During the school year, finding snacks that are both healthy and delicious can be challenging, especially when you’re on the go. Over the summer, I gathered a few easy-to-make, nutritious snack recipes to kick off the school year on a tasty note. These recipes are sure to keep you fueled and ready to tackle whatever the school day brings.
Protein Energy Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup nut or seed butter
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
¼ cup ground flax seeds
½ cup mini chocolate chips
¼ cup dried fruit
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, coconut, flax seeds and dried fruit.
- Add nut or seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips and stir until well combined.
- Scoop out portions with a tablespoon and roll into balls.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
These bites are packed with protein and healthy fats, making them a perfect portable snack to keep your energy up throughout the day.
Banana Oat Muffins
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup chickpea flour
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup nut or seed butter
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup raisins
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with liners.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mash bananas and mix with maple syrup, nut butter, applesauce and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, folding in raisins.
- Spoon batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
These muffins are not only delicious but also full of fiber and natural sweetness, making them a wholesome snack option.
Crispy Kale Chips
Ingredients:
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the kale. Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces, discarding stems.
- Place kale in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and sea salt. Add optional seasonings if desired.
- Massage oil and seasonings into kale until evenly coated.
- Spread kale in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Let cool before enjoying.
Kale chips are a nutritious and satisfying alternative to regular chips, providing a crunchy snack rich in vitamins and minerals.