Home Recipes Meal Types Snacks
Lauren Jarvis-GibsonUpdated: Mar. 15, 2024
When you're trying to eat healthier, there's nothing worse than getting struck with a craving. These healthy snacks will keep you satisfied, without sacrificing on flavor.
Satisfy your sweet and salty cravings with these lighter healthy snacks. From crunchy protein-packed chickpeas to rich chocolate hummus, these snacks provide energy instead of leaving you feeling lethargic. If you want to opt for low-carb snacks, we have those too!
Whether you’re on the go and craving baked snacks, or want to chow down at home with sweet snacks, these healthy options will come to the rescue. (Kiddos will love the fun kid-friendly options as well!)
Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, chili powder
Level: Beginner
Who needs chips? These addicting, crunchy chickpeas have just the right amount of zing and crunch.
Looking for a lighter snack that’s still a crowd pleaser? You’ve found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Recipe contributor Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Chocolate Hummus
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Level: Beginner
This chocolate hummus is an indulgent take on the classic. Serve with fresh fruit for a simple and delicious snack.
This chocolate hummus is a sweet twist on the traditional recipe. Plus, it’s so easy to make with just a handful of healthy ingredients. I like to serve it with pretzels for a quick snack. —Recipe contributor Catherine Ward, Mequon, Wisconsin
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, garlic powder
Level: Beginner
These air-fryer sweet potatoes are crispy and fried to perfection. Be careful not to eat all of these fries in one sitting, though!
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Recipe contributor Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Dried Fruit Energy Bars
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, medjool dates
Level: Intermediate
They’re easy to make ahead and are packed with healthy ingredients to keep you awake and energized. Looking for more options? Try these healthy fruit snacks that are made from real fruit and will delight kids and parents alike!
These dried fruit energy bars are the perfect breakfast option for busy people. They’re easy to make ahead and jampacked with ingredients such as chia seeds, quinoa and oats, which will keep you fueled throughout the day. —Recipe contributor Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Roasted Curry Chickpeas
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, curry powder
Level: Beginner
Craving chips but don’t want chips? This crunchy, savory snack is easy to make and is packed with flavor.
We coated chickpeas with simple seasonings to make a low-fat snacking sensation. It rivals the types sold in stores, with just a few ingredients. —Recipe contributor Taste of HomeTest Kitchen
Skinny Quinoa Veggie Dip
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Black beans, quinoa, avocados
Level: Beginner
This veggie dip is loaded with nutrients and a ton of flavor. It may be “skinny” but no one will complain!
Don’t let the name fool you. This good-for-you recipe may appeal to an athlete in training, but it has plenty of flavor to satisfy everyone. We use crunchy cucumber slices for dippers. —Recipe contributor Jennifer Gizzi, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Hard-Boiled Eggs
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Eggs
Level: Beginner
Eat these hard-boiled eggs plain for a quick protein fix. Or add them to another dish to make it heartier.
In the kitchen, it’s important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cucumbers with Dill
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, dill
Level: Beginner
These cucumber slices are crisp and salty. Snack on these instead of potato chips for a cool snack.
Sprinkling cucumber slices with salt and letting them stand in a colander draws out excess water so they stay crisp when set on a barbecue buffet. Try this cucumber dill salad alongside any grilled entree. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Creamy peanut butter, oat bran
Level: Beginner
These few ingredient cookies are quick and healthy. And who doesn’t love peanut butter?
Only four ingredients and one bowl are needed for these healthy peanut butter cookies. If you want to make this recipe gluten free, make sure the oat bran was made in a certified gluten-free facility. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sesame-Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds
Level: Beginner
This snack is perfect for road trips when you need something easy to snack on. All the different types of seeds add great texture and crunch to the mix.
This “everything” mix of pumpkin seeds with other seeds and seasoning is a fun treat—a lively way to use the seeds left over from your Halloween jack-o’-lantern! —Recipe contributor Danielle Lee, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Three-Pepper Guacamole
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Jalapeño pepper, serrano pepper, avocados
Level: Intermediate
You can’t go wrong with avocado when you’re trying to eat a little healthier. Dip fresh cut veggies like carrots and celery in this guacamole that is just as good as what you get at a restaurant.
If you’re serious about guacamole, use a molcajete. The lava stone makes a big difference on the pepper paste and is fun for guests. —Recipe contributor Laura Levy, Lyons, Colorado
Confetti Quinoa
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, broccoli, zucchini
Level: Beginner
This quinoa dish is simple to make with just a few ingredients! It’s the perfect healthy snack when you want something to hold you over for a longer period of time.
If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken. —Recipe contributor Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Peanut butter, honey, oats
Level: Beginner
These peanut energy bars are great for combatting your sweet tooth. They’re also easy to make (and kid friendly, too!). Feel free to substitute the peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter if you have allergies.
These peanut butter energy bars are made with natural ingredients, and there’s no baking required! You can substitute sunflower seeds for the walnuts. Want more fiber? Add a little wheat germ. —Recipe contributor Amy Crane, Richland, Michigan
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, sweet peppers
Level: Beginner
This vibrant snack looks great on a table. Impress your friends with this crunchy and filling treat.
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Recipe contributor Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Watermelon Cups
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Watermelon, cucumber, red onion
Level: Intermediate
The red and green color combination almost makes this appetizer look like Christmas. It pops in your mouth with sweet and savory flavors.
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lime-Honey Fruit Salad
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lime juice, apples, pears, honey, grapes
Level: Beginner
Hot summer days, meet your match. This fruit salad is light and refreshing with just the right amount of tang. Pack this healthy snack in bags if you’re on the go.
Nothing is more refreshing to me than a seasonal fruit salad enhanced with this simple honey-lime dressing. —Recipe contributor Victoria Shevlin, Cape Coral, Florida
Cashew Cheese
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Total Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Cashews, nutritional yeast
Level: Intermediate
This spreads one of the most underrated vegan ingredients, nutritional yeast. It tastes just like real cheese!
Spread this vegan cashew cheese on crackers, layer it on a toasted bagel or serve it with fresh vegetables. It also makes a delicious, out-of-the-ordinary sandwich spread! —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Portobello mushrooms, Asiago cheese, basil
Level: Intermediate
These stuffed mushrooms are delightful healthy snacks that will keep you feeling energized and satisfied throughout your busy day.
Even if you don’t like mushrooms, you will have to try them again with these pretty appetizers, which taste divine. For a main dish, double the filling and use large portobellos. —Recipe contributor Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Quinoa with Peas and Onion
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, onion, frozen peas
Level: Intermediate
This recipe might be simple, but it’s packed with flavor. Quinoa is filling without making you feel heavy.
Even picky eaters will love this protein-packed dish. If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen. —Recipe contributor Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, parsley, garlic
Level: Beginner
If you want to make a dip that’s more unique, this bean dip is a quick and easy way to get more protein in. Use it with fresh veggies and even fruit for a sweet and salty flavor.
My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Recipe contributor Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York
Lemon Couscous with Broccoli
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, whole wheat couscous, lemon
Level: Beginner
Who says couscous can’t be a snack? This delicious dish combines vegetables and a fresh dressing that everyone will love.
I combined two recipes to create this side with broccoli and pasta. The splash of lemon adds nice flavor. Instead of toasted almonds, you could also sprinkle servings with grated Parmesan cheese. —Recipe contributor Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Marinated Shrimp
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Jumbo shrimp, rosemary, garlic
Level: Beginner
If you’re a seafood lover, this shrimp recipe is for you. Pop a few of these salty and satisfying shrimps in your mouth, and your cravings for junk food will be gone.
My husband’s aunt shared this recipe with me ages ago. Not only is it a Christmas Eve tradition in my home, but in the homes of our grown children as well. —Recipe contributor Delores Hill, Helena, Montana
Simple Guacamole
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Avocados, salsa
Level: Beginner
Time to start dipping. From crackers to cherry tomatoes, this simple dip will be a healthy snack go-to.
Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pits in the guacamole until ready to serve. —Recipe contributor Heidi Main, Anchorage, Arkansas
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, wonton wrappers, jalapeño pepper jelly
Level: Advanced
These cute pot stickers are a wonderful snack that hold a ton of flavor. And the dipping sauce? Insanely finger lickin’ good.
Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Recipe contributor Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa
Roasted Peppers and Cauliflower
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, red peppers, Parmesan cheese
Level: Beginner
The seasoned, roasted peppers and cauliflower are great for dipping and snacking. They are healthy, fresh and beautifully crispy.
Caramelization really enhances the flavors in this easy side dish. The seasoned, roasted peppers and cauliflower are just right with nearly any main course. —Recipe contributor Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia
Really Good Snack Mix
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Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Corn Chex, Crispix, cashews
Level: Intermediate
You can’t snack correctly without trying this healthy and fun snack mix. It’s perfect for long road trips and hikes.
I grew tired of my family picking through a snack mix for their favorite ingredients and leaving the rest. So I experimented using only their most-loved mix-ins and came up with this recipe. Now there’s never any left! —Recipe contributor Lori Genske, Waldo, Wisconsin
Roasted Eggplant Spread
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Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, red peppers, onion
Level: Beginner
This unique spread is not like your usual dips. The rich and savory flavor is one that you’ll keep coming back to.
Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Recipe contributor Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Caprese Salad Kabobs
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese balls, grape tomatoes, balsamic vinegar
Level: Beginner
Tired of your usual salad? These poppable snacks deliver flavor without added calories or guilt.
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Recipe contributor Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Mini Zucchini Pizzas
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese
Level: Beginner
Looking for low carb? This simple snack recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while skipping the usual carb-filled crust.
This simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Black-Eyed Pea Tomato Salad
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Black-eyed peas, tomatoes, red pepper, bacon
Level: Beginner
If you’re looking for a more substantial snack, you can’t go wrong with this dippable salad. It’s great on its own, but even better when you dip some whole wheat crackers into it.
Spending time in the kitchen with my late aunt was so much fun because she was an amazing cook and teacher. This black-eyed pea salad was one of her specialties. It is easy to make and is a nice alternative to pasta or potato salad. Add cooked cubed chicken breast to make it a meal on its own. —Recipe contributor Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California
Makeover Deviled Eggs
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Eggs, mayonnaise, sour cream
Level: Beginner
This appetizer is just like the original with some modifications. The bread crumbs work overtime to make the filling creamy and rich.
This updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of the original recipe and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. We replaced the mayo with fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tangy Texas Salsa
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Green pepper, jalapeño pepper, tomato, grapefruit, orange
Level: Beginner
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is perfect for dipping. Try it with pretzels, crackers or cherry tomatoes for snacking.
I’m a “transplant” from Wisconsin currently living in Texas. Even after 20 years, I can’t get enough of our wonderful local citrus. This is one way to work it into a main dish. The combination of tangy fruit, spicy jalapeno and distinctive cilantro is perfect over any meat, poultry or fish. We also dip into it with chips. —Recipe contributor Lois Kildahl, McAllen, Texas
Polenta Mushroom Appetizers
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Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, garlic, Parmesan cheese
Level: Advanced
This appetizer is wonderful as a starter, but it also works as a healthy snack option. These bite-sized mushrooms are just what the doctor ordered.
Simple ingredients—in fact you probably have most if not all in your kitchen— are used to create a fantastic, but different appetizer. —Recipe contributor Meta West, Abilene, Kansas
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ricotta cheese, zucchini
Level: Beginner
This is the adult snack of your dreams. Feel free to change the filling to match your tastes but don’t gloss over the original recipe.
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —Recipe contributor April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Peach Bruschetta
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: French baguette, walnuts, arugula, peaches
Level: Intermediate
Move over tomatoes, there’s a new bruschetta topping in town! This is a wonderful way to use up your ripe peaches while making a refreshing appetizer.
As a starter or light snack, this bruschetta is a wonderful way to savor the season with just a bite of fresh peach amid a medley of lively flavors. —Recipe contributor Nikiko Masumoto, Del Ray, California
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, crabmeat, endive or lettuce leaves
Level: Beginner
This bright app is also great as a quick snack. The mix of vibrant flavors will keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day.
This refreshing hors d’oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Recipe contributor Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Edamame, frozen corn, avocado
Level: Beginner
Corn and edamame have this popping quality that’s hard to beat. It’s a great healthy alternative to creamy dips.
Edamame and corn give this unique salsa its unmistakable team colors. You can add a little salt if you like, too. A healthy alternative to creamy dips, it’s good for the extra point. —Recipe contributor Maggie Lovat, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Garlic powder, pumpkin seeds
Level: Beginner
This quick and satisfying pumpkin seed recipe is great if you usually crave unhealthy chips. Feel free to add any other seasonings to the mix, like paprika or chili powder for more heat.
Wondering what to do with all those pumpkin seeds guests will be scooping out at your pumpkin-carving party? This yummy, microwave-easy recipe is the answer! Save some for yourself before they’re gone! —Recipe contributor Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Pressure-Cooker Asian Wraps
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, ginger root, spring roll wrappers
Level: Advanced
Satiate your takeout cravings with this recipe that makes a great ready-made lunch throughout the week. These bite-sized snacks are packed with veggies.
This recipe is similar to other Asian wraps but it’s packed with even more deliciously healthy flavor. Instead of ordering Chinese, why not try making these yourself? —Recipe contributor Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chipotle Berry Fruit Salsa
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Strawberries, blackberries, kiwi
Level: Beginner
This salsa is a delectable chip dip that everyone will want more of. Just double the recipe and watch it disappear.
Not too hot, but with a bit of a kick, this salsa is a perfect topping for grilled fish or chicken. It’s also a delectable chip dip—just double the recipe and watch it disappear. The spice is quite mild, but cut down on (or increase!) the chipotle peppers to suit your taste. If you like, add lime zest for an added twist. —Recipe contributor Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Edamame Hummus
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Edamame, tahini, mint, jalapeño peppers
Level: Beginner
Healthy dips are hard to come by. Try this out with pretzel sticks, sliced red peppers or carrot sticks.
We love hummus at our house. This recipe is a scrumptious and refreshing twist on an old favorite, and it’s a wonderful way to incorporate healthy soy into our diets. —Recipe contributor Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Homemade Peanut Butter
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Dry roasted peanuts, honey, salt
Level: Beginner
You can’t go wrong with homemade peanut butter! This is great and fun for dipping. Try sliced bananas, celery sticks or crackers.
We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. My homemade version is easier on my wallet, and I know what ingredients are in it. It’s also a lot tastier! —Recipe contributor Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska
Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese
Level: Beginner
Cauliflower is a powerhouse of a vegetable. First pizza crust and now breadsticks; soon you won’t need to buy bread at all! This cheesy appetizer is worth the craze.
These grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce. —Recipe contributor Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Crab Phyllo Cups
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Garden vegetable cream cheese, crabmeat, chili sauce
Level: Beginner
These cups are sure to please seafood lovers. The vegetable cream cheese makes the bites herby and irresistible.
I always like a dot of chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you’re out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Recipe contributor Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red pepper, almonds
Level: Beginner
This tangy recipe is best paired with carrot sticks or some simple crackers. Almonds in dip, who knew?
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Recipe contributor Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, pitted olives, garlic-stuffed olives, Greek olives
Level: Beginner
This makes a beautiful and tasty dip, even on the go! Pair it with your favorite Italian entrees.
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers. —Recipe contributor Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Spicy Mixed Nuts
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mixed nuts, chili powder, cumin
Level: Beginner
This curry adjacent take on nuts makes for a yummy and healthy snack. You can even give it as a gift!
Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It’s a smart solution for holiday snacking. —Recipe contributor Delores Hill, Helena, Montana
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, French baguette
Level: Intermediate
This healthy and crunchy snack is great for when you’re hit with cravings. It’s also simple and quick to make.
A healthy and refreshing appetizer, I enjoy bruschetta anytime of year. For serving guests, I like to slice the garlic instead of chopping it for both beauty and flavor infusion. This is also a simple make-ahead dish: You can mix it up, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving. —Recipe contributor Gina Bergamino, Chanhassen, Minnesota
Mango Avocado Spring Rolls
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Rice paper wrappers, avocados, mango
Level: Advanced
These fun wraps will have you drooling! This summery treat is fresh, bright and wonderfully textured.
As a fan of mangoes and avocados, I love these wraps. You can substitute tortillas for rice paper wrappers, and lettuce or spinach for sprouts. —Recipe contributor Gena Stout, Ravenden, Arkansas
Grilled Brussels Sprouts
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, red pepper, onion
Level: Beginner
Brussels sprouts may have a bad reputation, but they are actually insanely delicious once you give them a chance. This snack is great for veggie lovers who want to get more nutrients to stay full for longer.
During a beach vacation, in an effort to cook our entire meal outside on the grill, I made our not-so-simple veggie choice into a simple grilled side dish. For spicier sprouts, season with red pepper flakes. —Recipe contributor Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Dijon mustard, zucchini, summer squash, red peppers
Level: Beginner
Grilled veggies are a summer favorite. For a quick snack, cut these veggies into bite sized pieces and say goodbye to your unhealthy cravings.
I make this healthy and inviting side dish whenever friends come over for a cookout. The honeyed vinaigrette lets the veggies shine. —Recipe contributor Shelly Graver, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, thyme, salt
Level: Intermediate
When salty cravings hit, make these homemade crackers instead of chowing down on unnecessary calories.
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Recipe contributor Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Orange Shrimp Mojo
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Jumbo shrimp, orange, onion, avocado
Level: Intermediate
This dish has complex flavors that work beautifully together. It hits all the notes, with a sauce you might consider remaking for other proteins.
With jalapeño, orange and avocado, this enticing entree is spicy, tangy and fresh with every bite. The sauce beautifully glazes the shrimp. —Recipe contributor Don Thompson, Houston, Ohio
Greek Veggie Tartlets
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Phyllo tart sheets, onion, feta cheese, Greek olives
Level: Beginner
These cute tarts are delicious and packed with veggies. Snack on a couple of these as you sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.
The mixture in this recipe was originally a salad I made after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve it in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer! —Recipe contributor Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Mango Barley Salad
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Barley, limes, mango
Level: Beginner
This fresh, colorful mango salad is a wonderful option if you want something sweet. The bright flavor is perfect for a smart healthy snack.
I made this fresh, colorful mango salad on the fly and it was a big hit! The bright flavor is perfect for a spring or summer picnic, served right away or chilled. —Recipe contributor Dan Wellberg, Elk River, Minnesota
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fruit, yogurt, honey
Level: Beginner
This snack is sweet without being too rich. Dress up your usual yogurt with some colorful new toppings!
A tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt, this is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Grilled Zucchini with Onions
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, green onions
Level: Beginner
While you may not think of zucchini as a snack, cut them into bite sized pieces and you’ll have a delicious grilled snack that won’t make you miss greasy fried food.
Wondering what to do with all your garden-grown zucchini in the summer? Give it a sizzle and a little heat with this healthy side. It’s also an easy recipe to double or triple for summer cookouts. —Recipe contributor Alia Shuttleworth, Auburn, California
Mocha Pumpkin Seeds
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Instant coffee granules, pumpkin seeds
Level: Beginner
Any seasoned pumpkin seeds are a great healthy snack, but these chocolatey seeds will curb your desire for something more indulgent.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a classic fall snack. Kick them up a notch with instant coffee and cocoa powder for a mix that’s mocha genius at any time of year. —Recipe contributor Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Baked Parmesan Breaded Squash
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Yellow summer squash, panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese
Level: Beginner
Baked yellow squash is a great snack when you’re craving salty chips. The squash gets perfectly baked so it’s just as crunchy as chips, but better for you.
Baked yellow squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. —Recipe contributor Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, bacon, shrimp
Level: Intermediate
The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cucumber flavor make this healthy snack a hit!
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Recipe contributor Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
Originally Published: July 09, 2020
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson
Lauren has spent more than eight years writing lifestyle, health and wellness content for publishers like Allure, Teen Vogue and Thought Catalog. As Taste of Home's assistant editor, she ran the Holiday, Healthy and Desserts newsletters, and wrote and edited everything from recipe tutorials to healthy eating tips.After work hours, you can find Lauren trying out new pasta recipes, obsessing over her dog, Andre, and working on her third book of poetry.
