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Breakfast Quesadillas

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These easy freezer-friendly breakfast quesadillas are made with simple ingredients like eggs, beans, and cheese. You can prep them ahead of time, freeze them, and pop them in the air fryer for a quick meal.

easy freezer-friendly breakfast quesadilla with black beans

Hi friends!

Meet my new go-to breakfast for busy mornings. They’re perfect for making a big batch during Sunday food prep and stock the freezer. Then I just pull them out as needed. It did take me a couple of tries to find the best way to reheat them without getting stuck with a soggy quesadilla. I’ll share the method that works best below!

These quesadillas are easy to customize them with your favorite fillings – use your favorite types of beans and cheese! If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy beans, check out my post with 10 Ways To Eat Beans For Breakfast.

What Goes in a Breakfast Quesadilla?

These breakfast quesadillas are made with just a few simple ingredients:

  • Scrambled eggs
  • Black beans – feel free to sub pinto and great northern beans if you prefer
  • Corn – canned corn works best
  • Onion – whichever kind you prefer- red, white, or even green onions work well
  • Diced jalapeño- optional if you want a little kick.
  • Cilantro – for flavor!
  • Cheese – I use Colby Jack, but feel free to use your favorite
  • Toppings – When you’re ready to eat these quesadillas, add all your favorite toppings – salsa, pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, avocado or guacamole, etc

How To Make Breakfast Quesadillas

Here’s how to make them:

  • Scramble some eggs.
  • Add beans, corn, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, and stir to combine.
  • Grate a little cheese onto one side of a large tortilla.
  • Add the egg and bean mixture.
  • Grate more cheese on top and fold the tortilla in half.
  • Wipe the pan clean, place the quesadilla in it, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Add toppings and serve warm, or let cool before freezing.
freezer-friendly breakfast quesadillas in the air fryer

How To Freeze and Reheat Them

If you plan to freeze the quesadillas, transfer them to a cooling rack, slice, and let them cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, then wrap in plastic wrap and put them in a Ziploc bag.

When ready to eat, unwrap and air-fry at 380 degrees for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

How To Avoid Soggy Breakfast Quesadillas

To avoid soggy quesadillas, here are a few tips:

  • Don’t use the microwave! Microwaving eggs steams them and releases moisture, which makes your quesadillas soggy.
  • Put cheese on the top and bottom. This helps form a barrier between the tortilla and the filling to minimize sogginess.
  • Reheat from frozen in the air fryer. This is the best way I’ve found to reheat frozen quesadillas. The tortilla gets crispy, the cheese melts again, and then eggs don’t get watery.

Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Quesadillas Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Breakfast Quesadillas FAQs

Can you freeze breakfast quesadillas?

Yes! The key is to let them cool completely before freezing. Flash freeze in a flat layer to avoid the pieces sticking together, then wrap in plastic wrap and transfer to a Ziploc bag.

What’s the best way to reheat a frozen breakfast quesadilla?

The air fryer is the best way to reheat a breakfast quesadilla. The eggs will reheat without getting soggy and the cheese will melt. Do not use the microwave unless you want a soggy quesadilla. You could also reheat in a dry skillet on the stovetop.

breakfast quesadilla with black bean and egg

Are breakfast quesadillas healthy?

Yes! Each quesadilla has about 35 grams of protein and 8-10 grams of fiber. The beans add fiber, but you can use whole wheat tortillas for an extra boost of fiber. Topping them with avocado adds healthy fats, too!

Can you make breakfast quesadillas ahead of time?

If you plan to make breakfast quesadillas ahead of time, definitely freeze them. Let them cool, then freeze and reheat in the air fryer as needed. They do not keep well in the fridge without getting soggy.

These easy freezer-friendly breakfast quesadillas are made with simple ingredients like eggs, beans and cheese. They can be prepped ahead of time, frozen and popped in the air fryer for a quick meal.

More Healthy Egg Recipes

Looking for more ways to eat eggs for breakfast? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Ways To Eat Beans For Breakfast

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10 Ways to Eat Beans For Breakfast – Start your day with these easy recipes that are full of protein and fiber!

10 Ways to Eat Beans For Breakfast - Start your day with these easy recipes that are full of protein and fiber!

*Originally published July 2015. Updated October 2026.*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk breakfast beans and breakfast bean recipes! Do you like beans? Only at dinner? I’ve got good news. They’re good all day! Here are 10 ways to eat beans for breakfast!

Recently, I introduced you to the wonderful world of pulses in this post: What Are Pulses & 5 Ways To Eat Them. In case you need a refresher, pulses are a term that encompasses dry peas, beans, chickpeas and lentils.

Benefits of Beans for Breakfast

Here are a few good reasons to enjoy beans for breakfast! They’re a gluten-free source of protein and fiber. That means they’ll help fill you up and keep you full!

They are rich in important nutrients like iron, potassium and folate.  In addition, they are very budget-friendly and also have a low carbon footprint.

In summary, beans can help to help keep you full and focused all morning long. They make a great addition to many traditional breakfast dishes. Check it out:

10 Ways To Eat Beans For Breakfast

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars - stacked, on cooling rack and a bowl of beans

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars – 
My kids love these! Eat them on the run or pair with some fruit and yogurt for a quick breakfast! Or try these Lentil Banana Muffins! Legumes for breakfast are good too!

sheet pan breakfast hash

Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash
You could also make the hash ahead of time and then reheat throughout the week and top with a quick fried egg!

breakfast quesadillas with black beans and eggs

Make Ahead Breakfast Quesadillas
Make a batch of these to stock your freezer with a quick breakfast option. Reheat in the air fryer!

High protein avocado toast

High Protein Avocado Toast
Avo toast is all the rage. This version gets an extra nutritional boost from beans!

huevos rancheros tostada

Huevos Rancheros Tostadas
Ready in minutes and can be topped with any kind of egg you like!

White Bean Shakshuka

Smoky White Bean Shakshuka
A hearty breakfast perfect for a cold morning!

Vegan Breakfast Tacos

Vegan Breakfast Tacos
No tofu required for these breakfast tacos. You can even make them ahead of time!

huevos rancheros breakfast sandwich

Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Sandwiches
Make one, wrap it up and eat it when you get to work!

black bean breakfast enchiladas

Black Bean Breakfast Enchiladas
Enchiladas aren’t just for dinner! Add eggs for a breakfast twist.

breakfast burrito egg casserole

Breakfast Burrito Egg Casserole
Make it over the weekend and reheat all week long!

blondie snickerdoodle bar with white beans

Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

A fun twist on coffee cake that’s full of protein and fiber thanks to the addition of white beans!

I hope this gives you some inspiration. Remember that a lot of beans are interchangeable. If you don’t like black beans, swap them for white beans or even another member of the pulses family, likechickpeas!

10 Ways to Eat Beans For Breakfast - Start your day with these easy recipes that are full of protein and fiber!

Here are a few more options:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

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These healthy pumpkin muffins are high in fiber thanks to the addition of red lentils, ground flax and whole grains. The red lentils blend in completely so your kids will never notice!

healthy pumpkin muffins - high fiber made with red lentils and ground flax

Hi friends!

If you love my Lentil Banana Muffins, you absolutely need to try these Healthy Pumpkin Muffins. The lentils disappear completely when mixed in a blender or food processor and by adding 1 cup of cooked red lentils, you add a whopping 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber in total to the recipe! Plus the ground flax mixes right in as well and adds even more fiber.

I tested this recipe multiple times so I could pack in as much good stuff as possible without sacrificing the taste or texture.

Are pumpkin muffins good for you?

Most pumpkin muffins are more like dessert – high in added sugar with little to no protein or fiber. These healthy pumpkin muffins have 6g protein and 5g fiber per muffin. While they are still a little high in added sugar, you can play around with reducing it by swapping some of the sugar for mashed banana or reducing the amount of sugar and adding in a few mini chocolate chips.

You can pair one of these muffins with a glass of milk, some scrambled eggs or even a handful of nuts for a healthy, balanced breakfast.

What makes these high fiber?

These healthy pumpkin muffins get their fiber from a few sources:

  • 1 cup cooked red lentils – 16 grams fiber
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin – 7 grams fiber
  • 1.5 cups golden wheat flour – 18 grams fiber
  • 1/4 cup ground flax – 7.5 grams fiber

The combination of these 4 ingredients helps give each muffins about 5 grams of fiber.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these muffins, here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Red lentils – These cook super quickly and are very soft, making it easy to blend them right into the muffin batter so they disappear
  • Pumpkin – Be sure to use 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
  • Oil – I use a neutral oil like avocado oil
  • Eggs- For structure and lift
  • Brown sugar- Feel free to test replacing some of the sugar with mashed bananas or cut back and add a few chocolate chips
  • Golden Wheat Flour – A whole grain flour that helps add extra flour without being too dense
  • Ground flax – Another easy addition to add fiber – be sure to add ground flax not whole flax seeds.
  • Cinnamon – for flavor. Adding some ground ginger in these would be great too!
  • Baking soda and baking powder – for leavening.

If you’re looking for a version using apples and oats, try these Pumpkin Apple Lentil Muffins.

healthy pumpkin muffins with lentils and flax for fiber

How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

Here’s how to make these muffins:

  • Cook the red lentils – Combine 1/3 cup dry red lentils and 2 cups of water in a pan. Cover and bring to a boil. Crack the lid, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Drain any remaining water and let cool slightly. Lentils will triple in size so you should have about 1 cup of cooked lentils.
  • In a food processor, combine cooked lentils, pumpkin, oil, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla and process until smooth. You can also do this step in a blender and transfer to a bowl to mix the rest by hand if you don’t have a food processor.
  • Add flour, flax, cinnamon, baking soda and baking powder and pulse until just combined.
  • Add a few chocolate chips if using.
  • Scoop into muffin tins – will make 12 large muffins.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for about 18 minutes or until cooked through.

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins with Oat Flour

You can try replacing half the flour in this recipe with oat flour if you’d like. I haven’t tried it myself and I would not recommend replacing the entire amount. It will change the texture a little bit.

Healthy pumpkin muffins with banana

Try replacing half the sugar with 2 small mashed bananas to reduce the added sugar.

Healthy pumpkin muffins with applesauce

I tried replacing some of the sugar in this recipe with applesauce and didn’t like it. It made the muffins significantly less sweet and also denser. If you would prefer a refined- sugar free recipe, try replacing the sugar with maple syrup.

Tips for Best Texture for Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

There are a few reasons why your muffins might be turning out a little dense or gummy:

  • Make sure to only cook your red lentils for 5 minutes. They cook super quickly so you don’t want to over cook them. Also be sure not to cook them in too much water and to drain the water completely before added them to the food processor.
  • Ground flax makes a great addition but don’t overdo it, especially if you’re not used to adding it to your baked goods. 2-4 Tbsp per batch of muffins is a good starting point.

These muffins can be stored at room temperature in a ziploc bag for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen after they are cooled completely. To reheat simply thaw on the counter or reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Can I Make These For Kids or Toddlers?

Yes! These are perfect for a kid-friendly breakfast. The lentils and ground flax disappear completely and that added fiber will help keep them full until lunch or snack time.

If you prefer, you can definitely make these as mini muffins for the kids. Start checking for doneness after about 12 minutes.

Grab the kids and bring them into the kitchen with you to make these muffins. And if you’re looking for more recipes check out all of my Healthy Muffins and Bars.

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins FAQs

Can you put lentils in muffins?

Yes you can put lentils in muffins. Lentils are a great way to add extra protein and fiber to your muffins. After cooking them, they blend completely smooth into your muffin batter and won’t be noticed or tasted.

Can you taste lentils in these muffins?

No you cannot taste the lentils in these muffins. The red lentils blend up completely in the food processor or blender allowing the muffins to have a smooth texture and their mild flavor does not alter the flavor of the muffins.

How much flaxseed should I add to muffins?

Start by adding 1/4 cup ground flaxseed to your muffins. As you get used to the increased fiber and the slight texture it adds to muffins, you can experiment with inceasing to 1/3 cup.

easy healthy pumpkin muffins

Can I freeze healthy pumpkin muffins?

Yes you can freeze healthy pumpkin muffins. After baking, allow muffins to cool completely before transfering to a ziploc or other freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, transfer to the counter to thaw, or micrwave individual muffins for 30 seconds.

Can I use canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling?

This recipe for healthy pumpkin muffins used pure 100% pumpkin puree only. Canned pumpkin pie filling has unnecessary added sugar and flavorings.

More Pumpkin Recipes

Want more pumpkin? Try these:

These healthy pumpkin muffins are high in fiber thanks to the addition of red lentils, ground flax and whole grains. The red lentils blend in completely so your kids will never notice!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Huevos Rancheros

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Enjoy Huevos Rancheros as a tostada or breakfast sandwich for a quick and easy breakfast option on a busy morning that’s full of protein and fiber!

huevos rancheros tostadas

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing a deliciously easy way to eat beans for breakfast – Huevos Rancheros. A few years ago I wrote a post called 10 Ways To Eat Beans for Breakfast, and it remains one of my most popular posts, so I know a lot of you are looking for ways to add beans to your mornings. Yay fiber!

What is Huevos Rancheros?

If you’re not familiar, Huevos Rancheros traditionally consists of fried eggs over tortillas with salsa and beans. I’m making it quick and easy by serving it either as a tostada or turning it into a breakfast sandwich you can take on the go.

Huevos Rancheros Ingredients

The ingredient list is pretty simple:

  • Fried eggs- Cook them so the yolk is runny if you prefer, or make them over-hard so they’re a little more firm.
  • Refried beans – You can grab a can of store-bought, but it is super easy to make your own and have them on hand to use all week.
  • Cheese – I like Colby Jack, but feel free to use your favorite – sliced or shredded.
  • Avocado – You choose which way you want it – sliced, smashed with a little salt, as guacamole, etc
  • Salsa – Grab a jar of your favorite or make some fresh pico de gallo with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
  • Cilantro- Sprinkling with fresh cilantro adds tons of flavor
  • Jalapeño – Optional to add a little spice
  • Queso fresco – Optional, but great to crumble over the top just before serving.
  • Corn tortillas or English muffin, depending on which version you’re making
huevos rancheros tostada with fried egg, pico de gallo and cotija cheese

How To Make A Huevos Rancheros Tostada

The base of this tostada is a slightly crispy tortilla, so start by spreading your beans onto a corn tortilla and topping with some shredded cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy. Alternatively, air-fry at 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook an egg to your liking- fried, sunny-side up, over-hard, etc.

Place the egg on top of the tortilla and top with salsa or pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, avocado and cotija cheese.

huevos rancheros breakfast sandwich

Turn It Into a Breakfast Sandwich (Grab & Go)

To turn this into a delicious breakfast sandwich, simply grab an English muffin. Toast the English muffin, spread beans on the bottom and mashed avocado or guacamole on the top. Add a fried egg topped with cheese and some salsa or pico de gallo and voila!

If you’re in a rush, you could make the sandwich, wrap it up, and eat it when you get to work!

Alternatively, you can prep several ahead of time by cooking a batch of 6 whisked eggs in a sheet pan or 9×13 pan at 325 for about 20 minutes. Toast your English muffins, top with beans, then cut eggs into squares and add to each muffin. Once they’ve cooled, wrap individually in saran wrap and freeze in a Ziploc bag. When ready to eat one, remove the saran wrap and wrap in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, then top the English muffin with avocado and salsa before eating.

How To Keep Eggs From Overcooking

If you prefer a runny yolk, the make-ahead freezer breakfast sandwich isn’t the best choice. But making a Huevos Rancheros Tostada or breakfast sandwich right before eating is a great option. Remember, the egg will continue to cook once it’s removed from the heat, so remove it while the yolk is still jiggly.

If you prefer your eggs firmer, that’s totally fine too!

More Ways To Eat Beans for Breakfast

If you need more ideas, try these:

Huevos Rancheros Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Huevos Rancheros FAQs

What’s the difference between huevos rancheros and chilaquilas?

Huevos rancheros traditionally use corn tortillas that are warmed and then piled high with toppings. Chilaquiles traditionally use corn tortilla chips that are simmered in sauce so they absorb the liquid. If that sounds good, try my Chilaquiles Verdes.

Can you make huevos rancheros ahead of time?

For best results on the tostadas, you could make the refried beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, cooking the eggs and assembling will be quick and easy.

Huevos rancheros breakfast sandwiches can be assembled ahead of time and frozen. I just recommend adding the avocado and pico de gallo after reheating, not before freezing.

What’s traditionally in huevos rancheros?

Traditionally, huevos rancheros consist of corn tortillas topped with smashed or refried pinto or black beans, fried or sunny-side-up eggs, cheese, avocado, and salsa.

Can you turn huevos rancheros into a sandwich?

Yes! Instead of spooning beans onto a corn tortilla, use English muffins and top one side with beans and one side with avocado. Add a fried egg topped with cheese and some pico de gallo or salsa, and you’ve got a sandwich!

Enjoy Huevos Rancheros as a tostada or breakfast sandwich for an quick and easy breakfast option on a busy morning that's full of protein and fiber!

Healthy Recipes with Beans

Want more healthy recipes using beans? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Chicken Enchiladas

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These Healthy Chicken Enchiladas are protein-packed, full of chicken and white beans and lightened up thanks to the use of Greek yogurt over sour cream.

healthy chicken enchiladas made with chicken, white beans and Greek yogurt.

Hi Friends!

I’ve got another easy weeknight dinner for you. These Healthy Chicken Enchiladas come together quickly because they use chicken that’s already cooked. I’ve made a few easy swaps to lighten things up and help make these enchiladas a better choice for a weeknight dinner.

What Makes These Enchiladas Healthier

I made a few simple swaps to these enchiladas to make them healthier:

  • Beans – Many enchilada recipes include chicken along with lots of cheese and sour cream. This recipe adds an entire can of beans. I prefer Great Northern Beans because of their mild flavor. Plus their color helps them blend into the filling making them less noticeable to more selective eaters. I take it a step farther by mashing the beans which helps them blend into the filling even more.
  • Greek Yogurt – Most recipes include sour cream in the filling to help make it creamy. This recipe uses mashed beans to add some creaminess and also swaps the sour cream for Greek yogurt, which is higher in protein and lower in fat.

Healthy Chicken Enchiladas Ingredients

The best thing about these enchiladas is that they use a lot of pantry ingredients which makes it easy to ensure you always have the ingredients on hand, especially if you’re using canned chicken. Here’s what you need:

  • Chicken – The kind you use is up to you, it just needs to be pre-cooked. Use canned chicken, leftover chicken from another dinner, rotisserie chicken or make your own slow cooker pulled chicken. Use the Instant Pot if you’re in a hurry.
  • Great Northern Beans – These are my favorite for this recipe but you can use whatever kind you have on hand. Black beans and pinto beans work great as well.
  • Plain Greek yogurt– to add some creaminess. You could also use sour cream.
  • Spices– I use a mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and salt. You could also use Homemade Enchilada Seasoning.
  • Diced green chilis – An easy way to add flavor. You can use mild or spicy.
  • Cheese– I prefer to shred my own because it melts so much better. Colby Jack is my favorite but a Mexican blend or sharp cheddar work well too!
  • Tortillas – I typically use flour tortillas just because they stay together better for rolling but you can use corn tortillas if you prefer.
  • Enchilada sauce – Most of the time I’m in a hurry so I use canned enchilada sauce. Choose your favorite brand – just make sure you have around 20 oz. And you can use red or green enchilada sauce based on your preference.
healthy chicken enchiladas with white beans

How To Make Healthy Chicken Enchiladas

To make these enchiladas, just follow a few simple steps:

  • Mash the beans in a large bowl.
  • Add chicken and shred (if needed).
  • Add yogurt, cheese, chili and spices and stir to combine.
  • Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the pan.
  • Spoon chicken mixture into tortillas and roll closed, placing them seam side down in the pan.
  • Toss with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese and bake!

Best Enchilada Sauce for Chicken Enchiladas

The best part about enchiladas is you can really use whatever sauce you want! I often grab my favorite from the store to save time – there are some great options from Somos, Frontera and Siete Foods.

You also get to decide whether you like red or green enchilada sauce better!

If you prefer to make your own there are tons of great recipes out there. Try The Best Homemade Enchilada Sauce or learn How To Make Enchilada Sauce.

How To Keep Enchiladas From Getting Soggy

There’s always a debate about what kind of tortillas to use when making enchiladas and to me it comes down to personal preference. I grew up eating them made with flour tortillas so that’s what I use but if you feel that flour tortillas get too soggy, you can use corn tortillas.

For best results with corn tortillas, flash fry them in oil before filling them. The oil will create a bit of a barrier to keep too much sauce from being absorbed. It also helps warm the tortillas which allows them to roll easier without breaking.

And finally, you can opt to skip the thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan. Just make sure you spray the pan with oil before placing the filled tortillas in it.

healthy chicken enchiladas

Make-Ahead Version – Healthy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

To make enchiladas ahead of time you can make the filling and even fill the tortillas, but I would not cover with enchilada sauce and top with cheese until you’re ready to bake.

If you prefer a make-ahead casserole with similar flavors, use 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas and layer like a lasagna. Start with a thin layer of sauce, then line the bottom of the pan with corn tortillas, top with some of the chicken mixture and repeat. Top with cheese and bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.

You could also skip the tortillas and try my Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole.

What To Serve with Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas make a robust meal on their own but if you’re looking for something to serve with it, try:

Healthy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Healthy Chicken Enchiladas FAQs

What can I use instead of sour cream in enchiladas?

You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in enchiladas. It will help keep them creamy with more protein and less fat. Full fat Greek yogurt will work better than non-fat.

Why do my enchiladas get soggy?

Enchiladas get soggy when the tortillas absorb the sauce. To help minimize this you can skip the layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan. You can also choose corn tortillas instead of flour and fry them quickly in oil for 10 seconds per side before filling. The oil will form a barrier to keep the tortillas from absorbing so much sauce.

Can you make chicken enchiladas ahead of time?

If making traditional enchiladas, you can make the filling ahead of time but I would wait to assemble the enchiladas and top with sauce and cheese until just prior to baking.

Are chicken enchiladas healthy?

It depends on the recipe. This recipe is healthy thanks to the use of lean chicken for protein, beans for additional protein and some fiber and the use of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for less fat.

Can you freeze chicken enchiladas?

Yes. You can assemble and freeze before baking or bake, let cool completely and then freeze and reheat in the oven or microwave.

These Healthy Chicken Enchiladas are protein-packed, full of chicken and white beans and lightened up thanks to the use of Greek yogurt over sour cream.

Need more Mexican-inspired dinner recipes?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Banana Oat Bars

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These Easy Banana Oat Bars are easy to make, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack.  Grab the kids and try this recipe today!

easy banana oat bars

*Originally published in Jan 2017. Updated September 2026*

Hi friends!

These Healthy Banana Oat Bars are a kid favorite around here and they’re so darn easy. We make them frequently because they’re perfect for baking with kids and they always taste good. Plus I always have ripe bananas on hand!

Looking for other banana recipes? Find all my banana recipes here including things like Lentil Banana Muffins and Banana Flax Muffins.

Plus they’re the perfect recipe for having the kids help! You guys know I’m a huge proponent of kids in the kitchen! Here’s the Ultimate Guide for Teaching Kids To Cook and I’ve got a whole roundup of Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes if you’re looking for a place to start. 

Ingredients for Healthy Banana Oat Bars

So what ingredients do you need for these banana breakfast bars?

  • Bananas – The riper the better because we don’t add a ton of added sugar to this recipe.
  • Butter- Melted so it they are easy to mix together and helps add some flavor.
  • Oats – My kids prefer instant oats because they are less noticeable. You can use rolled oats if you prefer.
  • Peanut Butter – Adds some healthy fats and boosts the protein content.
  • Sugar – You can also sub maple syrup if you prefer
  • Egg- adds some structure.
  • Greek yogurt – Helps make them nice and fluffy
  • Vanilla and cinnamon – for flavor!
  • Hemp and flax – helps add a boost of nutrients without altering the flavor. Learn more about seeds here.
  • Chocolate chips – optional.

As you can see, there’s nothing fancy and you probably have all these ingredients on hand already!

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack. Grab the kids and try this recipe today!

How To Make Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Making these bars couldn’t be easier!

  • Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
  • Mix in the melted butter, peanut butter, yogurt, egg, sugar and vanilla.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Spoon into an 9×9 pan and bake.

Grab your kids and head to the kitchen to make these today!

Healthy Banana Oat Bars Recipe

Banana Oat Bars FAQS

Can I make blueberry banana oat bars?

Yes! Feel free to substitute fresh or frozen blueberries for the chocolate chips if you prefer.

How to make chocolate banana oat bars?

Try adding 1/4 cup cocoa powder to give these a chocolate twist. You may need to add another tablespoon or two of sugar to balance the bitterness of the cocoa powder.

How to make vegan banana oat bars

If you need to make this recipe vegan, I would use the original recipe- it’s in the notes section of the recipe card and substitute a flax egg or 1/4 cup applesauce for the egg.

How to store these bars?

Once the bars are cooled and cut, you can store in a container on the counter for 3-4 days.

Are these gluten-free banana oat bars?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure. Also make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

How can I make no-bake banana oat bars?

These bars require an oven but if you’re looking for a no-bake recipe, try these No Bake Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars.

Can these be carrot banana oat bars?

Yes! You could easily add 1/2 – 3/4 cup of shredded carrots to these bars!

How can I make 4 ingredient banana oat bars?

The 4 main ingredients in these bars are mashed bananas, peanut butter, oats and an egg so if you really want to keep it simple you can try that. The cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup just add a little more flavor. Mix-ins are extra ingredients but a fun way to customize these bars to your liking.

Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bars

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack. Grab the kids and try this recipe today!

Let’s chat:

Do your kids help you in the kitchen? What’s your favorite thing to make?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Beef and Broccoli

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This Healthy Beef and Broccoli recipe is a lightened-up version of a takeout classic. It uses less oil and sugar than restaurant versions and comes together quickly for dinner on a busy night.

healthy beef and broccoli

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new recipe to share today for Healthy Beef and Broccoli and I can’t wait for you to try it! Since it’s made with thinly sliced beef and quick-cooking broccoli, the whole recipe comes together quickly and dinner can be on the table in about 20 minutes!

How Healthy Beef and Broccoli Compares to Takeout

This recipe relies heavily on the flavors of ginger and garlic to flavor the beef, which allows you to use less sugar. Finally, if you like the flavor of sesame oil, you can add a bit to deepen the savory flavor so the sauce still tastes great even if you reduce the sugar. Or try adding some red pepper flakes for a little kick!

To reduce the amount of sodium you can use low or reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari.

In addition, cooking this recipe at home allows you to control how much oil goes into the pan when cooking the broccoli and the beef. I prefer to add some water to the pan which will help steam the broccoli to soften it without the need for much oil.

Healthy Beef and Broccoli Ingredients

To make this recipe you only need a few ingredients:

  • Steak – Flank steak is my top choice but it can be expensive so I often use top sirloin. Slicing it thinly helps it cook quickly
  • Broccoli – I prefer fresh but you can also skip cooking the broccoli in the beginning and add in some steamed or roasted broccoli at the end.
  • Ginger – Fresh ginger or ginger paste
  • Garlic – Minced fresh garlic adds tons of flavor
  • Tamari or soy sauce – Use tamari to keep it gluten-free. Opt for a lower sodium tamari or soy sauce if possible
  • Water – To mix with the tamari to form the base of the sauce
  • Brown sugar – to add some sweetness
  • Cornstarch – to help thicken the sauce

How To Make Beef and Broccoli

To make this recipe just follow a few simple steps:

  1. Start cooking your rice so it will be done when the beef is done.
  2. Mix the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
  3. Saute the broccoli for a few minutes until crisp tender. 
  4. Remove the broccoli and add thinly sliced beef which will cook in just 1-2 minutes per side
  5. Remove the beef and add the sauce to the pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes. 
  6. Add the beef and broccoli, stir to combine and serve over rice
homemade beef and broccoli

How To Keep the Beef Tender (not chewy)

Two tips for keeping your beef tender, not chewy:

  • Freeze your beef for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice and then slice it thinly against the grain. Here’s a video on how to do that.
  • Don’t overcook the beef. Since it’s so thinly sliced, it only needs to cook 1-2 minutes per side. Remember that it will continue to cook after you remove it from the pan so don’t overdo it!

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

You can make this recipe in the slow cooker with a few modifications. Combine the beef and the sauce ingredients (minus the cornstarch) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Combine the cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and add to the crockpot along with the broccoli florets. Cook 30 more minutes and serve over rice.

If you want another option, try my recipe for Slow Cooker Flank Steak.  

What To Serve with Healthy Beef and Broccoli

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s a complete meal. It has protein and veggies, just serve it with a side of rice and you’re good to go! You could also serve over quinoa, lo mein noodles or even cauliflower rice.

Other options to pair with it:

Here are 62 Side Dishes for Beef and Broccoli.

Healthy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Healthy Beef and Broccoli FAQs

Is beef and broccoli healthy?

Yes, this recipe makes a great healthy dinner recipe. It uses lean protein, it’s packed with veggies and is lower in sugar and sodium than the classic takeout version. Pair it with rice for carbohydrates and you have a balanced meal.

Why is my beef and broccoli tough or chewy?

You likely either sliced your beef with the grain instead of against the grain or overcooked your beef. Be sure to slice against the grain when cutting and remember that the beef cooks in just 1-2 minutes per side and will continue to cook a little bit after you remove it from the pan.

healthy beef and broccoli with top sirloin

Can you make beef and broccoli in a slow cooker?

Yes. This recipe can be made in the crockpot by combining the beef with the sauce ingredients (minus the cornstarch). After cooking on low for 4-5 hours, mix the cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and add to the crockpot along with the broccoli and let cook 30 more minutes.

What’s a good substitute for soy sauce in beef and broccoli?

If you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free, sub tamari. If you’re looking to reduce the sodium, use a low-sodium or reduced sodium soy sauce. Other than that, the soy sauce or tamari is a crucial part of the sauce for this recipe and can’t really be replaced.

This Healthy Beef and Broccoli recipe is a lightened-up version of a takeout classic. It uses less oil and sugar than restaurant versions and comes together quickly for dinner on a busy night.

If you’re looking for other Asian-inspired recipes, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Turkey Chili

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This healthy turkey chili is a classic chili made with ground turkey instead of beef — same deeply spiced, bean-loaded flavor, without sacrificing anything for game day, potlucks, or a freezer-friendly weeknight dinner.

turkey chili recipe

Hi friends!

My husband is a big chili fan so I already have three other chili recipes on the blog:

But this is the one I always turn to when I want a classic. It’s tomato-based and loaded with kidney and pinto beans – exactly the way chili “should” taste. The only difference from a beef chili is the meat. This version uses ground turkey (I use 93/7) which is much lower in saturated fat than beef, with about the same protein (approximately 25g of protein per serving). My family genuinely can’t tell the difference once it’s simmered down with the right amount of spice.

Why Ground Turkey Works So Well In Chili

Ground turkey is a great source of lean protein, making it a great option for chili. It’s lower in fat than most traditional chili recipes made with ground beef and it’s mild flavor allows all the flavors of the chili to really shine through. It has a similar taste and texture to ground beef while being lower in saturated fat, making it a great heart-healthy alternative.

Ingredients for Turkey Chili Recipe

To make this turkey chili, here are the ingredient you’ll need:

  • Onion. garlic and bell pepper – for a flavorful base
  • Ground turkey – I use 93/7 but you could also use 85/15 if you prefer
  • Spices – chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and salt
  • Diced tomatoes – I prefer fire-roasted for a little more flavor
  • Tomato paste- for a more concentrated flavor
  • Chicken broth
  • Beans – I prefer a combination of kidney and pinto but you could use all of one variety if you prefer

How To Make Healthy Turkey Chili (Stovetop)

Making chili is super easy and fairly hands-off. Here’s how you do it:

  • In a large Dutch oven, saute the onion, garlic and pepper for 3-5 minutes.
  • Add ground turkey and saute over medium heat until no longer pink.
  • Add spices, tomatoes, tomatoe paste, beans and broth.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce and let simmer for 45 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Top as desired and serve warm!

Healthy Turkey Chili Slow Cooker

Yes! Use the saute function on your slower cooker to cook the ground turkey and veggies. If you don’t have a saute function, cook on the stove and then transfer to the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredeients, stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Turkey Chili Recipe – Instant Pot Instructions

Yes. Cook onions, garlic and turkey and remove any extra grease if using 85/15 ground turkey. Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup broth, scraping the bottom to remove any browned bits. Add the spices and stir to combine. Add tomato paste, tomatoes and beans. Don’t stir. Cook 15 minutes and quick realase. Another option is to wait and add the beans until after it’s done cooking. Kidney beans hold up well but softer beans like pinto could get mushy and will taste better mixed in at the end.

healthy turkey chili recipe

How To Keep Turkey Chili From Drying Out

Since turkey is leaner and lower in fat than ground beef, here are a few tips to keep your turkey from drying out:

  • Be sure to choose 93/7 ground turkey. Avoid 99/1 ground turkey because it has almost no fat.
  • Cook the vegetables first. Sauteeing the vegetables first helps them release their moisture. You can then add your turkey to the pot and it will absorb that moisture as it cooks. No need to drain as it cooks.
  • Check your seasonings. Because it is lower in fat than ground beef, it naturally has less flavor so you may need to increase your spices to get your desired taste profile.

Turkey Chili Nutrition

Most chili recipes will contain about 25g of protein per serving, plus some fiber. The combination of the ground turkey and beans make it a nutritionally sound choice. Ground beef chili will contain a similar amount of protein and fiber but also likely be higher in both fat and saturated fat.

How To Store and Freeze Healthy Turkey Chili

Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container like Souper Cubes or ladle in to a ziploc bag and freeze flat for flat storage and quick thawing.

Turkey Chili Recipe

Healthy Turkey Chili FAQs

Is turkey chili healthier than beef chili?

Yes. Ground turkey is lower in fat and saturated fat than ground beef, making it a heart-healthy alternative that offers a similar taste and texture to ground beef chili. If you would prefer a beef chili recipe, try this recipe for The Best Beef Chili.

Can you make turkey chili in the slow cooker?

Yes. Cook the ground turkey and veggies either in the slow cooker or on the stove. Then add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Why does turkey chili taste bland or dry?

Be sure you’re not using 99/1 ground turkey. Cooking the vegeteables first and then adding the turkey can help keep it moist. You may also need to increase the amount of seasonings you use.

Can you freeze turkey chili?

Yes, turkey freezes very well. Let cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 4 months.

healthy turkey chili recipe

What To Serve with Healthy Turkey Chili

Of course you could go with the classic soup and salad combo, but one of my fav side dishes for chili is cornbread. Try:

Or try it topped with scooped with fritos or baked into a Chili Cornbread Skillet.

Healthy Soup Recipes

Is it soup season? Try one of these easy soup recipes next time!

Easy Fish Chowder 1

Easy Fish Chowder

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

Grab the recipe!
healthy corn chowder 3 copy

Healthy Corn Chowder

This lightened-up, healthy corn chowder is the perfect way to use up that summer sweet corn! Made with just a splash of cream and lightly blended for creaminess.

Grab the recipe!
crockpot potato soup 2 copy

Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns requires minimal prep and simple ingredients. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

Grab the recipe!
chicken taco soup 3 copy

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It’s freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers. 

Grab the recipe!
Meatball Tortellini Soup The Lean Green Bean 5 copy

Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini

This Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini is the perfect dinner for a cold night. Using frozen meatballs and pantry staples makes it quick and easy.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Corn Chowder

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This lightened-up, healthy corn chowder is the perfect way to use up that summer sweet corn! Made with just a splash of cream and lightly blended for creaminess.

healthy corn chowder topped with bacon and green onions

Hi friend

I’ve got a new soup recipe for you today – perfect for the end of summer! It gets it’s sweetness from the sweet corn, creaminess from a small amount of cream, some milk and a quick blend and a little kick from some cayenne pepper.

What Makes This Corn Chowder Healthier

Many corn chowders are made with a base of heavy cream which helps add flavor but can also make the chowder overwhelmingly rich in combination with the sweet corn. This version uses broth as the base, adds in some milk and a small amount of cream for flavor. In addition, we blend up some of the chowder itself and the ingredients like potatoes and sweet corn help add creaminess without the use of excessive cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this corn chowder you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Sweet corn – 4-5 ears and you’ll use both the kernals and the cobs
  • Potatoes – I like yukon gold
  • Onion and carrot – to help form the base
  • Spices – Old Bay to give it a classic chowder flavoring, cayenne pepper for spice, salt and pepper
  • Bacon – helps infuse flavor and can also be used as a garnish
  • Green onions – to garnish
  • Broth – vegetable broth or chicken broth work well
  • Milk – I use 2% but you could use skim
  • Heavy cream – just 1/3 of a cup

Can I use frozen or canned corn?

For this recipe, fresh sweet corn is best since you use the cobs to add flavor to the broth. However, if fresh corn is out of season, you can sub frozen or canned corn.

healthy corn chowder light cream

How To Make Healthy Corn Chowder

To make your chowder:

  • Cut the corn kernals off the cob.
  • Put the cobs in a stock pot with broth, milk and cream. Bring to a boil and then simmer to infuse corn flavor.
  • In another pot, saute bacon. Remove
  • Saute carrots and onions.
  • Add corn, potatoes and seasonings.
  • Remove the corn cobs and add the broth mixture.
  • Boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
  • Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to thicken.
  • Top with bacon and green onions.

Why Chowder Turns Out Too Thin (and How To Fix It)

When removing most of the heavy cream as compared to a traditional corn chowder recipe, your soup will naturally be a bit thinner. To thicken it up:

  • Blend with an immersion blender or remove 1-2 cups and blend in a blender, then return to the pot.
  • Add a cornstarch slurry of 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp cold water – stir to combine and pour into soup
  • You can also try adding a couple Tablespoons of instant mased potatoes into the broth and stirring to allow them to help the broth thicken.
  • Mix in 1/2 to 1 can of Great Northern Beans which will also help thicken the broth when blended.

Can You Make Corn Chowder Ahead of Time

Cream and milk-based soups can be tricky to freeze so it would not be my first choice of soups to freeze. If I were going to make this ahead of time, I would cook as directed with just broth until the potatoes were tender but I would not blend. Cool and freeze. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove. Add milk and cream and blend to desired consistency.

What To Serve With Corn Chowder

Chowders are great with crackers like oyster crackers or saltines. You could also serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Pair it with a salad for a light summer meal. Or to make it a more complete meal, add in some leftver chicken or chicken sausage.

Healthy Corn Chowder FAQs

Is corn chowder healthy?

Yes this version is a healthy corn chowder that can make a great meal option. Pair it with a salad for some extra veggies or mix in some leftover chicken or chicken sausage to bulk it up and add some extra protein. To keep it vegetarian, you could mix in a can of white beans like I do in this Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup.

Can you freeze corn chowder?

This isn’t the best soup to freeze. Cream and milk and even potatoes can change texture when freezing. I would recommend making it without the milk and cream initially and adding them back in when you reheat the soup.

What’s the difference between corn chowder and creamed corn soup?

There are some corn chowder recipes that use creamed style corn. If that’s what you have on hand and you’re looking to use it up, try this recipe for Grandma’s Corn Chowder or this Creamy Corn Chowder recipe. Some creamed corn soup recipes may not use potatoes and some may not use Old Bay which helps make this recipe distinctly a chowder.

Can you make corn chowder without cream?

You can reduce the amount of cream like I have here, and replace with milk for a healthier option but I think eliminating it all together changes the soup. If you’re looking for a dairy-free corn chowder recipe, try this Creamy Vegan Chowder that uses coconut milk. Alternative milks like coconut milk will change the flavor profile.

Why is my corn chowder watery?

Using less cream can make the broth more watery. Try blending some of the soup to help thicken it. You can also try adding a cornstarch slurry or mixing in a few Tablespoons of instant mashed potato flakes. You can also mix in some Great Northern Beans and blend them to help thicken the broth.

This lightened-up, healthy corn chowder is the perfect way to use up that summer sweet corn! Made with just a splash of cream and lightly blended for creaminess.

Easy Corn Recipes

Want more corn recipes? Try these:

sweet potato chicken chili

Sweet Potato Chicken Chili {Instant Pot or Slow Cooker}

This Sweet Potato Chicken Chili can be made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker for an easy, healthy dinner. And the leftovers make the perfect packable lunch. 

42

Grab the recipe!
crockpot chicken taco soup

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It’s freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers. 

1

Grab the recipe!
crockpot potato soup with hash browns

Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns requires minimal prep and simple ingredients. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

1

Grab the recipe!
mexican street corn dip

Mexican Street Corn Dip

This Mexican Street Corn Dip is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. Spicy, flavorful and easy to make it’s perfect for dipping with chips!

0

Grab the recipe!
cowboy caviar

Cowboy Caviar

Learn how to make the best cowboy caviar recipe – a healthy, easy dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Tastes great scooped with chips, added to tacos or served over chicken.

0

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Easy Chicken Salad

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This easy chicken salad requires just a few simple ingredients. It’s packed with flavor and high in protein, making it perfect for lunch or a quick snack!

easy chicken salad with canned chicken

Hi friends!

I’ve got another quick & easy lunch recipe to share with you today! This easy chicken salad is one of my go-to lunches on a busy day. It comes together quickly and uses canned chicken, which I always have in my pantry.

It’s high in protein and can be eaten in a variety of ways – on sandwiches, scooped with chips or crackers, on a bed of leafy greens or on slices of bell pepper.

Best Type of Chicken for Chicken Salad

So what type of chicken is best for chicken salad? Let’s review:

  • Canned chicken- A great shelf-stable option. It’s easy to keep on hand in your pantry, shreds easily and has a mild flavor.
  • Rotisserie chicken – A great shortcut if you don’t want to use canned chicken. May need to dice more than shred.
  • Shredded chicken – You can easily make your own chicken in the crockpot or instant pot and then shred to use for chicken salad.
  • Grilled chicken – Has a stronger flavor and wouldn’t be my first choice for a traditional chicken salad
  • White meat vs dark meat – I would choose white meat for chicken salad

Kid-Friendly Chicken Salad

The whole reason I chose to make, measure and post this recipe is because back to school season is here and I’m always looking for more protein options to put in my kids’ lunchboxes.

If I keep it simple, a couple of my kids will eat this either on a sandwich or with crackers. To make it more fun for lunch boxes, here are some serving ideas:

  • Make mini sandwiches using Hawaiian slider rolls
  • Serve with their favorite crackers for scooping
  • Stuff into a pita pocket
  • Use it to fill lettuce cups or mini bell peppers

Chopped vs. Shredded Chicken Salad

There’s no wrong answer here. It really comes down to personal preference. Shredded chicken is my preference because that’s how I grew up eating it. I also find it sticks together better making it easier to scoop or stuff.

However, you can just as easily used diced chicken. I would aim for a small dice to make it easier to eat with crackers or fit on sandwiches without falling everywhere out the sides.

easy chicken salad with crackers and bell peppers

No-Mayo Chicken Salad

If you don’t like mayonaise, you’re not along. I think that’s one of the biggest hurdles that keeps people from trying chicken salad in the first place. A few tips:

  • Try less mayo. Adding too much makes it way too creamy and can be a turn-off taste and texture-wise.
  • Use yogurt – Replace some or all of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. It helps add creaminess but has a bit of a different flavor than mayo.
  • Try hummus! Another easy option to get your chicken salad to stick together without using mayo.
  • Avocado – Using avocado is one of my favorite options but it’s best for when you’re making it right before eating. Storing it in the fridge with avocado can lead to it not looking so great the next day.

Chicken Salad Mix-ins

I intentionally kept this recipe very basic to be used as a baseline. You can easily jazz it up and add mix-ins to your liking. Here are some ideas:

  • Crunchy – Try adding chopped celery or cucumber, or some nuts and seeds like pecans, walnuts, sunflowe seedsr or pumpkin seeds.
  • Sweet – Try adding sliced grapes, chopped apples or sweetened dried cranberries.
  • Spices – Spices can really help customize the flavor. Try dill, ranch seasoning, curry powder or everything bagel seasoning.

Ways To Serve Chicken Salad

Here are some easy ways to serve chicken salad:

  • Sandwiches/Wraps – Pile on your favorite bread or in a wrap with some lettuce, tomato and onion. Or try sliders for a more bite-sized version.
  • Dip – Serve it in a bowl with lots of options for scooping – crackers, sliced veggies, etc
  • Salad Topping– Use it to add protein to your favorite leafy green salad.
  • Melt – Serve open-faced on toast and melt some cheese over the top like a tuna melt.
  • Stuffed – Stuff it into mini bell peppers, cucumber cups etc.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Here’s my base recipe:

Easy Chicken Salad FAQs

How do you make chicken salad from scratch?

Making chicken salad from scratch is super easy. Choose the type of chicken you want to use and shred or chop it and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise (or an alternative) plus your favorite mix-ins and spices. Stir to combine and voila!

What is the best chicken to use for chicken salad?

Canned chicken is my favorite to use for chicken salad because it’s shelf-stable, easy to keep on hand and has a mild flavor. Rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut for a quick chicken salad.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for chicken salad?

Absolutley! The chicken has great flavor and is already cooked. If it’s too hard to shred, just chop it up small and use it just like you would canned chicken in the recipe.

Can I make chicken salad with canned chicken?

Yes. This is what I consider the classic chicken salad. Comes out great every time.

How long does homemade chicken salad last?

Chicken salad is fine if stored in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Can you freeze chicken salad?

I would not recommend freezing chicken salad. While it can be done, it can alter the texture significantly. If you use crunchy veggies, they will lose their crunch and mayonnaise generally doesn’t freeze well. Your chicken salad will also become watery as it thaws.

chicken salad with green onions

How do you keep chicken salad from getting watery?

To keep freshly made chicken salad from getting watery, there are a few tricks. If you’re cooking and shredding the chicken yourself, let it cool completely and pat it dry before using. If using something like cucumber or tomato, scoop out the seeds before adding to your salad. Blot celery, onions and other watery vegetables with a paper towel before adding. Using full-fat mayonnaise, yogurt etc works better than low-fat.

Is chicken salad healthy?

Yes! Chicken salad can be a great, protein-packed addition to any meal or snack. It’s full of lean protein and you can control the amount of fat you add with the mix-ins and binders you choose.

Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes. Chicken salad can easily be made ahead of time for meal prep and will hold up in the fridge for several days.

What can I serve with chicken salad besides bread?

If you don’t want your chicken salad on a sandwich, try serving it with vegetables, crackers or chips for scooping. You can also add it to salads and stuff it into vegetable cups.

Can I make chicken salad without mayonnaise?

Yes. If you don’t want to use mayonnaise, try swapping in plain Greek yogurt, hummus or mashed avocado. If you like ranch dressing, that could be an option as well.

What are the best mix-ins for chicken salad?

It totally depends on your preference. Try crunchy options like celery, cucumber or chopped nuts. Or sweet options like grapes, apples or dried cranberries. You can also vary the spices, adding things like dill, ranch, cayenne pepper and everything bagel seasoning

Can kids eat chicken salad in a packed lunch?

Yes! Chicken salad can be great in packed lunches – on slider buns, for scooping with crackers or veggies etc. Be sure to send in an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep the chicken salad at a safe temperature.

This easy chicken salad requires just a few simple ingredients. It's packed with flavor and high in protein, making it perfect for lunch or a quick snack!

More Chicken Salad Recipes

Want more variations to try?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Banana Pancakes

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These Easy Banana Pancakes are light, fluffy and full of flavor! No added sugar makes them perfect for a healthy breakfast any day of the week.

easy banana pancake recipe

Hi friend!

I’ve got an easy pancake recipe to share with you today! It’s perfect for using up those overly ripe bananas you probably have sitting on your kitchen counter!

They are easy to make, light and fluffy and they’re full of banana flavor! If you want to add even more banana flavor, try adding some banana slices to each pancake after you put the batter on the griddle. And if you like a little crunch, a sprinkle of granola along with the banana slices is delicious.

These panackes have no added sugar so it’s important to use really ripe bananas to help add a little sweetness and a stronger banana flavor. If you don’t like bananas, try my Whole Wheat Pancakes.

And if you have extra bananas, try these Easy Banana Oat Bars.

easy banana pancakes topped with bananas and blueberries

Easy Banana Pancakes Ingredients

To make these pancakes you need just a few simple ingredients:

  • Bananas – the riper the better
  • Butter – melted. You can sub oil but I prefer butter
  • Eggs
  • Milk – I use cow’s milk but you could use an alternative milk
  • Cinnamon and vanilla – for flavor
  • Hemp hearts – optional, but give them and added boost of protein without changing the flavor
  • Flour – I use all-purpose or golden wheat flour when making them for my kids and a gluten-free flour blend when making them for myself.
  • Baking powder- crucial for making them light and fluffy

How To Make Easy Banana Pancakes

Here’s how you make them:

  • Melt the butter in a large bowl.
  • Add bananas and mash.
  • Add eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla and stir to combine.
  • Add flour, hemp and baking powder and stir until just combined.
  • Cook in a preheated pan or on a griddle. Wait until bubbles form before flipping.
  • Top with fresh fruit, yogurt or syrup and serve!
no added sugar banana pancake recipe homemade

Choose Your Banana Pancakes Style

Here are a few variations to consider:

Mashed vs. Blended Bananas

You do not need to blend the batter for these pancakes. Mashing the bananas with a fork works just fine. However if you’re feeding picky eaters who don’t like chunks of bananas, you can throw the batter in a blender to help make it a little smoother.

Cottage Cheese Banana Pancakes

If you’re like, you can try replacing the milk with cottage cheese in this recipe. You will need to puree the cottage cheese with the eggs in a blender to make it a smooth addition to the batter. It will likely also make your batter thicker than just using milk so you may need to manually spread the batter out a bit when you spoon it on to the griddle.

Greek Yogurt Banana Pancakes

Similar to using cottage cheese, you can add Greek yogurt to this recipe, but it will make the batter thicker. You may need to still add some milk to thin it out, or use the back of a spoon to spread the batter out on the griddle.

Banana Pancakes Without Eggs

To make these pancakes egg-free, try replacing the two eggs with flax eggs. Here’s How To Make A Flax Egg.

Flourless Banana Pancakes with Oats

If you prefer, you can use oat flour instead of white or golden wheat flour in this recipe. Make your own by blending oats in the food processor.

healthy banana pancake recipe

Optional Add-ins for Banana Pancakes

For additional flavor you could try adding:

  • Blueberries or sliced bananas (add once on the griddle)
  • Chocolate chips – mini work best to keep them from burning on the griddle
  • Peanut butter- Doesn’t really change the taste but adds some healthy fats. You could also drizzle peanut butter on top with some sliced bananas
  • Nuts- try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Granola – Sprinkling granola on the pancakes once they’re on the griddle will add a little crunch!

Banana Waffles

To turn this batter into waffle batter, add 2 Tbsp oil (or an additional 2 Tbsp melted butter, and an extra egg and cook on a waffle iron. Or try these Banana Flax Waffles.

Meal Prep Banana Pancakes

These pancakes can easily be prepped ahead of time and reheated throughout the week for a quick breakfast. You can also freeze them. Let cooked pancakes cool completely, then place on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once partially frozen, transfer to a ziploc bag and freeze. This will keep the pancakes from sticking together and you can then take out as many as you need and reheat in the microwave.

No Added Sugar Banana Pancakes

These pancakes are naturally kid-friendly. Since they have no added sugar, they’re great for baby-led weaning, toddlers and young kids. Try making small silver dollar sized pancakes and adding them to lunchboxes as well!

Toppings for Easy Banana Pancakes

Some topping ideas:

  • Fresh fruit – try sliced bananas or strawberries or fresh blueberries
  • Frozen fruit compote – heat some frozen fruit in the microwave, smash to thicken and use as a topping.
  • Syrup
  • Drizzle with peanut butter
  • Top with yogurt.

Banana Pancakes Tips and Tricks

A few tips:

  • Preheat the pan or griddle to a low heat before adding the batter.
  • Make sure the pan or griddle is greased with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
  • Let them pancakes cook on the first side until bubbles form on top. This will help the center cook all the way through.
  • Don’t smash the pancakes down. Let them cook over low heat to help them cook all the way through while still remaining fluffy.

Easy Banana Pancakes Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Banana Pancakes FAQs

What makes banana pancakes fluffy?

In this recipe, it’s the baking powder that helps make the pancakes fluffy. In other recipes, you may use a combination of buttermilk and baking soda. However, I find those to be a little tangier so I went with regular milk so the banana flavor can really shine through.

Can I make banana panackes with oats instead of flour?

Yes. I find oat flour to be a bit more delicate so handle with care when flipping if you’re using all oat flour. You can also mix some rolled or quick oats into the batter of this recipe.

Can I make banana pancakes without eggs?

Yes. Try substituting the eggs for flax eggs.

Can I make banana pancakes with cottage cheese?

You could blend some cottage cheese with eggs and add to the batter of these pancakes. Or try this recipe for Cottage Cheese Banana Pancakes.

Can I make banana panackes with Greek yogurt?

Yes. I originally made this recipe with Greek yogurt instead of milk. They taste great but the batter is super thick and hard to spread on the griddle, so I ended up thinning it out with about 1/2 cup of milk.

healthy easy banana pancakes homemade

Are banana pancakes healthy?

Yes! These pancakes have no added sugar and make a great addition to a healthy breakfast. Pair with a protein source like yogurt, a glass of milk or some chicken sausage to help make a balanced meal.

Can I freeze banana pancakes?

Yes. Let the pancakes cool completely. Freeze flat for a couple of hours before transferring to a freezer-safe bag so that the pancakes don’t all freeze in one big clump!

How ripe should bananas be for banana pancakes?

The riper the better. Ripe bananas will add natural sweetness to the pancakes and give them a stronger banana flavor.

Can I use frozen bananas in banana pancakes?

I find fresh bananas to work best in this recipe. Frozen bananas need to be thawed before using and add extra moistness which can make it harder to cook the pancakes all the way through.

Can I make banana pancakes into waffles?

Yes. Add 2 Tbsp extra butter or oil and an extra egg.

What are the best toppings for banana pancakes?

Try topping these pancakes with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries or blueberries. You can also top with peanut butter, yogurt or syrup.

Can I make banana pancakes gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

These Easy Banana Pancakes are light, fluffy and full of flavor! No added sugar makes them perfect for a healthy breakfast any day of the week.

Easy Banana Recipes

Need more banana recipes? Check out:

Lentil Banana Muffins 1 square

Lentil Banana Muffins

These Lentil Banana Muffins make a healthy, high-fiber breakfast or snack. They’re kid-friendly and freeze well. And I promise you can’t even taste the lentils!

Grab the recipe!
banana chocolate chip muffins with flax 3

Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with Flax

This Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe with flax are lightly sweetened and packed with fiber. They make a great addition to breakfast, lunch or snack time for kids and adults!

Grab the recipe!
Banana Oat Bars 1

Easy Banana Oat Bars

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack.

Grab the recipe!
Sweet Potato Banana Bites 2 copy

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

These gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Bites have just four main ingredients and make a great snack for both kids and adults! 

Grab the recipe!
Banana Cookies The Lean Green Bean 07 copy

Banana Oat Cookies

These banana oat cookies and fluffy and delicious – like banana muffin tops. They’re packed with hemp and flax and perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Grab the recipe!
Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins The Lean Green Bean 4 2

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

These banana cottage cheese muffins are kid-friendly, high protein and so easy to make! The perfect addition to breakfast or snack time!

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Store Bought Popsicles

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Looking for the best store bought popsicle brands for summer 2026? Here are some of my favorites as a Registered Dietitian and mom of 3. They’re made with real fruit and lower in added sugar than traditional popsicles.

best store bought popsicle brands for summer 2026

*Originally published July 2023. Updated June 2026*

Hi friends!

Since it’s summer, more and more questions are coming in about popsicles. Which ones are best? Do they have too much sugar? What should I be looking for?

So I figured now was the perfect time to share some of my favorite popsicle brands for the next post in our best of store-bought series.

But first, in case you’ve missed any of the other posts in this series, you can check them out below:

Snacks from certain stores:

Types of snacks:

What Makes a Healthier Store Bought Popsicle

How Much Sugar is in a traditional popsicle?

Most traditional popsicles contain 20+ grams of added sugar per serving which is quite a large amount for a little treat.

Real Fruit vs Fruit Flavored Popsicles

Real fruit popsicles use blended fruit, or whole fruit juice which can also help provide some vitamins and even some fiber. Fruit-flavored popsicles usually use water, artificial flavors and sweeteners.

Fruit Puree vs Fruit Juice

Fruit puree involved taking the whole fruit and blending it until smoothie which helps preserve some of the pulp and fiber. Fruit juice is where just the liquid is extracted from the fruit.

Ingredients to Look For

When choosing a popsicle look for 100% fruit juice or fruit puree. I prefer to choose popsicles sweetened with cane sugar if any sugar is added. I avoid ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, sucralose and other artificial sweeteners. In addition, I try to avoid food dyes and look for choices that use natural options for coloring like spirulina extract vs Yellow 5, etc.

jonny pops nutrition label

How To Read A Popsicle Nutrition Label

When reading the nutrition label of a popsicle, I always look at added sugar vs total sugar. In many cases, total sugar may be high due to naturally occurring sugar in fruits but added sugar may be zero or fairly low which means that the amount of sugar added beyond the naturally-occuring sugar is pretty low. You can also look to see if there’s any fiber or protein or even a little fat which can help give the popsicle a little more staying power and keep blood sugar from spiking as high.

yasso bars

Best Creamy Popsicle

If you’re looking for a creamy option on a stick, Yasso Bars can be a good choice. They’re made with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream like most ice cream. They typically have 8-9 grams of added sugar but also provide a few grams of protein per serving

Best Popsicles at Costco

This will vary by location but our Costco typically has at least one variety of Jonny Pops available and they also usually have Deebees Organic Freezie Pops.

Best Popsicles at Target

Target typically has several varieties of Jonny Pops popsicles and freezer pops available as well as Deebee’s Organic Freezie Pops. You will also likely be able to find Yasso bars, Outshine Minis and Tru Fru. They also have Good and Gather Strawberry Fruit Bars that have slightly more added sugar (12g) but a simple ingredient list.

Best Popsicles at Walmart

Walmart should carry several options including Jonny Pops, Dee Bees, 100% fruit juice Otter Pops and Outshine Mini Fruit Pops.

popsicles

Homemade Popsicles

One of my favorite recommendations to make is to tell people to grab some popsicle molds (aff link) and make their own using 100% fruit juice or their favorite smoothie. That’s what I usually give my kids and they love them! Or use these disposable popsicle mold freezer pop bags.

Or try these Homemade Fruit Popsicles or these Healthy Homemade Popsicles.

stonyfield yogurt tubes - freeze to make popsicles

Frozen Yogurt Tubes

One of my favorite hacks for a super easy creamy popsicle is to freeze lower-sugar yogurt tubes! Or you can put your favorite yogurt brand into disposable tubes and freeze. Another option is to make smoothies and freeze them in tubes or popsicle molds.

Some of my favorite lower-sugar yogurt tubes include:

Or choose one of these low sugar yogurts to freeze!

Best Healthy Store Bought Popsicles For Kids

While these are both great options, I’m also a realist and know that often store-bought popsicles can be more convenient for people so here are some of my favorites that you can find at the store.

I often get asked why there are gums like guar gum and xantham gum in popsicles. This isn’t something I worry too much about. They’re used as stabilizers and they help make the texture of popsicles a little less icy and more creamy by preventing the formation of ice crystals.

No Added Sugar Popsicles

While there’s nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned popsicle every once and a while, if you’re looking for an option to eat more frequently, here are a few options you can find at the store that are made with 100% juice and contain no added sugar.

deebee's organics super juice no added sugar popsicles

Deebees Organic

Deebees Organic SuperFruit & SuperJuice Freezies – Made with fruit juice and no added sugar!

good pop no added sugar popsicles

Goodpop

Goodpop Freezer Pops – Goodpop has several flavor options made with 100% fruit juice. They use things like spirulina and carrot juice for color and contain no added sugar. Be sure to check the label because they also have some options with added sugar.

johnny pops no added sugar

Johnny Pops

Johnny Pops – Rainbow Mini Pops – They have a few different flavor varieties with no added sugars or sweeteners.

Popsicles with less added sugar

Most store-bought popsicle brands contain 21-23 grams of added sugar. Here are a few with 10 grams of added sugar or less that don’t contain stevia, artificial sweeteners etc. While these should still be treated like dessert, they do contain less added sugar which I love and are made with fruit, fruit puree and fruit juices.

jonny pops freezer pops low added sugar popsicles

JonnyPops

Jonny Pops Freezer Pops – These are available in a few flavors including a sour option, sweetened with cane sugar and contain 6g added sugar per serving.

johnny pops minis

Jonny Pops– They also have cream minis and sour minis that 5-6g added sugar and some smoothie on a stick varieties that are made with just fruit, sugar and heavy cream and have 9g added sugar per serving. And most of their normal popsicles have 10g added sugar per serving.

outshine mini fruit pops
Screenshot

Outshine Fruit Bars

Outshine Mini Fruit Pops – These are made with fruit purees, water, sugar and fruit juice. The single pop mini variety shown above comes in several flavors and has 8g of added sugar.

**Their no-added-sugar variety is not my first choice because it is sweetened with things like sucralose.

fruit juice otter pops

Otter Pops

Fruit Juice Otter Pops – Made with juice and 3g added sugar.

country orchard freeze pops

Kisko Freezies

Country Orchard Organic Juice Freeze Pops – Made with 100% juice and you can buy them on Amazon (aff link)

healthy frozen treats

Best Healthy Frozen Treats Beyond Popsicles

Here are a few other frozen options to consider:

Store Bought Popsicles FAQs

Are there any dye-free popsicle options?

Good Pop, Jonny Pops, Deebees Organics and Outshine Bars all make dye-free popsicles. OtterPops also make a colorless version!

What are the best store bought popsicles for kids?

Some of my favorite popsicle brands for kids include Good Pop popsicles and fruit pops, Jonny Pops No Added Sugar, Outshine Mini Fruit Bars and DeeBees Organic Freezie Pops.

Which store bought popsicles contain no added sugar?

Good Pop has no added sugar freezer pops. DeeBees Organic Freezie Pops contain no added sugar and Jonny Pops has several no added sugar flavors.

Which popsicle brands use real fruit?

Deebees Organic, Good Pop, Jonny Pops and Outshine Bars all have options made with real fruit.

Are store bought popsicles made with fruit juice healthy?

Yes, I definitely prefer popsicles made with fruit juice over options made with water, sweeteners and artificial flavors.

What should I look for when buying healthy popsicles?

My recommendation is to look for options with no added sugar but also no artificial sweeteners. If that’s not an option, choose the option made with 100% fruit or fruit juice and the lowest amount of added sugar.

What are the best low sugar popsicle brands?

Jonny Pops Freezer Pops, Outshine Mini Pops, Good Pop Freezer Pops and Otter Pop 100% Juice all have low sugar popsicles and freezer pops.

What are the best frozen treats for kids besides popsicles?

Dole Dippers, Tru Fru, and Wyman’s Juice Fruit can all be fun frozen options for kids.

Are freezer pops healthier than regular popsicles?

Freezer pops come in plastic packaging vs frozen on a stick. You can buy them unfrozen and store them in your pantry until you’re ready to eat them. Depending on the popsicle, freezer pops may be a smaller serving size which could mean you’re consuming less added sugar and calories.

Looking for the best store bought popsicle brands? Here are some of my favorites as a Registered Dietitian and mom of 3. They're made with real fruit and lower in added sugar than traditional popsicles.

What’s your favorite store bought popsicle brand? Did I miss any good ones?

–Lindsay–

High Protein Turkey Meatballs

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These high protein turkey meatballs are extra moist thanks to the cottage cheese and zucchini. Perfect for meal prep or to pair with your favorite pasta.

high protein turkey meatballs with cottage cheese

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new meatball recipe to share with you today that I’ve been loving lately for meal prep. They’re easy to make, full of flavor and stay nice and juicy thanks to the addition of cottage cheese and shredded zucchini.

If you’re a meatball lover, be sure to check out these other recipes:

Why Are These Turkey Meatballs High Protein?

While meatballs are already a high protein option when made regularly, these get an added boost from the addition of cottage cheese. Plus there’s some almond meal, which adds a little extra protein as well.

Lean Protein Options for Meatballs

To keep these high protein meatballs lean, use 90/10 ground beef, 93/7 ground turkey or ground chicken!

How To Keep Turkey Meatballs Juicy

These meatballs are extra juicy thanks to the addition of cottage cheese, as well as zucchini. The moisture from the zucchini really helps. But thanks to the food processor, neither of these additions is super noticeable and you don’t get the chunks of cottage cheese which can be off-putting for some people.

Meal Prep Meatballs (How to Store and Freeze)

These meatballs are great for meal prep because they can easily be made ahead of time and enjoyed all week long. You can also double or even triple this recipe and freeze the meatballs for later.

To freeze, cook as directed and let cool completely. Then transfer to a ziploc bag, seal the bag almost all the way and use a straw to suck out the extra air before sealing the bag.

high protein meatball bowl with rice and green beans

High Protein Meatball Bowl Ideas

If you’re looking for something beyond just traditional spaghetti and meatballs, these high protein meatballs are great in a bowl. Try them with the carb of your choice. Some good options include:

  • Farro
  • Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Roasted potatoes
  • Corn

And then add your favorite roasted vegetables like:

Or try sauteed bok choy or other greens.

Best Sauces for High Protein Meatballs

Sometimes all you need to enjoy meatballs is a good sauce! Some of my favorites include:

How To Bake Meatballs Evenly

These meatballs cook fairly quickly and cooking times will vary depending on the size of the meatballs you make. In most cases, they will cook in about 15 minutes.

To help them cook and brown evenly, it’s best to flip them halfway through.

Air Fryer High Protein Meatballs

I make these meatballs in the oven but you can easily make them in the air fryer. You can follow the guideance in this air fryer meatball recipe. Cook at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes, flipping once.

High Protein Meatball Sub

These meatballs would be perfect for making a meatball sub! Cook the meatballs as directed and then place them on a sub bun. Top with a couple of spoonfuls of marinara and your favorite cheese – try sliced provalone or fresh mozzarella. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then you can add additional toppings like pesto, fresh baby spinach or arugula.

high protein turkey meatballs with spaghetti sauce

High Protein Meatball Variations

Dairy-Free Meatballs

If you’re looking for a dairy-free meatball, these probably are not the best choice for you. Try these dairy-free meatballs instead!

Ground Chicken Meatball Variations

If you prefer, you can use ground chicken in this recipe instead of ground turkey. I’ve made them this way and love them, however the meat mixture will be a little wetter and it will be harder to form them into perfect circular balls. That’s ok! Just grab a cookie scooper and scoop the meatballs on to a baking sheet. They might be more like blobs than balls but they will taste great!

Gluten-Free High Protein Meatballs

This recipe is naturally gluten-free because we’re using almond flour as a binder instead of breadcrumbs. If you don’t need them to be gluten-free, feel free to sub breadcrumbs instead if you prefer.

How To Make Meatballs without Breadcrumbs

This recipe uses almond meal to replace the breadcrumbs in traditional meatballs. They, along with the egg, will help act as a binding agent to help hold the meatballs together.

High Protein Meatball Recipes

Here’s the recipe I use:

High Protein Meatballs FAQs

How do you make high protein turkey meatballs?

To make these high protein turkey meatballs, we blend the cottage cheese and zucchini with an egg to make them less noticeable and then mix with ground turkey, almond meal, parmesan cheese and spices. Then just form into balls and bake!

Are meatballs a good source of protein?

Yes! Meatballs are a great source of protein, since they’re primarily meat. This recipe has additional protein from the cottage cheese.

Which meat is best for high protein meatballs?

Lean ground turkey or beef is best for high protein meatballs due to their high protein and lower fat content.

How do you keep turkey meatballs moist?

Adding cottage cheese and shredded zucchini help to keep the meatballs moist since they have less fat.

high protein turkey meatballs with cottage cheese and zucchini

Can you make high protein meatballs without breadcrumbs?

Yes! This recipe uses almond meal instead of breadcrumbs to help act as a binder along with the eggs.

Are turkey meatballs healthier than beef meatballs?

Unless you’re using super lean ground beef, ground turkey meatballs are generally lower in fat than beef meatballs.

Can you freeze high protein meatballs?

Yes! Meatballs freeze very well. Just cook as directed, let cool completely and then freeze in a ziploc bag or freezer-safe container.

Can you make high protein meatballs in the air fryer?

Yes! Meatballs cook well in the air fryer. Cook them in a single layer even if you have to do them in batches. I would cook them at 400 degrees for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What goes with high protein meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with pasta like traditional meatballs but can also be served in other ways. You can put them on a meatball sub, or add them to a salad. You can also serve them in a bowl with your favorite grain and some roasted vegetables.

Can kids eat high protein turkey meatballs?

Yes! These meatballs are a great option for kids and an easy way to help them meet their daily protein intake.

How do you make gluten-free high protein meatballs?

These meatballs are naturally gluten-free because we’re subbing almond meal for the traditional breadcrumbs.

Can you use ground chicken for high protein meatballs?

Yes! This recipe is great with ground chicken. Just remember that the mixture will be a little wettter than when using turkey and it will be harder to form them into perfect balls. But if you use an ice cream scoop and plop them on a baking sheet you’ll be good to go!

What sauces pair best with turkey meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with any sauce thanks to their mild flavor. Top them with marinara, buffalo sauce, yogurt sauce or avocado creama.

How do you meal prep high protein meatballs?

These meatballs are great because they can be made ahead of time. Make a batch and store them in the fridge and then simply reheat in the microwave as needed.

These high protein turkey meatballs are extra moist thanks to the cottage cheese and zucchini. Perfect for meal prep or to pair with your favorite pasta.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars

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These Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars are a quick and easy breakfast or snack option. They’re easy to make and freeze well!

blueberry oat breakfast bars

Hi friends!

I’ve got a super easy new recipe to share today! I’ve been loving these Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars as a quick snack after my morning workout lately. Summer blueberry season is almost here and you’re definitely going to want to try this one! (If you prefer muffins, try my Healthy Blueberry Muffins!)

Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars

These bars are:

  • Easy to make – Just one bowl to clean!
  • Great for meal prep – Make a batch and enjoy them all week long.
  • Freezer -friendly – If you don’t think you’ll eat them all, freeze half for later!
  • Kid-friendly – Simple flavors, no crazy ingredients and still a snack you can feel good about kids eating.

Best Oats for Breakfast Bars

I prefer to make these bars with quick oats. They’re the same as rolled oats or old fashioned oats, just rolled flatter and chopped smaller so you get a boost of fiber and other nutrients but they’re less noticeable in baked goods like these bars.

Fresh vs Frozen Blueberries

You can use fresh or frozen blueberries in this recipe. No need to thaw before using, just throw them in frozen. You can also use wild blueberries (a smaller variety) if you prefer.

How To Keep Oatmeal Breakfast Bars from Falling Apart

While many bars can be a bit on the crumbly side, these hold up fairly well. My best tip is to let them cool completely before cutting. Attempting to cut them while warm will leave you with a crumbly mess.

blueberry oat bars

Protein Boost Options

These bars are made with Greek yogurt which gives them a nice little boost of protein, but as always, adding hemp seeds to baked goods is one of my favorite ways to add a little extra protein. You can learn more about hemp seeds in my Super Seeds Guide! Or try topping these bars with a little Greek yogurt drizzle.

Sweetener Swaps

I make these bars with sugar. But you could also try with maple syrup or honey. To cut back on the added sugar you could also try replacing some or all of the sugar with mashed banana or more applesauce.

Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bar Variations

Lemon

To add a lemon twist, try grating in some lemon zest and the juice from one lemon or making a lemon glaze. (You might also like my Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread)

Cinnamon

This recipe already includes 2 tsp of cinnamon but feel free to bump it up if you’re a cinnamon lover. Or sprinkle a cinnamon/sugar mixture on top before baking!

Almond

If you’re feeling fancy, swap the vanilla extract for some almond extract!

Gluten-Free Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars

To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flax if needed and swap the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

Toddler-Friendly Breakfast Bars

If I were making these for a toddler, I would use wild blueberries because they’re smaller and bake them in mini muffin tins. Mini muffins are less messy and easier for little hands to hold. I would also swap the maple syrup for mashed banana or applesauce.

High Fiber Breakfast Bar

Using white whole wheat flour can help increase the amount of fiber in these bars. They get a nice boost of fiber from the 1/3 cup ground flaxseeds as well. You could also add a few tablespoons of chia seeds.

blueberry breakfast bars with oats

How To Store and Freeze Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars

These bars can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days but they are fairly moist and if the weather is warm they can grow mold fairly quickly. You can either freeze half right after you make them and pull them out later in the week or store them in the fridge and warm them up in the microwave.

To freeze, let the pan cool completely, cut into bars and place in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, place on the counter at room temperature or microwave 15-30 seconds.

How To Serve Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars

To serve these bars for breakfast or at snack time, I like to pair with some protein. Try serving a bar with a serving of yogurt and some fresh fruit, or crumbling over yogurt to make a parfait. Or serve with eggs and toast or a breakfast sandwich. To keep it super simple, serve with a glass of milk.

Dairy-Free Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars

To make this recipe dairy-free you could try swapping the yogurt for your favorite dairy-free yogurt. Or try using almond or soy milk to replace the yogurt.

Why These Bars are Better Than Store-Bought Breakfast Bars

We love these homemade bars because we can control the ingredients use. They’re fairly low in added sugar, get a boost of fiber from the oats and flax and are easy to make!

Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars FAQs

How do you make blueberry oat breakfast bars?

To make these bars, simply mix the wet ingredients in a bowl, add the remaining ingredients besides the blueberries and stir to combine. Then gently mix in the blueberries. Spread into a pan and bake, then let cool completely before cutting!

Can you use frozen blueberries in oatmeal breakfast bars?

Yes! You can use fresh or frozen blueberries in this recipe.

Are blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars healthy?

These bars are a great addition to a healthy breakfast or snack. They’re low in added sugar and get some fiber from the oats and ground flax!

What kind of oats work best for breakfast bars?

You can use either quick oats or rolled oats for this recipe. Rolled oats will be more noticeable within the bars while quick oats will blend in better with the flour.

Can blueberry oat breakfast bars be frozen?

Yes. To freeze, let the bars cool completely. Then cut into bars and place in a freezer-safe bag.

blueberry oat bars

Can you make blueberry breakfast bars gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the flour and make sure you’re using certified gluten-free oats and ground flax if needed.

How long do oatmeal breakfast bars last in the fridge?

You can store these bars in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can you make blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars without eggs?

To make these bars without the eggs, you can try using flax eggs. Here’s how to make a flax egg.

Can toddlers eat blueberry oat breakfast bars?

Yes, toddlers can certainly eat these breakfast bars. To make them less messy, you could try baking them as mini muffins.

How do you make breakfast bars higher in protein?

You can add hemp seeds to the recipe to add extra protein, stir in some extra nuts or seeds or even grind up some pumpkin seeds and mix those in to make them less noticeable.

Can you make baked blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars dairy-free?

To make these bars dairy-free, replace the Greek yogurt with your favorite non-dairy yogurt or try dairy-free milk instead.

Can you add nuts or seeds to blueberry oat bars?

Yes! Feel free to mix in whatever nuts or seeds you like!

How do you store homemade blueberry breakfast bars?

These bars can be stored on the counter for 2-3 days but since they are moist, if the room temperature is warm, it may be best to store them in a container in the fridge.

Can you make blueberry breakfast bars with quick oats?

Yes! I prefer to make these bars with quick oats because they blend in and are less noticeable than rolled oats.

Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars

These Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars are a quick and easy breakfast or snack option. They're easy to make and freeze well!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20+ High Protein After School Snacks For Kids

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These high protein after school snacks for kids are perfect for keeping kids full and satisfied until dinner time!

high protein after school snacks for kids

Hi friends!

Today we’re chatting high protein after school snacks for kids. I’ve written several snack posts over the years, including 10 Healthy After School Snacks, High Protein Kid Lunches, After School Healthy Snacks and Kid-Friendly Protein Energy Balls, but none that focus specifically on high protein after school snacks.

How To Keep Kids Full Until Dinner

As parents, we know how critical the after school snack can be. It needs to be hearty enough to keep them from asking for a million more snacks and ruining their dinner! Pairing protein with carbs and fiber will help kids stay full and prevent constant snacking. This post has lots of good options that are good for active kiddos who are constantly on the move, playing sports etc.

And if you’re looking for high protein snacks for adults, check out:

How much protein do kids need each day?

Protein needs vary by age but are typically 0.5g per pound body weight:

  • 1-3 years: 13 grams of protein
  • 4-8 years: 19 grams of protein
  • 9-13 years: 34 grams of protein
  • 14-18 years: 46 grams (girls) or 52 grams (boys)

Active kids may have slightly increased needs. Here’s a more detailed article about how much protein your child needs.

What is a high protein snack for kids?

For older kids, I tend to aim for 10+ grams of protein for a high protein snack. Remember that most kids are already getting enough protein throughout the day and not every snack needs to be high protein.

Balanced Snack Formula For Kids

More important than total protein, I encourage you to aim for balanced snacks- snacks that have at least some protein and fiber, not just empty carbs. This will help kids feel full and satisfied longer.

Ideally, most snacks with be a mix of protein + carbs (whole grains are great!) + fiber and/or healthy fats. This formula will help ensure snacks are balanced to keep blood sugar from spiking and also filling and satisfying.

Why are high protein snacks for kids important?

Not every snack needs to be high protein, however, many kids tend to eat better at snack time than meal time. If that’s the case, aiming for high protein snacks can be important and beneficial to help meet total daily needs.

Protein Snacks For Sports Practice

For athletes, it’s important to ensure they’re getting enough protein to help with muscle repair and recovery. However, pre-practice or game, the focus should be on carbs to ensure they have enough energy to compete. After practice, the focus should be on a mix of protein and carbs for muscle recovery.

Protein Snacks for Kids Who Don’t Like Meat

For kids who don’t like meat, dairy-based snacks can be great options! Also beans and legumes in things like pasta, baked goods and quesadillas help add both protein and fiber!

yogurt parfait with pancakes snack

If you’re looking for real life examples about how I combine some of these ideas (like the photo above) and serve them to my kids, scroll down!

Here’s a list of some high protein after school snack ideas that will actually keep kids full until dinner:

egg wraps

After School Snacks with Eggs

  • Egg wraps – These can be filled with cheese, pepperoni, turkey, avocado etc or just eaten plain. There is 6g of protein per egg and if you add a few slices of turkey (10g protein) and a slice of cheese (6g protein) you have a snack with 20+ grams of protein.
  • Hard Boiled eggs – Super easy to make in big batches, especially in the Instant pot. Most kids will eat at least 2 hard boiled eggs which is 12g protein.
  • Microwave egg sandwich – Easy enough that kids can make one themselves! The egg has 6g protein, two slices of bread gave give you 6-8g protein and a slice of cheese is 6g protein.
  • Egg muffins – Fill them with chopped veggies, cheese, bacon, etc.
yogurt bark

After School Snacks with Dairy

  • Yogurt bark – Let the kids choose their favorite mix-ins like fruit, mini chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds and more! Use Greek yogurt for more protein- most have at least 15g protein in a 3/4 cup serving. Cut the sugar by using half plain yogurt/half flavored. And mixing in pumpkin seeds adds even more protein.
  • Yogurt parfait – Layer yogurt with fresh fruit and cereal for an easy snack that feels fancy. If you use Greek yogurt you’ll get 15g protein, and you can add more by choosing a higher protein cereal.
  • Overnight oats – Another option that’s easy to customize and can be made ahead of time. 1/2 cup oats has approximately 5g protein, plus 3/4 cup milk has 6 grams. Adding chia seeds and a bit of Greek yogurt adds even more protein.
  • Smoothies – Use your favorite frozen fruit and combine with milk or yogurt to add protein.
  • Kefir – Lots of flavors to try. Mix half plain, half flavored to cut the sugar. An 8oz glass of Lifeway Kefir has 10g protein.
cottage cheese cookie dough bites

*Photo credit: Hummusapien*

Kid-Friendly Snacks with Cottage Cheese

Go-To Energy Ball Recipe great for kids or snack for breastfeeding moms

Kid-Friendly Snacks with Nuts & Seeds

  • Energy balls – Form them into balls or press into a pan and cut into bars
  • Trail mix – Grab some from the store or make your own with roasted edamame and roasted chickpeas for protein. 1/3 cup roasted edamame has 14g of protein.
  • Steamed edamame – Quick to microwave and top with a little salt. Has 14g protein per serving.
  • Frozen bananas – Top with peanut butter and hemp seeds and freeze! 2 Tbsp peanut butter adds 8g protein and 3 Tbsp hemp seeds adds another 10g to your batch of frozen bananas.
chicken salad

*Photo credit: Yummy Toddler Food*

After School Snacks with Meat

  • Chicken salad – Kids tend to like chicken better than tuna. Use canned chicken to make it easy. Serve with their favorite crackers. 3oz of canned chicken has 15g protein.
  • Mini meatballs – Can be eaten cold or serve with some pasta! 6 small meatballs can add 13g protein.
  • Half a sandwich – Whatever their favorite is
  • Turkey cheese and apple rollups – Roll cheese and turkey around a cheese stick!
  • Quesadilla – Add some beans or chicken for extra protein
  • Cheese, crackers and jerky- Cut jerky and cheese into cubes and pair with crackers

High Protein After School Snacks for Kids

I wanted to give you some actual visuals so you can get an idea how I serve these options to my kids as after school snacks. Here are some real-life examples. I tried to give you some rough estimations on protein content. Some will vary based on brands, ingredients used etc so it’s just to give you a general idea!

Most of these snacks examples contain more than enough protein for kids. These are snack examples for my older kids who are 9 &11 and are very active athletes.

Feel free to decrease portion sizes, which will decrease the grams of protein to closer to 10 grams if needed, depending on your child’s age and activity level.

Protein Snack Pairings with 15+ Grams of Protein

high protein snacks for kids with eggs

High Protein Snacks For Kids with Eggs

  • Turkey, Cheese & Avocado Egg Wrap + Clementine (10g protein in the turkey, 6g in the slice of cheese and 6g in the egg = 22g protein)
  • Hard Boiled Eggs + Veggies + Kefir (12g protein from the eggs + 10g from the kefir = 22g protein)
  • Sausage & Egg Cups + Frozen Bananas with peanut butter and hemp (12g protein from eggs + 6g from the sausage + 5g from the pb bananas = 23g protein)
  • Microwave Egg Sandwich + Grapes (6g protein from the egg + 8 grams from the bread + 6 g from the cheese = 20g protein)
high protein dairy snacks for kids

High Protein Dairy Snacks for Kids

  • Yogurt Bark + Lentil Banana Muffin (Rough estimation – 15g from yogurt bark + 4g from muffin = 19g protein)
  • Overnight Oats + Trail Mix (Approximately 15g protein in the overnight oats + 5g protein from the trailmix = 20g protein
  • Yogurt parfait + Kodiak Cakes Pancakes (Approximately 15g protein from the yogurt + 10-15g protein from the pancakes = 25-30g protein)
  • Smoothie + Aloha Bar mini (aff link) Protein will vary depending on your smoothie recipe but most will have 15-20g protein at least, plus 6g protein from the bar = at least 25g protein)
  • Roasted Edamame & Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix + Cheese cubes & jerky (Approx 15g protein from the snack mix + 5g from the cheese + 10g from the beef stick =30g protein)
high protein meat snacks for kids

High Protein Meat Snacks For Kids

  • Chicken Salad + Crackers (Approximately 15g protein in the chicken salad -more if you use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of mayo- plus a few grams protein from the crackers depending what kind you have = approximately 20g protein)
  • Protein Pasta + Meatballs (we like Simek’s) + Raisins (10g protein from the pasta + 15g protein from the meatballs = 25g protein)
  • Turkey, cheese & apple roll-up + crackers (10g protein from the turkey + 6g from the cheese + 2-4g from the tortilla + up to 4g from the crackers depending on brand = 20ish grams protein)
  • Chicken & Bean Quesadilla + Steamed Edamame (10-15g protein from the quesadila + 10+grams from the edamame = at least 20g protein)

Quick Store-Bought Protein Snacks for Kids

Here are a few examples of quick store-bought snacks with protein:

  • Yogurt or Cottage Cheese Cup + crackers
  • Frozen Power Waffle + pb&J
  • Hard boiled eggs + Roasted Edamame
  • Beef stick + Hippeas
  • Nut butter packet with apple + cheese stick
  • Aloha Bar or Clif Nut Butter Bar + fruit

Protein Snacks For Toddlers

If you’re looking for toddler snack ideas, check out these Healthy Snacks For Toddlers or these 150+ Toddler Meal Ideas. Remember that toddlers only need about 13 grams of protein total per day.

High Protein Snacks For Picky Eaters

Some snacks that may be favored by picky eaters include smoothies, yogurt, milk, protein pasta and whole grain bread.

Travel-Friendly Protein Snacks For Kids

Check out this post for Healthy Road Trip Snacks. Bring a cooler to pack things like yogurt, hard boiled eggs and turkey and look for shelf-stable options like tuna pouches, beef sticks, trail mix and more.

Nut-Free Protein Snacks For Kids

Nut-free favorites include things like roasted edamame or chickepeas in trail mix, high protein cereal, yogurt, string cheese, Harvest Snaps, Hippeas and more. Here is the Ultimate Guide to Nut-Free Snacks.

Freezer-Friendly Protein Snacks For Kids

Some of my favorites to keep in the freezer include:

  • Pancakes or Waffles (make them with a high protein mix like Kodiak Cakes
  • Muffins or Bars (with protein mix-ins like Lentil Banana Muffins or Sweet Potato Bean Bars)
  • Smoothies
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (add some hemp seeds!)

Here are more Healthy Freezer Snacks!

High Protein Snacks For Kids FAQs

What are the best protein snacks for kids?

The best protein snacks are those that are well balanced and contain a combination of both protein and fiber. This will help kids stay full and focused for several hours between meals.

What are easy high protein snacks for kids?

Some easy high protein snacks for kids include hard boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, trail mix, sandwiches and quesadaillas.

How much protein should kids have in a snack?

This will vary depending on the age of the child. In general, 10+ grams of protein is a good goal for a high protein snack for kids.

What are healthy protein snacks for kids after school?

When trying to bridge the gap between the end of school and dinner time, many kids will need a robust snack that contains protein, fiber and healthy carbs. This will help ensure blood sugar levels do not spike quickly after eating and the fiber and healthy fats will help the snack be more satisfying. Adding fruits and veggies to snack time is also a great option.

What are high protein snacks for picky eaters?

Some options for high protein snacks for picky eaters include yogurt parfaits, fruit smoothies, turkey rollups, beef sticks and high protein cereal.

What are good protein snacks for young athletes?

Young athletes need a good balance of carbs that they can use as fuel and protein to help build and repair muscles. Aim for carbs before practice and a mix of carbs and protein after practice. Chocolate milk of flavored kefir can be a great post-practice snack. Same with smoothies, yogurt with a muffin, or protein pasta with meatballs.

What are nut-free protein snacks for kids?

Some nut-free high protein snacks include roasted edamame and chickpeas, pancakes, yogurt bark, egg wraps and more.

What are sweet protein snacks for kids?

Yogurt parfaits made with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit are a great option for a sweet snack. Also adding dried fruit to a high protein trail mix, energy balls and smoothies can be good otions.

What are protein snacks kids can make themselves?

Simple high protein snacks that kids can make themselves include microwave egg sandwiches or quesadillas, yogurt parfaits or turkey roll-ups.

What are high protein snacks for kids without meat?

Check out this post for high protein vegan snacks, many of which are kid-friendly.

Can kids eat protein bars for snacks?

For younger kids I tend to recommend homemade energy balls. Here are 15+ Kid-Friendly Energy Balls. Older kids might like Aloha Bar minis, Larabars, Skout Bars or Go Macro Bars.

What are high protein snacks kids can take to sports practice?

Aim for carbs before sports practice! After practice, chocolate milk, smoothies, yogurt plus muffin or turkey sandwich can provide a good mix of protein and carbs for recovery.

What are freezer-friendly protein snacks for kids?

Pancakes, waffles, muffins and bars, smoothies, frozen bananas with peanut butter and pb&j sandwiches are all great options to keep in the freezer for protein snacks for kids.

These high protein after school snacks for kids are perfect for keeping kids full and satisfied until dinner time!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

High Protein Vegan Snacks

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These high-protein vegan snacks are great for both adding to meals and pairing together for satisfying, high-protein snacks.

high protein vegan snacks

Hi friend!

It’s been a while since I shared a snack roundup but today we’re talking vegan snacks! If you’re looking for more snack ideas, be sure to check out some of these posts:

Why are high protein vegan snacks important?

As a Registered Dietitian, I frequently share the importance of high protein snacks, especially when paired with fiber, healthy fats and healthy carbs. While protein is important for muscle recovery, healthy, balanced snacks are also play a critical role in keeping energy levels up, helping you feel full and preventing sugar crashes.

Vegans do not eat food derived from animal proteins, which means they do not eat things like animal meats, animal dairy products, honey and more. While it’s definitely still possible to get all the protein you need on a vegan diet, sometimes it requires being a bit more intentional, especially at snack time.

How Much Protein Should A Vegan Snack Have?

There’s no hard and fast rule for protein requirements at snack time. In general for adults, a good goal might be to aim for at least 15-20g of protein for a high protein snack. In many cases, this will involve combining a couple of different snack components to hit that protein goal.

How To Build A High Protein Vegan Snack

Just like when building any other healthy snacks, I recommend focusing on a combination of protein and fiber. These will help keep you full and satisfied the longest. Adding healthy fats and carbs can make the snacks even more satisfying.

how to make roasted lentils

Cheap High Protein Vegan Snacks

Many vegan snacks can be a bit expensive. If you’re looking for more inexpensive vegan protein sources, try tofu – cook it in the air fryer and add to sandwiches or blend silken tofu into smoothies and dips! Making your own roasted chickpeas or roasted lentils to snack on is another good option. Beans are another budget-friendly protein source. You can use them to make soups, dips and salads that make great snacks. Also check the freezer section for frozen edamame.

High Protein Vegan Snacks Without Soy

Some of the best high protein vegan snacks without soy include hemp and pumpkin seeds, lentils, nuts, and homemade energy balls. You can also look for protein bars made with pea protein, Ripple milk and seiten. Nutritional yeast can also be a great addition for adding a “cheesy” flavor and some protein.

High Protein Vegan Snacks for Work or School

So here are some high protein vegan snack ideas. A few things to note:

  • Remember that exact nutrition may vary by brand and by flavor.
  • Some snacks are vegan but processed on shared equipment with non-vegan snacks. I tried to note that when possible but as always, do your own research.
  • Some items on this list may not fit your own personal nutrition requirements. In some cases you may need to accept something like higher sodium or more added sugar in order to also get more protein. As always, the decision on the snacks you eat is up to you. These are just ideas!
high protein vegan bean snacks

High Protein Vegan Snacks Without Nuts

Not all of these are inherently super high in protein on their own but most have fiber as well as protein, making them a great snacking option. Scroll down to see some ideas for snack combinations that will provide an even bigger boost of protein. Try combining several of your favorites here into a homemade trail mix!

crunchy vegan snacks

High Protein Vegan Snacks For Kids

Crunchy snacks are great for satisfying a snack craving but many options are low in protein and fiber. Here are some higher-protein options. Pair them with a vegan dip like Whipped Vegan Butterbean Dip, Green Goddess Dip or High Protein White Bean Dip and some veggies! Or pair with a piece of vegan jerky or some steamed edamame.

  • Aggro Pops Lentil Puffs (18g protein, 8g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added sugar)
  • Peatos (4g protein, 3g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added sugar)
  • Kindling Snacks Pretzels – Sea salt and Dill Pickle flavors are vegan – made on shared equipment with non vegan snacks, may contain trace amounts of egg and dairy. (9g protein, 3g fiber, <1g sugar)
  • Hippeas (4g protein, 3g fiber, less than 1g added sugar)
  • Harvest Snaps – have vegan flavors but are made on shared equipment with milk (5g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar)

It’s hard to find high protein crackers in general but both Simple Mills and Crunchmaster have vegan options with a few grams of protein and fiber. You could also check out Siete Queso Puffs.

vegan protein bars

Best Vegan Protein Bars For Snacking

There are lots of protein bar options out there. Here are a few of my favorite vegan protein bar options in terms of ingredients and nutritional value.

  • Aloha bars– These are my favorite and I’m not even vegan! (14g protein, 10g fiber, 5g sugar/4g added sugar) *Affiliate link
  • Go Macro Bars – (12g protein, 3g fiber, 9g added sugar)
  • IQ Bars -(12g protein, 8g fiber, 1g sugar)
  • TruBar – (12g protein, 13g fiber, 8g sugar/7g added sugar)
  • Skout Organic Protein Bars – (10g protein, 5g fiber, 18g sugar/0g added sugar)
  • Good! Snack Bars – (15g protein, 13g fiber, 10g sugar/9g added sugar)
high protein vegan dairy snacks

High Protein Vegan Dairy Snacks

While some vegan milk and yogurt options are fairly low in protein, there are some higher protein options out there including soy and pea milk, and a few yogurt options! To add more protein, top or pair with a higher protein cereal like Manibota Hemp Granola, Seven Sundays or Kashi Go Protein cereal.

vegan nuts and vegan jerky

High Protein Snacks For On the Go

Nuts and vegan jerky are great shelf-stable snacks that make it easy to grab or pack an on-the-go snack!

high protein vegan grain snacks

High Protein Vegan Grain-Based Snacks

Here are a few grain-based options that have a decent amount of protein and can be eaten on their own or combined with things like milk and yogurt for added protein.

And not a grain product but acts like one- Siete almond flour tortillas

Quick High Protein Vegan Snack Picks

Here are a few snack combos that are easy to throw together and high in protein.

high protein vegan snack ideas

High Protein Vegan Snack Combos

Need more ideas? Here are some ways you could combine the snacks in this post for a higher protein snack!

  • Cereal + soy milk
  • Yogurt + hemp granola
  • Pistachios + vegan jerky
  • Trail Mix- Roasted Edamame & chickpeas, dried fruit, peanuts
  • Hippeas + steamed edamame
  • Ezekiel bread + pb, banana and hemp seeds
  • Oatmeal + strawberries and chopped walnuts
  • Pretzels + protein bar
  • Energy balls + wasabi peas

High Protein Vegan Snack Swaps

Depending on what you’re in the mood for, making certain swaps can help you meet your protein goals. If you want crunchy, try swapping chips for roasted edamame and chickpeas or lentil puffs. If you want sweet, swap a cookie for a vegan protein bar. You can also try adding steamed edamame or tofu dip to your veggie plates, swap regular bread for a higher protein bread like Ezekiel bread or swap yogurt by itself to a parfait topped with nuts and seeds.

vegan white bean queso

High Protein Vegan Snacks For Meal Prep

If you’re looking for some homemade vegan snack options that can be made ahead of time, try:

High Protein Vegan Snacks FAQs

What are the best high protein vegan snacks?

Like with most snacks, the best options are the ones you’ll actually eat. You can make the healthiest snacks packed with nutrient dense ingredients but if you won’t eat them, you’re not getting the benefits. Aim for a higher protein snack that also has some fiber and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied. Also look for options that are lower in sugar and sodium.

How can I get more protein in vegan snacks?

The best way to increase protein in vegan snacks is to combine snack ingredients to increase the protein total. You can also focus on adding high protein snack components to snacks you already enjoy – for example: If you like trailmix, add some roasted edamame. If you like yogurt, add a high protein cereal or granola. If you like peanut butter sandwiches, use a higher protein bread and add hemp seeds.

What vegan snacks have the most protein?

Some of the highest protein vegan snacks on their own include edamame, lupini beans, Agro Lentil Puffs, protein bars and soy milk.

What are easy high protein vegan snacks for beginners?

Some easy high protein snacks for beginners are high protein cereal with soy milk, yogurt with hemp seeds, berries and high protein granola, nuts and vegan jerky and trail mix with roasted edamame.

What are good high protein vegan snacks for work?

Some easy, portable vegan snacks that are high in protein include roasted edamame or fava beans, vegan jerky plus trail mix or vegan protein bars or homemade energy balls. If you have a fridge, pack a yogurt with protein granola or a frozen smoothie that can thaw by snack time!

What are good high protein vegan snacks for kids?

Some kid-friendly vegan snacks include hippeas, harvest snacks and lentil puffs. They might also like peanut butter toast on ezekial bread with hemp seeds, cereal and milk, energy balls, or oatmeal!

kale and white bean salad

What are cheap high protein vegan snacks?

Some cheap vegan snack options include tofu, beans and lentils. Use these to make your own high protein vegan snacks to save money.

What are high protein vegan snacks without soy?

Some of the best high protein snacks without soy include roasted nuts, seeds and edamame, dips made with beans or lentils, high protein muffins or bars or snacks with pea-based milk or protein powders.

What are high protein vegan snacks without nuts?

Try things like roasted edamame and chickpeas, chia pudding and oatmeal that you can top with seeds instead of nuts, and yogurt with hemp granola.

What are high protein vegan snack combinations?

Some high protein vegan snack combinations include cereal and soy milk, yogurt and hemp granola, steamed edamame and protein bar, and high protein trail mix.

These high-protein vegan snacks are great for both adding to meals and pairing together for satisfying, high-protein snacks.

As always, feel free to share your favorites in the comments!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Frozen Yogurt Bark

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This easy Frozen Yogurt Bark can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like fruit, chocolate & seeds. A perfect kid-friendly, high-protein snack for summer!

Frozen yogurt bark with strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips and pepitas

Hi friends!

I have been making this frozen yogurt bark for my daughter for years and finally got around to making an official blog post I can refer people to when I make it!

It is so easy to make and one of her absolute favorite breakfasts. I love it because I can prep it ahead of time and break it into pieces and then I just pop a few pieces on a plate for her in the morning, usually served with a banana muffin. (We rotate through Lentil Banana Muffins, Banana Flax Muffins and Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins)

How To Prevent Icy Frozen Yogurt Bark

The key to preventing hard, icy yogurt bark is using yogurt with fat in it. Fat-free yogurt will not work for yogurt bark unless you’re looking for a broken tooth. The fat in the yogurt is what helps keep it creamy and easy to bite through after sitting out for just a few minutes.

You can use Greek yogurt or regular yogurt for this recipe.

Best Yogurt Fat Percentages for Yogurt Bark

My personal preference is to use full fat Greek yogurt. I use a mix of half plain, half flavored to cut down on added sugar. If you wanted to, you could use half full fat, half 2% but again, I would not use fat-free yogurt for this recipe.

How To Make High-Protein Yogurt Bark

To make this yogurt bark high-protein, use Greek yogurt over regular yogurt. Also choose mix-ins that add additional protein like pepitas (pumpkin seeds), hemp or chia seeds, chopped nuts, peanut butter, etc.

You could also try mixing some protein powder into the yogurt, but it might affect the texture a bit.

How To Sweeten Frozen Yogurt Bark Naturally

I like to use some flavored yogurt as an easy way to sweeten the frozen yogurt bark but if you prefer, you can use all plain yogurt and use your mix-ins to add sweetness. Adding chopped fruit is an easy way to add natural sweetness. If you don’t want chunks to bite into, you could mash or puree the fruit before mixing it in to the yogurt.

You could also choose to sweeten the plain yogurt with maple syrup or honey.

frozen yogurt bark with fruit and seeds

Layered Yogurt Bark

If you’re looking to make your yogurt bark look a bit fancier, using a swirl technique is fun! Make a fruit puree using your favorite fruit and grab some peanut butter or other nut butter. Spread the yogurt onto the pan and then place spoonfuls of both the peanut butter and fruit on top of the yogurt. Using a knife or spoon, spread the spoonfuls through the yogurt for a swirled look.

You could also try making a layered yogurt bark but be careful not to make it too thick. Spread a thin layer of yogurt, a layer of fruit puree or nut butter and then another thin layer of yogurt (or top it with a thin layer or drizzle of melted chocolate.

Dessert-Style Chocolate Yogurt Bark

To make a more dessert-style yogurt bark, lean into the use of chocolate! Instead of mixing chocolate chips into the yogurt bark, start with a layer of yogurt, top with diced strawberries or raspberries and cover the whole thing with a drizzle of chocolate and some flaky sea salt. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top.

Low Sugar Yogurt Bark

To make a low-sugar yogurt bark, stick with plain Greek yogurt as your base. Add diced fruit for natural sweetness.

Kid-Friendly Yogurt Bark Combos

The best kid-friendly combo is the one using things your own kids like! Some initial combos to try include:

  • Strawberries + chocolate chips
  • Blueberries + sprinkles
  • Bananas + peanut butter

Make Ahead Snack Prep Strategy

The good news about frozen yogurt bark is that it’s stored in the freezer, so if you have the space, you can make several different flavor varieties, store them all in the freezer and rotate through the flavors you eat without worrying about them going bad.

Just be sure to store in Ziploc bags or other freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn.

If you’re looking for more make ahead snacks, check out:

How To Cut vs Break Yogurt Bark

Once frozen, the yogurt bark can be difficult to cut. You have two options – just break it! Don’t worry about getting pieces that are exactly the same size, just break into good-sized pieces.

If you prefer to try to cut it, it’s best to let it soften on the counter for at least 5 minutes before attempting to cut into pieces.

Best Thickness for Frozen Yogurt Bark

This is a personal preference. Some people prefer their bark to be fairly thin. They might like to start with a thin layer of yogurt and put the toppings on top.

Others prefer to have the toppings mixed into the yogurt. This will naturally make your bark a bit thicker, so just spread it as thin as possible. It should thaw enough to be able to bite through after just a couple minutes of sitting out.

healthy high protein frozen yogurt bark with fruit

Freezer Setup Tips

The key to making frozen yogurt bark is having enough space in your freezer for a baking sheet. Try to clear an area where the tray can lie flat and let the bark freeze for 3-4 hours at least.

How To Store Yogurt Bark Without Freezer Burn

Once your yogurt bark is completely frozen, remove it from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes and then break it into smaller pieces.

Store the pieces in a Ziploc bag or other airtight container and return to the freezer to prevent freezer burn. Try to squeeze as much air as possible out of the Ziploc bag before storing in the freezer.

Seasonal Yogurt Bark Flavor Ideas

Feel free to customize your yogurt bark based on what’s in season! Berries are great in the summer. You could try mixing in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice in the fall! Get creative!

Crunch Factor Add-Ins

If you’re looking to add a little crunch to your yogurt bark, here are a few options:

  • Granola – Toss a couple handfuls of your favorite granola into the mix
  • Seeds- I like to use pepitas (pumpkin seeds) because they’re thin and add a bit of crunch without being super hard to bite through. You could also throw in hemp seeds or chia seeds.
  • Nuts – If you’re going to add nuts, be sure to chop them fairly small or choose softer nuts – walnuts or slivered almonds might work well
  • Chocolate – Chocolate chips or cacao nibs are also a fun way to add some crunch!

When To Eat Yogurt Bark

Yogurt bark makes a great snack anytime! Grab some as a post-workout snack, serve it for breakfast or an after school snack or even serve it for dessert!

Healthy Frozen Yogurt Bark

Here’s the recipe I use, but you don’t really need to use exact quantities. Feel free to make a bigger or smaller batch:

Yogurt Bark FAQs

How do you keep frozen yogurt bark from getting icy? How do you make yogurt bark creamy instead of icy?

The best way to avoid icy yogurt bark is to use full-fat yogurt. The fat in the yogurt helps keep the bark creamy, whereas using fat-free yogurt will result in a lot of ice crystals forming.

What is the best yogurt for frozen yogurt bark?

You can use pretty much any kind of yogurt except fat-free! Flavored, plain, Greek, regular etc.

Can you use Greek yogurt for frozen yogurt bark?

Yes! It’s a great way to add some extra protein to the yogurt bark.

Why is my yogurt bark too hard to bite?

Likely because you used too much fat-free or low-fat yogurt. Try adding some full fat yogurt next time. You can also let the yogurt bark sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make it easier to bite into.

How thick should yogurt bark be?

This is a personal preference. To make it easy to bite, I would try to keep it to about 1/2 an inch thick.

Can you add protein powder to yogurt bark?

Yes. I haven’t tried it myself but you definitely can. It make alter the texture a bit depending how completely it mixes into the yogurt.

What toppings work best for yogurt bark?

You can get creative with the toppings. Fruit, chopped nuts, seeds, granola and chocolate chips all work great!

Can you make yogurt bark without added sugar?

You can choose to use plain yogurt with no added sugar and then add some sweetness with fruit!

frozen yogurt bark with strawberries and blueberries

How long does it take yogurt bark to freeze?

It depends how thick it is but it should freeze all the way through in 3-4 hours.

How do you store yogurt bark in the freezer?

Let the bark freeze completely, break into pieces and store in a Ziploc bag or other freezer-safe container.

How long does frozen yogurt bark last?

As long as it’s stored in an airtight container, it should last for 2-3 months.

Can you make dairy-free yogurt bark?

I haven’t tried it personally but you could try with a dairy-free yogurt brand.

Can kids eat frozen yogurt bark?

Yes! It makes a great snack for kids. Just be sure to let it sit for a few minutes before serving so they don’t hurt their teeth. And be mindful of what you mix-in depending on ages to avoid choking hazards.

Is yogurt bark a healthy snack option?

Yes! You can control the amount of added sugar based on your preference and it’s high in protein!

Can you use flavored yogurt for yogurt bark?

Yes, both plain and flavored yogurt work well in this recipe.

How do you break yogurt bark evenly?

It’s difficult to break the yogurt bark completely evenly. Just do your best to break it into similar sized pieces to enjoy!

Can you meal prep yogurt bark?

Yes! Yogurt bark is a great option for meal prep because it needs to be made ahead of time anyways. Make a batch, freeze and enjoy all week long!

What fruits work best in yogurt bark?

You can use most fruits but my favorites are berries. You could also try diced peaches, mango, banana or other soft fruits. I probably wouldn’t use apples.

This easy Frozen Yogurt Bark can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like fruit, chocolate & seeds. A perfect kid-friendly, high-protein snack for summer!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

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These Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins are made with Greek yogurt and oats for protein and fiber and even sneak in some zucchini!

healthy oatmeal chocolate chip mini muffins

Hi friend!

I recently shared these Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins that were a big hit and today I’ve got another great muffin option for you! These mini muffins full of nutritious ingredients but still taste great! They’re nut-free and the perfect size for school lunchboxes and snacks!

I make these in the food processor because it does such a good job chopping up the oats, zucchini etc to make them barely noticeable in the muffins. If you don’t have a food processor, you can blend the wet ingredients in a blender and then transfer to a bowl to continue mixing.

Why Greek Yogurt Makes These Muffins Better

I absolutely love using Greek yogurt in my muffin recipes. It’s an easy way to add protein and also makes the muffins super soft and fluffy. I also use it in my son’s favorite Healthy Chocolate Muffins, as well as in these Healthy Blueberry Muffins.

Another added bonus of using Greek yogurt in muffins is that it helps keep the muffins super moist. It can be used to replace some of the fat that typically comes from oil or butter.

Protein-Packed Snacks for Kids and Adults

If you’re looking for even more protein-packed snacks, here are a few ideas:

Tips For Soft Tender Muffins

A few tips for keeping your muffins soft and tender:

  • Using oil instead of butter leads to more tender muffins.
  • Don’t overmix your muffins- when you add in the dry ingredients, mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Don’t go crazy with the stirring!
  • Adding yogurt also helps keep the muffins tender.
  • Don’t overbake! This will dry out your muffins and make them less soft.
  • Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes to help the oats and flour hydrate.
healthy oatmeal yogurt muffins

Health Benefits of Oats + Yogurt Together

These muffins combine oats and yogurt to make a healthy, filling breakfast or snack option. These two ingredients together add both protein and fiber to the muffins to help make them more filling. While the yogurt adds protein, the oats add soluble fiber, which helps you stay full longer.

I also add hemp hearts for additional boost of protein and heart-healthy omegas.

Best Greek Yogurt To Use

I personally like to use whole milk plain Greek yogurt in this recipe. If you prefer, you can use low-fat but I would not recommend fat-free. You can also use plain regular yogurt if you don’t have Greek. The protein content will just be slightly lower.

Can You Use Flavored Yogurt?

Yes, I’ve made these muffins with vanilla yogurt and it works just fine. Just keep in mind that the flavored yogurt will have some added sugar.

Higher Protein Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

For an additional boost of protein, you can add a scoop of protein powder. I don’t recommend more than one scoop in baking recipes, however, because I find it dries out the baked goods.

No Added Sugar Oatmeal Muffins

To make this a no-added-sugar recipe, you can replace the sugar with mashed banana or applesauce. Note that this will change the flavor of the muffins, as well as the texture, likely making them a bit more dense. You could also leave out the chocolate chips or replace them with raisins, dried blueberries or frozen wild blueberries. Wil blueberries are smaller than regular blueberries so they work well in mini muffins.

oatmeal chocolate chip mini muffins

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins for Toddlers

These mini muffins are perfect for toddlers and young kids. They’re soft and moist, easy to eat and the perfect size for toddler hands! Need more toddler snack ideas? Try these:

How To Keep Muffins Moist for Days (How To Store Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins)

Using yogurt in these muffins will make them extra moist. You can store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel on the counter for 3-4 days. The paper towel will help absorb any excess moisture. Be sure to cool the muffins completely before storing.

Freezer-friendly Healthy Muffins

These muffins can easily be frozen for future enjoyment. To freeze, cool the muffins completely then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw on the counter or in the microwave.

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

To make these muffins gluten-free, ensure you are using certified gluten-free oats. In addition, you can sub a 1:1 Gluten-free flour blend, like King Arthur Measure for Measure, for the flour in this recipe.

You could also try replacing the flour with oat flour.

Mini vs Regular Muffins

While I prefer to make these muffins in mini muffin tins, you could also make them as full-size muffins. You’ll have to extend the baking time by a few minutes for bigger muffins but remember not to overbake!

healthy oatmeal chocolate chip mini muffins with zucchini

Mix-In Ideas That Pair Well with Yogurt-Based Muffins

I chose mini chocolate chips as my mix-in for these muffins but there are lots of other possibilities including:

  • Dried fruit – raisins or dried blueberries would work well
  • Frozen fruit- blueberries or wild blueberries
  • Chopped nuts- if you don’t need these muffins to be nut-free, chopped walnuts would be a great addition!

Common Mistakes with Yogurt Muffins

A few common errors with making yogurt-based muffins include over-mixing which results in a dense, chewy muffins and over-baking which leads to dry muffins. Also, using cold ingredients can keep all of the ingredients from mixing fully. Letting yogurt and eggs come to room temperature is helpful.

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins FAQs

Are oatmeal chocolate chip mini muffins with Greek yogurt healthy?

Yes! These muffins are packed with protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and hemp seeds and also contain fiber from the oats! Plus they have zucchini!

What does Greek yogurt do in mini muffins?

Yogurt adds protein to any muffin recipe and also helps keep the muffins fluffy and moist.

Do Greek yogurt muffins have more protein?

Yes, Greek yogurt muffins typically have more protein than regular muffins due to the protein content of Greek yogurt.

Can toddlers eat Greek yogurt oatmeal muffins?

These muffins make a great snack for toddlers! They contain protein, fiber and vegetables and they’re the perfect size for toddlers!

Can I use flavored Greek yogurt in muffins?

Yes, you can sub plain Greek yogurt for flavored if you prefer. It will, however, add some additional sugar to the recipe.

Greek yogurt oatmeal muffins

How do I keep yogurt muffins from getting dense?

Don’t overmix the batter! When adding the dry ingredients, stir until just combined.

Can I freeze mini muffins made with Greek yogurt?

Yes. Let the muffins cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free with oats?

To make these muffins gluten-free, you can replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You could also try replacing the flour with oat flour.

What type of oats work best for mini muffins?

I prefer quick oats because they’re already broken into smaller pieces. You could also use rolled oats if that’s what you have on hand.

How long do Greek yogurt muffins stay fresh?

Store these muffins in a container lined with a paper towel for 3-4 days on the counter.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in muffins?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt. You can also sub buttermilk. Or make your own buttermilk by adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I turn these into baked oatmeal instead of muffins?

You could bake this in an 8×8 or 9×9 pan instead of muffin tins and then cut into bars. They will likely be fluffier than traditional baked oatmeal.

Are mini muffins a good high-protein snack?

These muffins do contain some protein. To make an even higher protein snack, serve them with a glass of milk, a cheese stick, some trail mix or a beef stick.

Can I add protein powder to oatmeal mini muffins?

Yes, you can add one scoop of protein powder to this recipe without a noticeable effect. Any more than that and it might dry out the muffins.

These Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins are made with Greek yogurt and oats for protein and fiber and even sneak in some zucchini!

Make Ahead Snack Prep Ideas

Need a few more snack ideas? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

by 3 Comments

These banana cottage cheese muffins are kid-friendly, high protein and so easy to make! The perfect addition to breakfast or snack time!

banana cottage cheese muffins

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new muffin recipe to share with you guys today. My daughter has been loving them lately and I love that they’re high in protein and easy to make! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our other go-to banana muffins: Lentil Banana Muffins & Banana Flax Muffins. And if you’re out of bananas, try these Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

These will quickly become your new favorite muffins for a few reasons:

  • They’re high in protein thanks to the cottage cheese.
  • They’re light and fluffy. Blending the cottage cheese until it’s smooth helps create a great texture
  • You can easily add mix-ins. I add chocolate chips and hemp seeds but you could add ground flax, blueberries, raisins etc.

How Cottage Cheese Affects Texture and Moisture

These muffins have a few ingredients that help make them fluffy and moist:

  • Cottage cheese – Adding cottage cheese significantly increases the moisture content of the muffins
  • Mashed bananas – help add sweetness naturally without a lot of added sugar
  • Oil – helps emulsify the ingredients along with the cottage cheese

It took a few rounds of testing to find the right ratio of flour, cottage cheese and leavening agents but the end result is a moist, fluffy muffin everyone will love.

Best Bananas for Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Like with most types of baking, the riper the bananas the better for these muffins. Ripe bananas will be naturally sweeter which allows you to use less added sugar.

Banana Protein Muffins with Protein Powder

If you want to increase the protein content even more, you could try adding a scoop of protein powder to these muffins. Don’t overdo it with the protein powder though or your muffins will become dense and dry.

If you’re looking for more high protein snacks, try these Healthy High Protein Snacks or these Cottage Cheese Protein Snacks.

healthy banana cottage cheese muffins

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins Variations

This recipe makes a great base and you can easily make a few tweaks to allow these muffins to fit your needs.

Whole Wheat Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Try using white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour in these muffins for an added nutrient boost of protein and fiber.

Gluten-free Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

To make these muffins gluten-free, simply swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend – I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

Low Sugar Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

You can swap the sugar in this recipe for honey or maple syrup if you prefer. You could also try replacing the sugar with applesauce for a no-added-sugar version that would be great for young kids.

Mix-In Ideas for Banana Protein Muffins

Feel free to mix in your favorites to these muffins! I like chocolate chips, ground flax and hemp but you could also add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, frozen blueberries or dried fruit like raisins.

Mini Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

To make these muffins mini, I would cook them at 375 for about 12 minutes and then check their doneness. You don’t really need to start them at a high heat and then drop the temperature because the mini muffins themselves are so small that they don’t have far to rise. That trick is really to help ensure full-size muffins rise high enough.

moist banana cottage cheese muffins

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins for Meal Prep

These muffins are great for meal prep because they’re an easy high-protein option that you can add to breakfast, lunch or snack time! Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them all week long. They also freeze well for future eating!

How To Store Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

I like to store these muffins in a ziploc bag on the counter. However, since they are moist, keep in mind that they will get moldy after a few days, especially in warmer temperatures.

Consider freezing half the batch after you make them and pulling them out mid-week so they’ll be fresh! You can also store them in the fridge after 2-3 days and reheat them in the microwave.

How To Freeze Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

To freeze these muffins, let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible.

To thaw, simply place one in the microwave or let them thaw on the counter.

Soft and Fluffy Banana Protein Muffins Tips

The most important part of making these muffins soft and fluffy is to blend the cottage cheese until it’s smooth. You can use a food processor or blender. I prefer to blend all ingredients in the food processor because it makes everything extra smooth.

Also, don’t use fat-free cottage cheese. I think full fat works best but 2% is ok too.

fluffy banana cottage cheese muffins

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins vs Regular Banana Muffins

These muffins are high in protein and get some added nutrition from the ground flax and hemp. If you’re looking for regular banana muffins without cottage cheese, here are some other options:

Or try these Banana Oat Cookies!

Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins for Breakfast

These muffins are great anytime of day. Pair them with a yogurt or glass of milk at breakfast, add them to a lunchbox or serve them at snack time with fresh fruit or some trail mix.

Healthy Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Here’s the recipe I use:

Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins FAQs

Are banana cottage cheese muffins high in protein?

Yes! These muffins get a nice boost of protein from the cottage cheese, as well as some from the hemp seeds and eggs!

Can I use cottage cheese in banana muffins?

Yes. Cottage cheese works well in muffins, especially if it’s blended smooth. It works similarly to yogurt in baked goods.

Do cottage cheese muffins taste like cottage cheese?

No! You can’t taste the cottage cheese at all when it’s blended into these mufins.

Are banana cottage cheese muffins healthy?

Yes! They’re full of protein and the ground flax and hemp seeds add a nutrient boost. They’re also low in added sugar.

Can I blend cottage cheese for muffins?

Yes, these muffins are definitely better when the cottage cheese is blended smooth before baking.

banana cottage cheese muffins with hemp and flax

What does cottage cheese do in baking muffins?

Cottage cheese helps increase the protein content of the muffins and also adds a lot of moisture to help make the muffins moist and fluffy.

Can I make these muffins with whole wheat flour?

Yes! Feel free to use white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour. I would not recommended regular whole wheat flour as it will make the muffins too dense.

Are banana cottage cheese muffins good for breakfast?

Yes! These muffins make a great addition to a healthy breakfast. Serve them with a glass of milk or some yogurt, or with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs for a healthy, balanced breakfast.

Can I freeze banana cottage cheese muffins?

Yes! These muffins freeze well. Let them cool completely and then put them in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long do banana cottage cheese muffins last?

These muffins are moist so i don’t recommend leaving them on the counter for more than 3-4 days or they may spoil. You can freeze half the batch for later to help keep them from getting moldy or try storing them in the fridge after a few days.

Can I make banana cottage cheese muffins gluten-free?

Yes! To make these muffins gluten-free just sub a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the flour in this recipe. Also make sure your ground flax is gluten-free if needed.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese in muffins?

These should work fine with low-fat cottage cheese. I prefer full fat and would not recommend fat-free.

How do I make banana cottage cheese muffins soft and fluffy?

I really think making these in the food processor helps make them soft fluffy. It helps puree the cottage cheese and makes sure all the other ingredients are evenly mixed.

What are the best mix-ins for banana protein muffins?

You can use a variety of mix-ins for this recipe. Try dried fruit like raisins, fresh or frozen blueberries or a some chopped nuts.

Can I make mini banana cottage cheese muffins?

Yes! Feel free to bake these in a mini muffin tin at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until baked through.

These banana cottage cheese muffins are kid-friendly, high protein and so easy to make! The perfect addition to breakfast or snack time!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken

by 18 Comments

This easy Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken is so creamy and delicious! No stirring required and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables!

instant pot mushroom risotto with chicken

*Originally published 1/2012. Updated 2/2026*

Hi Friends!

Today I’ve got a recipe for mushroom risotto made in the Instant Pot -plus chicken to add protein! I first shared this recipe way back in 2012. Recently, I made a few tweaks and I thought it was time to remind you how delicious it is!

Why Make Mushroom Risotto In the Instant Pot

This recipe gives you all the creamy deliciousness of risotto without requiring you to stand over the stove and stir for an hour straight! In addition, it’s:

  • Hands-off – no stirring required!
  • Uses simple ingredients – no crazy, hard-to-find ingredients in this recipe!
  • Easy to customize – If you don’t like mushrooms or peas, leave them out! You could add diced bell peppers, sweet potatoes, greens or broccoli instead!
  • Short cook time – This whole recipe only takes about 20 minutes start to finish!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto

This recipe is perfect for getting the creamy risotto texture using just a few simple ingredients. And you don’t have to stand over the stove and stir it constantly! You’ll need:

  • Butter- You can use oil if you prefer.
  • Leeks – You can substitute onion.
  • Mushrooms – I use baby portabella mushrooms but you can use whatever kind you like, sliced or diced.
  • Spices – For flavor!
  • Arborio rice – This is “risotto” rice and very important to help get the traditional creaminess of risotto.
  • Broth – Feel free to use chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also replace 1/4 cup of broth with white wine and use it to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
  • Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breast diced into pieces
  • Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best!
  • Peas – Frozen peas work great!

How to Make Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Making this recipe is simple, just:

  • Use the saute function to saute the butter, leeks and mushrooms.
  • Season the chicken pieces.
  • Add the rice and stir to coat.
  • Add the chicken and broth.
  • Cook 5 minutes, quick release and stir in the remaining ingredients.
instant pot mushroom risotto

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken Variations:

If this recipe isn’t exactly what you’re looking for you can try:

Instant Pot Chicken Risotto

This is a basic risotto recipe that works with our without the mushrooms. If you don’t like them, leave them out!

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Risotto

If you’re a fan of lemon, you can definitely add some freshly grated lemon zest into this recipe and finish it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after it’s done cooking!

Instant Pot Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto

You can add asparagus to this recipe, but I would not add it at the beginning of the recipe or it will be mushy. You can cut it into bite-sized pieces, pan saute it for a couple minutes while the risotto is cooking and add it in at the end, similar to how you add the peas at the end in this recipe.

Instant Pot Vegan Mushroom Risotto

To make a vegan version of this recipe, use oil instead of butter, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan option or try adding some nutritional yeast instead.

Mushroom Risotto Pressure Cooker Tips

A few tips for making mushroom risotto in a pressure cooker:

  • When cooking in the Instant Pot, the best ratio is 2:1 liquid to rice. So we’re using 3 cups of broth and 1.5 cups of rice.
  • Sauteeing the veggies in butter before cooking helps add some flavor and and helps melt the butter so it can coat the rice.
  • Use quick release so that the risotto doesn’t get overcooked.

Chicken Risotto Pressure Cooker Tips

When using chicken in the pressure cooker:

  • Cut the chicken before cooking to allow it to cook quickly enough that the rice doesn’t get overdone.
  • Don’t cut the chicken pieces too small or they will become overcooked and dry.

How To Avoid Mushy Instant Pot Risotto

To avoid mushy risotto:

  • Don’t overcook it. Typically, 5-6 minutes works best.
  • Use the quick-release button to release the pressure, otherwise the rice will cook too long.
  • Use the right kind of rice – arborio works best, not regular long grain brown or white rice.
  • Don’t rinse the rice – this will rinse away some of the critical starches.

How To Thicken Instant Pot Risotto

Risotto will naturally start to thicken as it sits. If you find there’s still too much liquid in the pot after the designated cooking time you can let the risotto rest. You can also switch to the saute function for a few minutes to help incorporate more of the liquid.

In addition, stirring in more vegetables and grated cheese will thicken the risotto as well.

Best Mushrooms for Instant Pot Risotto

Baby bella mushrooms are my personal favorite for this recipe. You could also use white mushrooms, cremini or others if you prefer.

easy instant pot risotto

Chicken Cuts That Work Best in Instant Pot Risotto

Boneless cuts of chicken will work best in this recipe. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs if you prefer.

Make-Ahead Instant Pot Risotto (Storage Guidance)

Risotto is best served right after making it, when it will be at its creamiest. You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Since it will thicken considerably as it sits in the fridge, you can add a splash of broth or some additional butter when reheating.

Freezing Risotto

Risotto is best frozen as soon as it has cooled down after cooking versus after storing it in the fridge for several days.

Freeze in an airtight container for 2-3 months and add some additional liquid when reheating. You can also thaw the risotto and turn it into arancini.

Scaling the Recipe for a Crowd

You could try doubling this recipe in the Instant Pot but I have not tried it myself. I would not try tripling the recipe.

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken Recipe

Here’s how to make it:

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto FAQs

Can you make mushroom risotto in the Instant Pot?

Yes! This recipe is specifically designed to be made in the Instant Pot for an easy risotto recipe that’s hands-off, no stirring required!

How do you keep Instant Pot Risotto creamy?

The key to a good risotto is using the right kind of rice. Arborio rice is best. I like this Lundberg White Arborio Rice. It has a higher starch content than most rice which helps make it creamy.

Can I add chicken to mushroom risotto in the Instant Pot?

Yes. This recipe uses chicken, cut into pieces so that it cooks in the same amount of time as the rice. I would not recommend putting full chicken breasts in this recipe or the chicken will be undercooked when it’s done.

What mushrooms work best for Instant Pot risotto?

You’re welcome to use almost any type of mushroom. My favorite are baby bella (cremeni), but shitake and oyster mushrooms would work too. You can even use white mushrooms if that’s all you have.

Can you make vegan mushroom risotto in the Instant Pot?

To make this recipe vegan, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll also need to either leave out the parmesan cheese or choose a vegan replacement.

instant pot risotto with peas, mushrooms and chicken

How long does chicken risotto take in the Instant Pot?

The actual cook time on this recipe is approximately 15-20 minutes. The Instant Pot will take 10-15 minutes to come to full pressure and 5 minutes to actually cook.

Can I add asparagus to Instant Pot mushroom risotto?

Yes, but I would stir it in at the end or it will be overcooked and mushy. You can pan saute or roast the asparagus while the risotto is cooking and stir it in at the end like you do with the peas.

Can you freeze chicken mushroom risotto?

Yes. Risotto is best frozen right after cooking. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Risotto will thicken as it cools so when you reheat it, you may need to add some extra broth to make it creamy again.

Why is my Instant Pot risotto mushy?

The two most common culprits of mushy risotto are overcooking the rice or not using the right type of rice. Follow the directions in this recipe using arborio rice and you should be just fine.

Can I make risotto in a pressure cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes. Traditional pressure cookers are usually stovetop-based. While they tend to come to pressure more quickly, you may need to play around with the amount of heat so that you don’t burn the contents inside. The Instant Pot is a great set it and forget it option.

This easy Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto with Chicken is so creamy and delicious! No stirring required and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables!

Instant Pot Risotto for Weeknight Dinners

This is an easy, delicious weeknight dinner recipe. Want to try some other variations? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–