pita chips for a satisfying snack (that’s also a great party app) you’ll want on repeat.
Get the recipe: Carrot Hummus
Rice Cakes with Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese
Rice cakes deliver plenty of crunch, but they can be bland and unsatisfying. We corrected that by adding a layer of creamy cottage cheese and everything bagel seasoning for a three-ingredient, five-minute snack that fits into even the busiest afternoon schedule. Enjoy with fruit or veggies for a satisfying treat.
Get the recipe: Rice Cakes with Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese
Yogurt Parfaits with Strawberries and Almonds
This snack looks and tastes like a fancy dessert, but it’s actually a delicious snack. Layers of almond butter, Greek yogurt, fresh strawberries, and crunchy almonds are irresistible when served in individual parfait glasses or portable, resealable jars.
Get the recipe: Yogurt Parfaits with Strawberries and Almonds
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Beans
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this pop-’em-by-the-handful snack again and again. Canned lima beans seasoned with garlic and lemon pepper crisp up in the air fryer for a nutritious alternative to fried chips. Enjoy these craveable, crunchy beans, which also make a tasty salad topper, with some sliced cucumber for a perfect duo.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Beans
