Need a snack that really tides you over until dinner and doesn’t load up on the sugar? These protein-forward snacks are easy and delicious, from kid-friendly no-bake energy bites to sophisticated all-cheese crisps.
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RecipeCrunchy Ranch Chickpeas
Satisfy your craving for chips and ranch dip with this healthy alternative. The roasted chickpeas don’t stay as crisp once cooled, so they’re best eaten warm.
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RecipeNo-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Bites
These quick no-bake bites are a kid-favorite healthy alternative to cookies for an afternoon snack. -
RecipeMaple and Black Pepper Pecans
Need to stave off your gang’s hunger while you put the finishing touches on dinner? These addictive spicy-sweet nuts are just the thing. -
RecipeHam, Cheese & Dijon Pinwheel Puffs
These rolls of ham, cheese, and puff pastry come together quickly. Keep a roll in the freezer for when a snack attack hits; then just slice and bake. -
RecipeSpicy Red Lentil Dip
This dip is similar to ubiquitous hummus, but made from quick-cooking lentils instead of dried chickpeas. Because they are so much smaller than garbanzo beans, they also yield a smoother dip—silky smooth, in fact. -
RecipeMint and Cumin Chaas
This refreshing sipper is similar to the Indian yogurt drink, lassi, but slightly looser in texture, thanks to the water and ice. Seasoned with cumin and mint, it's tangy, herbaceous, and complex and is a nice, savory change from sweet drinks. -
RecipePeanut Butter-Banana Smoothie
This classic smoothie has all the perfect breakfast items blended into the perfect drink. Not a peanut butter fan? Try it with almond or sunflower butter instead. -
RecipeBlack Bean & Goat Cheese Quesadillas with Guacamole
Quesadillas are inherently quick and easy to prepare, and this one even more so. Assemble the quesadillas up to a day ahead and cook just before serving, or cook them a few hours ahead and reheat (wrapped in foil) in a 350°F over for 10 minutes.
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RecipeFried Chickpeas with Garam Masala
Unlike the roasted chickpeas above, fried chickpeas stay crisp. Once you start eating these, you won’t want to stop. -
RecipeParmigiano-Pistachio Frico
These delicate crisps are a perfect pre-dinner nibble, and are made entirely with cheese (well, that plus the pistachio garnish).
