Healthy Snack Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine

75 Ways to Snack Smarter

Eating healthier doesn't mean you have to give up snacking. In fact, snacking can be an excellent way to curb cravings and keep you satisfied between meals, as long as you snack smart. These lighter, healthier options are the perfect way to enjoy your favorite types of treats without blowing your calorie budget.

First up, Popcorn Balls!

This sweet and salty sphere is sure to please every age in your house. You can easily leave the peanuts out if allergies demand.

View Recipe: Popcorn Balls

Photo: Oxmoor House

Happy-Hour Hummus

It's a quick snack to make before dinner. Throw all the ingredients into a food processor, give it a whirl, and presto–you've bought yourself an hour to make a meal. Healthy dippers include baby carrots, radishes, jicama, and sugar snap peas.

View Recipe: Happy-Hour Hummus

Photo: Johnny Autry

Honey-Glazed Almonds

Spiced nuts are usually baked; this stovetop version speeds up the process. The smoky-spicy snack will store well in an airtight container for several days.

View Recipe: Honey-Glazed Almonds

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

This is a salty, sweet pick-up dessert that works as well for a snack as it does for a party.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies

These chewy cookies are actually gluten-free, but you can't even taste the difference!

View Recipe: Chewy Caramel Apple Cookies

Photo: Oxmoor House

Hot-Pink Smoothies

Smoothies are a great opportunity for kids to add their own personality and get creative. The yogurt adds a dose of calcium. Be sure to use frozen fruit—it eliminates the need for ice.

View Recipe: Hot-Pink Smoothies

Photo: Randy Mayor

Orange-Hazelnut Snack Muffins

Hazelnut flour (often called meal) is full of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein.

View Recipe: Orange-Hazelnut Snack Muffins

Photo: Oxmoor House

Roasted Sweet Onion Dip

Serve this dip with gluten-free rice crackers or mixed fresh vegetables. Making the recipe a day ahead allows the flavors to meld.

View Recipe: Roasted Sweet Onion Dip

Photo: Oxmoor House

Toasted Barley and Berry Granola

Though rolled barley flakes look nearly identical to rolled oats, they pack more fiber. Look for them in whole-foods shops or supermarket bulk food bins. Serve over plain low-fat yogurt.

View Recipe: Toasted Barley and Berry Granola

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate-Almond Pretzels

This recipe calls for gluten-free ingredients, but you can just as easily use other pretzels or chocolate if gluten isn't a concern.

View Recipe: Chocolate-Almond Pretzels

Photo: Johnny Autry

Baked Mozzarella Bites

Serve this quick after-school snack to your kids as an alternative to traditional fried cheesesticks.

View Recipe: Baked Mozzarella Bites

Photo: Oxmoor House

Baked Pita Chips

These crispy chips are a great choice for after-school tummy satisfaction.

View Recipe: Baked Pita Chips

Photo: John Autry

Easy Guacamole

The food processor makes quick work of this easy guacamole that's rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. We like the heat from the jalapeño seeds, but you can seed the pepper for a milder guac. Serve with tortilla chips or crudités.

View Recipe: Easy Guacamole

Photo: Johnny Autry

Butterscotch Pudding

Treat yourself to a snack with this rich, super creamy butterscotch pudding.

View Recipe: Butterscotch Pudding

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Peach-Mango Smoothie

You're only 2 minutes and 5 ingredients away from enjoying this fruit-packed, energy-boosting smoothie.

View Recipe: Peach-Mango Smoothie

Photo: Karry Hosford

Peanut Butter-Banana Spirals

Peanut butter is the star in this recipe, supported by banana, yogurt, and, for crunch, wheat germ.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter-Banana Spirals

Photo: Randy Mayor

Coconut-Date Truffle Bites

Pop a couple of these chocolatey bites in your mouth for a sweet and satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.

View Recipe: Coconut-Date Truffle Bites

Photo: Oxmoor House

Roasted Garlic, Poblano, and Red Pepper Guacamole

You can use this guacamole liven up a turkey sandwich or as a condiment in a vegetable wrap. If time is tight, simply serve it with store-bought baked tortilla chips. When storing, press plastic wrap against the surface to help keep it from oxidizing and turning brown.

View Recipe: Roasted Garlic, Poblano, and Red Pepper Guacamole

Photo: Oxmoor House

Trail Mix

The trick to getting kids to eat trail mix: Add just a little bit of the sweet stuff to the nutritious stuff so it tastes like a treat. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with magnesium and zinc, and the cranberries are chock-full of vitamin C and fiber.

View Recipe: Trail Mix

Photo: Johnny Autry

Pistachio-Chai Muffins

These healthy muffins get their unique flavor from chai tea blend and roasted chopped pistachios.

View Recipe: Pistachio-Chai Muffins

Photo: Johnny Autry

Granola with Honey-Scented Yogurt and Baked Figs

The granola itself is a star player, but the yogurt and figs take it to a whole new level of delicious.

View Recipe: Granola with Honey-Scented Yogurt and Baked Figs

Photo: Randy Mayor

Fudgy Oatmeal Bars

Satisfy the whole family's chocolate cravings with these delicous fudgy oatmeal bars.

View Recipe: Fudgy Oatmeal Bars

Photo: Randy Mayor

Vanilla Honey-Nut Smoothie

Start with creamy frozen yogurt and add peanut butter, milk, and honey for a nutty, sweet treat. Silken tofu and ground flaxseed help this smoothie stick with you throughout an afternoon of running errands.

View Recipe: Vanilla Honey-Nut Smoothie

Photo: Randy Mayor

Parmesan-Rosemary Flatbread Crackers

These sweetly-salty crackers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

View Recipe: Parmesan-Rosemary Flatbread Crackers

Photo: Randy Mayor

Nutty Whole-Grain Granola

This granola is fantastic on its own, but also lends that perfect bite to our Quinoa-Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies.

View Recipe: Nutty Whole-Grain Granola

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cumin Chips

If you can find blue corn tortillas, they'll add a pop of color. Store in an airtight container.

View Recipe: Cumin Chips

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

Our readers rave about these classic oatmeal cookies. This version is lightened, but you'd never know it.

View Recipe: Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

Photo: William Dickey

Blueberry-Peach Ice Pops

An icy-fruity blueberry layer sandwiches creamy summer peach mousse for a stunning and delicious treat that children and adults will love.

View Recipe: Blueberry-Peach Ice Pops

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner;

Cucumber, Apple, and Mint Cooler

Each serving of this smoothie offers 1/2 cup of vegetables, plus a little fruit.

View Recipe: Cucumber, Apple, and Mint Cooler

Photo: Randy Mayor

Fudgy Brownies

These sweet, chewy brownies get their rich flavor from both cocoa and dark chocolate, but they're lower in fat than traditional brownies because the recipe calls for low-fat milk, fewer eggs, and less sugar and butter.

View Recipe: Fudgy Brownies

Photo: Johnny Autry

Spicy Maple-Cashew Popcorn

For a more kid-friendly version, omit the ground red pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

View Recipe: Spicy Maple-Cashew Popcorn

Photo: Randy Mayor

Quinoa-Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use an already-made batch of our Nutty Whole-Grain Granola to whip up these scrumptious cookies.

View Recipe: Quinoa-Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Randy Mayor

Creamy Spinach and Feta Dip

Bright and tangy nonfat Greek yogurt helps save 100 calories and 3g sat fat.

View Recipe: Creamy Spinach and Feta Dip

Photo: Johnny Autry

Chewy Oat Squares

These hearty squares are simple to make and wonderfully portable—they are perfect for packing in lunch boxes or for snacking in the car.

View Recipe: Chewy Oat Squares

Photo: Oxmoor House

Spicy Almond-Pumpkinseed Snack Mix

This snack mix is a great choice for an office pick-me-up. It stores well for up to a week in an airtight container.

View Recipe: Spicy Almond-Pumpkinseed Snack Mix

Photo: Oxmoor House

Mango-Lime Sorbet

Depending on how sweet your mangoes are, you can add more or less lime and more or less simple syrup. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts water and granulated sugar in a saucepan; stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool before using.

View Recipe: Mango-Lime Sorbet

Photo: Johnny Autry

Strawberry-Avocado Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Make the chips in advance, cool completely, and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

View Recipe: Strawberry-Avocado Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Photo: Randy Mayor

Salty-Sweet Pine Nut Bars

These bars are sweet, salty, and nutty—the perfect craving buster. Pine nuts can be expensive; pecans are a less pricey but equally delicious alternative.

View Recipe: Salty-Sweet Pine Nut Bars

Photo: Randy Mayor

Monkey Bars

Monkey bars are moist snacking cakes that might remind you of banana bread.

View Recipe: Monkey Bars

Photo: Oxmoor House

Mixed Berries with Orange Mascarpone Cream

Summertime means berries and stone fruits. Take advantage of the abundance and low prices of the season, and serve them for a quick and easy dessert. Any combination of berries will work; you can even add a sliced nectarine or two.

View Recipe: Mixed Berries with Orange Mascarpone Cream

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Maple-Chile Popcorn

A heatproof spatula works best to combine and spread the ingredients into the pan. Kids may prefer this without the red pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.

View Recipe: Maple-Chile Popcorn

Photo: Oxmoor House

Kale Chips

These chips are crispy, crunchy, salty, and so easy to make. Opt for them instead of potato chips next time you're craving a salty snack. For a different flavor, try sprinkling the kale with grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or sweet paprika before baking.

View Recipe: Kale Chips

Photo: Randy Mayor

Creamiest Chocolate Pudding

This recipe earned our Test Kitchen's highest rating. A combination of cocoa powder and dark chocolate offers acidity and floral notes. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days. For a pretty presentation, dip mint sprigs in water and gently dredge in sugar; let dry on a wire rack.

View Recipe: Creamiest Chocolate Pudding

Photo: Randy Mayor

Tomato Turnovers

These tomato turnovers impress, whether served as a snack or a party appetizer.

View Recipe: Tomato Turnovers

Photo: Randy Mayor

Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Dip

Use a mandoline to cut the potato for the best results; hand-cutting is less likely to produce sufficiently thin and uniform slices. If you have any leftover chips, store them in an airtight container for up to a week. You'll need to bake them for 2 minutes at 450° to recrisp before eating.

View Recipe: Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Dip

Photo: Randy Mayor

Peanut-Almond Snack Bars

Featuring pretzels, marshmallows, peanut butter, almonds, and even a little hint of chocolate, is there any snack attack this bar can't beat?

View Recipe: Peanut-Almond Snack Bars

Photo: Hannah Whitaker

Almond Bread

A package of almond paste— which you'll find on the baking aisle— makes this loaf incredibly moist and dense, almost like a pound cake.

View Recipe: Almond Bread

Photo: Charles Masters & Randy Mayor

Berry and Banana Smoothies

Pop the sliced peeled banana in the freezer the night before so the next morning's prep is quick and easy.

View Recipe: Berry and Banana Smoothies

Photo: Johnny Autry

Tuscan Lemon Muffins

Enjoy these lemony treats for a sweet snack. Ricotta cheese ensures a light and fluffy texture.

View Recipe: Tuscan Lemon Muffins

Photo: Oxmoor House

Banana Split Sundaes

Believe it or not, banana splits are a great way for children to have a well-balanced sweet treat. The secret? Go heavy on the fruit!

View Recipe: Banana Split Sundaes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

The mashed ripe banana adds just the right amount of sweetness, allowing you to use less sugar and butter than you might normally use.

View Recipe: Banana-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Photo: Oxmoor House

Honey-Roasted Nuts and Fruit

Use any variety of mixed nuts or seeds you like in this trail mix. Dried fruit is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and the nuts add healthy fats and protein, which makes this an excellent on-the-go snack.

View Recipe: Honey-Roasted Nuts and Fruit

Photo: Randy Mayor

Avocado Ice Pops

Avocados are a fruit and creamy-rich–perfect for freezing on a stick.

View Recipe: Avocado Ice Pops

Photo: Johnny Autry

Zucchini Mini Muffins

These work as a tasty snack, or even for breakfast! For equal portions, use a small ice-cream scoop to spoon the batter into the muffin cups.

View Recipe: Zucchini Mini Muffins

Photo: Oxmoor House

Cinnamon-Sugar Popcorn

Look for air-popped popcorn with no added ingredients, or pop your own. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top for a yummy, family-friendly treat.

View Recipe: Cinnamon-Sugar Popcorn

Photo: Randy Mayor

Cheddar-Parmesan Biscotti

Keep a stash of these savory biscotti in your desk drawer for a quick snack. They'd also be good with soup or chili. They'll keep for up to a week stored in an airtight container.

View Recipe: Cheddar-Parmesan Biscotti

Photo: Johnny Autry

Black Bean Hummus

This Middle Eastern dip is made with black beans instead of the traditional chickpeas. And for a bit of extra flavor, stir in some jalapeño pepper and lime juice.

View Recipe: Black Bean Hummus

Photo: Oxmoor House

Gluten-Free S'more Bars

For those with gluten intolerance, it's important to create a few desserts that taste as good as the real thing. This one sure does. Try Cup4Cup flour and S'moreables gluten-free graham crackers for the best results.

View Recipe: Gluten-Free S'more Bars

Photo: Johnny Autry

Apple-Toffee Hand Pies

Look for toffee chips near the chocolate chips on the baking aisle. Be sure to chill the butter beforehand to make it easier to cut into small cubes.

View Recipe: Apple-Toffee Hand Pies

Photo: Johnny Autry

Chewy Coconut Granola Bars

Super-easy to make, these are perfect for breakfast, the car, or a snack.

View Recipe: Chewy Coconut Granola Bars

Photo: Charles Masters & Randy Mayor

Sweet Chipotle Snack Mix

Have this addictive mix on hand for nibbling all week long. Ground chipotle pepper and chili spices combine with sugar to coat this three-part combo of pepitas (pumpkinseeds), almonds, and cashews. You can even make it ahead of time to bring with you to work.

View Recipe: Sweet Chipotle Snack Mix

Photo: Randy Mayor

Peppery Pepita Brittle

Boost brittle to a whole new level with this mildly spicy treat.

View Recipe: Peppery Pepita Brittle

Photo: Randy Mayor

Classic Banana Bread

We love this bread's moist texture and simple flavor. Banana bread should form a crack down the center as it bakes—a sign the baking soda is doing its job.

View Recipe: Classic Banana Bread

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chocolate-Butterscotch-Nut Clusters

For those with a serious sweet tooth, one or two of these tasty treats will do the trick.

View Recipe: Chocolate-Butterscotch-Nut Clusters

Photo: Beau Gustafson

Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

Canned pumpkin offers the same health benefits as fresh but is more convenient. It contributes both color and moistness to these fruit-filled muffins.

View Recipe: Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

Photo: William Dickey

Blueberry-Passion Fruit Smoothie

With plenty of fruit, fiber, and protein, this quick shake is a sweet snack you can feel good about. You can also enjoy a larger serving as a healthful breakfast. Look for canned passion fruit nectar with other bottled and canned juices or in the Latin food section of your grocery store. If you can't find it, substitute pineapple juice.

View Recipe: Blueberry-Passion Fruit Smoothie

Photo: Randy Mayor

Walnut Coffee Cake

Great for a midmorning pick-me-up, this classic cake has a sweet streak of brown sugar and warm cinnamon with the nutty crunch of walnuts inside. Chop the walnuts to the size of small peas to ensure they are evenly distributed in the cake. Substitute pecans for walnuts, if desired.

View Recipe: Walnut Coffee Cake

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chili-Spiced Almonds

These flavorful nuts make a convenient, portable snack. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

View Recipe: Chili-Spiced Almonds

Photo: Oxmoor House

Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Just enough butter for caramel goodness and peanut butter for heart-healthy richness.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter Caramel Corn

Photo: Johnny Autry

Banana Snacking Cake

This moist cake is a perfectly sweet snack that's sure to please every member of your family.

View Recipe: Banana Snacking Cake

Photo: Johnny Autry

Sweet and Spicy Nut and Pretzel Mix

Don't forget to set a timer to remind you of the nuts toasting in the oven.

View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Nut and Pretzel Mix

Photo: Oxmoor House

Sweet and Spicy Pumpkinseeds

For even more kick, add an extra 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper.

View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pumpkinseeds

Photo: Oxmoor House

Peanut Butter, Banana, and Chocolate Smoothies

The classic combination of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate is an easy sell with most kids. Parents will love that these smoothies are full of potassium, fiber, and protein.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter, Banana, and Chocolate Smoothies

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Rosemary Roasted Almonds

Fresh rosemary gives wonderful fragrance and flavor to this roasted almond recipe, and chili powder provides just the right amount of spiciness. Serve at a party or as an everyday snack.

View Recipe: Rosemary Roasted Almonds

Photo: Oxmoor House

Kitchen Sink Oatmeal Cookies

As the name suggests, you can put just about anything in these cookies. Chocolate chips and walnuts are definitely some ingredients that you won’t want to leave out.

View Recipe: Kitchen Sink Oatmeal Cookies