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Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

May 3, 2021 by Lindsay 24 Comments

This recipe for Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins makes a great breakfast or grab-and-go snack. Make them with fresh cranberries, Craisins or chocolate chips!

*Originally published 12/2016. Updated 5/2021*

Hi friends!

Allow me to introduce you to these Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins. I first made these muffins back in 2016. It was right after Thanksgiving so I had tons of fresh cranberries I was looking to use up. Then I even added a little drizzled glaze to be fancy. But let’s be honest. With 3 little kids running around now, fancy muffins rarely happen anymore. But regular muffins do!

And when it comes down to it, these are really just basic sweet potato muffins. Yes, you can add cranberries- fresh or dried Craisins…but if you’re not a cranberry fan, feel free to skip them and add some chocolate chips instead!

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

Here’s what you need:

Cooked sweet potato – I just stab one with a knife a few times and microwave 5-6 minutes. You can also use canned sweet potato.
Eggs
Vanilla Extract & cinnamon – for flavor
Brown sugar – White sugar works too.
Milk – cows milk or plant-based milk of choice
Oil- I use avocado oil
Flour – I use white whole wheat flour
Cranberries or chocolate chips – fresh cranberries, Craisins or chocolate chips

To make an optional glaze you can combine powdered sugar with a little milk and drizzle over the top! This works really well during the holiday season when you’re tired of cookies, especially if you use fresh red cranberries! So pretty.

Here’s the recipe:

Hope you guys enjoy these! Here’s how they look with fresh cranberries and glaze:

Either way they’re delicious!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

April 21, 2021 by Lindsay 155 Comments

These healthy Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins are packed with fruits and vegetables and make the perfect kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

**Post originally published in 2011. Last updated 2021.**

Hi friends!

This past weekend I made two batches of these Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins and I felt the need to share them with you again. I first shared this recipe on the blog waaaaayyyyy back in 2011. I’ve updated them multiple times over the past 10 years. It’s hard to know what to call them – apple zucchini muffins? Zucchini carrot muffins? Zucchini apple muffins? They’ve got a whole lot of goodness in them and they’ve stood the test of time! These healthy zucchini muffins are a must-try.

To me, they’re the perfect summer AND fall muffin. They’re great for using up all that zucchini you probably have around all summer and then you can go pick apples in the fall and make them again! But if zucchini apple muffins are not your jam, I have a whole bunch of other kid-friendly veggie-packed muffin and bar recipes! Find them here: Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes.

I store them in the fridge. If you prefer them sweeter, you can add more sugar. To make them dairy-free you could sub oil for melted butter. You could experiment with swapping applesauce for some of the sugar if you wanted.

If you’re worried about all of the shredded veggies in there, I often make these in a food processor to help make them less noticeable!

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

Here’s how you make them:

Just look at all the shredded fruits and veggies packed in there. Little Miss and I devoured like 6 of these yesterday.

Be sure to let me know if you make them this summer.

Muffins are one of my favorite things to add to my weekly food prep sessions to have on hand for healthy snacks! If you liked this post, you’ll love my ebook – The Ultimate Guide To Food Prep. It dives into even more detail about how to food prep, troubleshoots common problems and provides tons of tips to make it easier! Click the image below for more details!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

April 19, 2021 by Lindsay 36 Comments

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples makes a quick protein-packed lunch! You can also serve it with sliced vegetables and crackers for a healthy snack.

*Originally published 1/2015. Updated 4/2021*

Hi Friends!

I’ve got a protein-packed meal or snack idea for you! This Curried Tuna Salad with apples is perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon snack. Minus the apples, this is the same tuna salad my mom made for me growing up. She sometimes used canned chicken instead of tuna and I’ve even made it with canned salmon! I add the apples for a touch of sweetness but feel free to leave them out.

This easy tuna salad comes in especially handy as a busy mom because it can be made ahead of time and lasts several days in the fridge. When my kids were babies it seemed like I always needed to eat something at lightning speed in between naps, work etc so it was nice to have this on hand.

Here’s what you need:

Tuna- I use two cans per batch but you could easily double it to make more. Chunk light in water is my go-to.
Apples – I chop mine up pretty small but if you prefer a little sweetness with less chunks you could also grate the apple with a cheese grater and mix it in.
Hummus – I prefer hummus to mayo to make my tuna salad creamy but you could use mayo if you prefer. Sometimes I do a combination of hummus and mashed avocado.
Green onions – Their mild flavor is perfect for this tuna salad. They add flavor without being overly strong.
Optional veggies- Feel free to add extra veggies. I often throw in some diced bell pepper for crunch.
Curry powder – The star of the show!
Dried mustard – Another way to add subtle flavor.

Do you prefer chicken salad? Try my Easy Chicken Salad next time!

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

Curry powder is one of my favorite spices and I especially love it in tuna and chicken salad. If you love it as well, you might like my curried sweet potato soup. Serve this tuna salad with your favorite crackers, or slices of cucumber or bell pepper for scooping!

Here’s what you need:

I like to use Sabra’s Supremely Spicy Hummus as a complement to the sweet apples but use whatever flavor you like!

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples makes a quick protein-packed lunch! You can also serve it with sliced vegetables and crackers for a healthy snack.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

April 13, 2021 by Lindsay 1 Comment

These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are easy to make and you’d never guess they’re gluten-free!

Hi friends!

These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies have quickly become my new go-to cookie recipe. Since going gluten-free last summer, I’ve been on a quest to find a new cookie recipe that is both easy to make and enjoyable to eat. After much internet research and trying a few duds, I found this recipe from Meaningful Eats. It was delicious. But it was just a little too much work for me. It involves browning butter which, while delicious, is rarely something I’m in the mood to do.

After several rounds of tweaks, I’ve come up with my own recipe inspired by Erin’s and I’m so happy with it.

Chewy Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s what you need:

Butter – I cut back on the butter by replacing half with almond butter because I think it adds a little depth of flavor. I tried replacing all the butter with almond butter and didn’t love the outcome so I wouldn’t recommend it!
Almond butter – you could also substitute peanut butter
Egg
Vanilla – for flavor!
Almond flour – I’m not personally a fan of gluten-free cookies made solely with almond flour, but this recipe has just enough to add a little chewiness!
Brown sugar – It helps make these cookies a little chewier than white sugar
1:1 Gluten-free flour – I love King Arthur measure for measure and have not tried this recipe with any other brands. If you use another brand, make sure it has xanthan gum in it!
Baking soda
Chocolate chips

These cookies are really simple to mix together. Note that while you’re stirring the dough may seem a little dry but you should be able to just mix them enough to get all the flour to mix in!

The only other note is that for best results, the cookie dough needs to sit for 20 minutes. I’ve noticed that when baking with gluten-free flour, cookies can come out a little gritty and grainy unless you let the dough rest first.

Here’s the recipe:

Don’t they look delicious?!

These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are easy to make and you'd never guess they're gluten-free!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip

March 23, 2021 by Lindsay 19 Comments

This Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip recipe is the perfect party appetizer. Made with beans for added fiber, it’s full of flavor and tastes great with crackers or vegetables!

*Originally published June 2012. Updated Mar 2021*

Hi Friends!

This Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip is a must-try for sure! I first made this roasted red pepper feta dip way back in 2012 and it’s still a favorite of my husband and I. I’ve made a few adjustments to the original recipe – mainly cutting out the yogurt and using a whole can of beans instead of just one cup but I think these changes make it even better!

I originally developed this recipe after one of our favorite restaurants stopped serving it on their hummus platter. I was devastated and knew I needed to recreate it for us to enjoy at home.

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this simple dip:

White beans – I use great northern beans. They’re very mild in flavor so they allow the flavor of the feta to shine through, while still adding some protein and fiber to the dip!
Roasted red pepper – I make mine at home – just stick one in the oven on a baking tray for 30 minutes or so and then remove the skin, stem and seeds.
Roasted garlic – Since I already roast my red pepper, I just roast some garlic at the same time. Roasted garlic has a milder flavor so if you replace it with minced garlic, use less!
Feta cheese – You can buy a block and crumble it or buy it pre-crumbled like I do.
Cayenne pepper – This is what gives it that kick. Use as much or as little as you’d like!

Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Here’s how you make it:

Serve this at your next party and it’s sure to be a hit!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

50 Packable Lunch Ideas

March 15, 2021 by Lindsay 52 Comments

Here are 50 packable lunch ideas that are quick, easy and healthy! Perfect for kids and adults if you’re tired of packing the same thing every day!

*Originally published Sept 2012*

Hi Friends!

Let’s chat about packable lunch ideas. Whether you’re looking for packed lunch ideas for adults or kids, lunch ideas for work, cold lunch ideas or healthy lunch sides, this post has you covered! I don’t follow strict lunch packing rules, but I do always try to include:

-Fresh fruit
-A whole grain
-A protein source
-At least some vegetables

I think a lot of people feel like they have to make their packed lunch with one big dish and some sides. I rarely do this. I generally pack 3-4 healthy lunch sides so I can enjoy a little bit of a lot of things. More fun to eat that way!

If you need more packable lunch ideas for kids, I have a whole guide! Find it here: A Month of Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids.

Packable Lunch Ideas

Another benefit to packing my lunch for me personally is eating more vegetables. When I have the whole fridge and pantry to choose from, I typically avoided veggies and chose other things. Now that I have to eat whatever I bring with me, I just make sure to include veggies in my packable lunch ideas for the week and then I eat them! Simple as that!

Here are 50 packable lunch ideas to inspire you to pack some fun new lunches! Within the list, ‘ve included links to recipes from the blog if I have them but those are by no means the only recipes you should try! Check out the general ideas and then do your own searches for those types of recipes that fit your taste preferences!

Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work

Protein-Packed Salads
Strawberry Chicken Spinach Power Salad
Steak Cobb Salad
Crunchy Kale Salad with Couscous

Hummus with Dippers
Greek Hummus Topping

Tuna/Chicken/Chickpea Salad and Crackers
Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

Meatballs
Thai Chicken Meatballs
Apple Cheddar Turkey Meatballs
Paleo Turkey Sweet Potato Meatballs
Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs

Burgers
Avocado Chicken Burgers
Thai Peanut Salmon Burgers

Muffins or Bars
Lentil Banana Muffins
Carrot Applesauce Muffins
Banana Carrot Muffins
Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

Soup
White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

Roasted Chickpeas
How To Roast Chickpeas
Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix

Pasta Salad
Maple Mustard Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad
Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad

Frozen Smoothie (freeze in mason jar to thaw in lunchbox)
Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie
Kid-Friendly Smoothie Recipes

Pancakes/Waffles with Nut Butter or Yogurt
Green Smoothie Pancakes
Banana Flax Waffles
Sweet Potato Waffles

Wraps or Sandwiches
Egg Wraps
5 Ways To Make Sandwiches More Fun
Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas

Loaded Sweet Potato
Pulled Pork Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Top a baked sweet potato with leftover taco filling or chili

Protein or Granola Bars
No Bake Protein Bars
Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids

Mac & Cheese
Stovetop Mac & Cheese w/ Sausage & Peas

Healthy Bars/Cookies
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars
Sweet Potato Protein Cookies

Popcorn
Sweet & Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix
Healthy Microwave Popcorn

Pudding
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

Vegetables
Easy Spinach Balls
Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots

Tacos
Turkey Walnut Taco Meat
Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip
Curried Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

Noodles (Good Warm or Cold)
Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles
Chicken Pad Thai
Sweet & Spicy Shrimp With Soba Noodles

Seafood Cakes
Tuna Quinoa Cakes

Lettuce Wraps
Asian Lettuce Wraps

Egg Cups/Baked Eggs
Paleo Breakfast Casserole
Egg Waffles

Energy Balls
Lemon Energy Balls
Mint Chocolate Energy Balls
12 Kid-Friendly Energy Balls

Roll-ups
Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos

More Simple Ideas
Fruit + Greek yogurt
Overnight oats
Hard-boiled or deviled eggs
Raw veggie sticks
Homemade trail mix
Apples or celery + peanut butter
Peanut butter + crackers
String cheese
Spiced roasted nuts
Cottage cheese + Tomatoes
Chips + Guac or Salsa
Leftovers
Sushi
Jerky
Homemade ramen noodles
Spring rolls
Burrito bowl
Fruit or Veggie chips
Sweet potato + Almond butter
Steamed edamame

Do you pack your lunch?
I’d love to hear your favorite packable lunch ideas!

Happy Packing!

–Lindsay–

Freezer Chicken Tenders

February 25, 2021 by Lindsay 73 Comments

These Freezer Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep. Make several batches ahead of time and stick them in the freezer. On a busy night, just pull them out, bake from frozen and have dinner on the table in 30 minutes!

*Originally published Jan 2015. Updated Feb 2018 & Feb 2021*

Hi Friends!

Allow me to introduce you to these Freezer Chicken Tenders. They’re of my favorite food prep recipes. Let’s talk about food prep for a minute, shall we? A lot of times when we think about food prep or meal prep, we’re focusing only on planning for the week ahead. But sometimes it can be just as helpful to spend a day making things to stock your freezer, (like these frozen chicken tenders) so that you can pull them out over the coming weeks when you have a busy night, don’t get around to food prep or find yourself just too tired to cook.

I first made these Freezer Chicken Tenders when I was stocking my freezer before my first baby was born. They were such a hit that I’ve made them over and over again since then and even made them several times for fellow new moms so they have a kid-friendly dinner on hand to prep for a whiny toddler while holding a screaming newborn.

Freezer Chicken Tenders

It’s easy to make several batches at once so you can stock your freezer and you can bake them straight from frozen so you don’t have to remember to thaw anything out! How long to bake frozen chicken tenders will depend on how thick they are!

What ingredients do you need?

Chicken – boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best!
Flour- to dredge the chicken before dipping. You can also use cornstarch
Egg – to dip the chicken in to help the breadcrumbs stick
Breadcrumbs – I use panko breadcrumbs but regular are fine too. You can sub crushed gluten-free cereal for a GF version.
Seasonings – I usually use a mix of paprika and garlic powder. To change things up, try everything but the bagel seasoning, cayenne for spice or even a ranch twist!

I usually serve them with mac and cheese and some steamed veggies for a quick, hands-off meal!

Here’s the recipe…but remember, you don’t really have to measure. You can make as many batches as you like and you really just need enough flour to dredge them, enough egg to coat them and enough breadcrumbs to cover them. So don’t stress about measuring exactly!

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders

I bake mine on a cooling rack and they come out nice and crispy- perfect for dipping in ketchup, bbq sauce or honey mustard sauce! Cooking times may vary depending on how thick your tenders are. You could also cut them into small pieces and make nuggets!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Healthy Toddler Snacks

February 9, 2021 by Lindsay 16 Comments

Nutritious and delicious, these healthy toddler snacks are easy to make and perfect for little kids and big kids too!

*Originally published May 2015. Updated Feb 2021*

Hi Friends!

We’re talking toddler snacks today! Specifically, healthy snacks for toddlers. One of the most frequent questions people ask me as a Registered Dietitian is “do you have any snack ideas for me?” Kids eat a lot of snacks and it’s easy to run out of ideas or fall into a rut. This post was actually first published before my oldest was even a toddler, way back in 2015. Now I have three kiddos and my youngest is a toddler! Which means I’ve got snack time going on in triplicate over here.

I hope this list will give you some inspiration. Toddler snacks don’t need to be complicated or expensive! My top tips are to focus on set snack times versus letting them graze all day and always including a protein source at snack time! If you need a refresher on toddler choking hazards or storebought ideas, check out this post: Healthy Snacks For Toddlers.

And if you want even more snack ideas, I’ve got several posts to help you out:

And remember that these snacks can also go into lunch boxes! Check out my guide: A Month of Easy Packed Lunches for Kids if you need more lunch box ideas.

Here are some ideas:

Healthy Toddler Snacks

Cottage Cheese: Serve it alone or pair it with whole-grain cereal and some fruit for a twist on a yogurt parfait. It can be high in sodium so as always, variety is key! And if they’re not fans, lower sugar yogurts (or plain yogurt with fruit mixed in is great too!)
Hummus: Perfect for dipping raw veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers and bell peppers (be careful with raw veggies- they can be a choking hazard for young toddlers). You can also serve with crackers or chips or add to pizza or sandwiches.
Avocado: A great source of healthy fats. Mash it up for avocado toast, make guacamole for dipping or just slice and serve!
Nut Butter: Healthy fats help keep them full! Add peanut butter or other nut/seed butters to oatmeal, drizzle on banana slices or spread on toast, waffles or pancakes!
Whole Grain Cereal: Check out my list of Lower Sugar Cereal for Kids. Pair with milk, yogurt or a hard-boiled egg!

Healthy Snacks For Toddlers

Muffins/Bars: I’ve got tons of muffin and bar recipes that make great snacks! You can find most of these toddler snack recipes in this Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes post. A few favorites of ours are the Lentil Banana Muffins, Carrot Oat Bars and Sweet Potato White Bean Bars
Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to get extra fruit and veggies into your toddler’s diet. Mix with a little milk or yogurt and you have added protein and calcium, among other important nutrients. Spinach, zucchini and cauliflower are easy veggies to add to smoothies without altering the taste or texture too much. My boys’ favorite combo is frozen mixed berries, spinach, milk and a little orange juice. This Peach Zucchini Smoothie Bowl is also a fav, along with this Silken Tofu Mixed Berry Smoothie!
Oatmeal: It’s not just for breakfast! Make it with milk for protein and stir in a scoop of peanut butter for healthy fats. Top with berries or a few chocolate chips. You can even make a big batch ahead of time, freeze in muffin tins and thaw in the microwave. Learn how in my post for Freezer Prep Oatmeal Cups.
Trail Mix: Homemade trail mix is SO easy and can be adapted based on your child’s favorite add-ins. Try this toddler Nut-Free Toddler Trail Mix or make up your own combination using cereal, small crackers, dried fruit and small nuts if they’re older (nuts can be a choking hazard for young toddlers). Freeze-dried fruits and veggies are a great option for younger kiddos or things like Hippeas or Harvest Snaps!
Kabobs: Cubes of cheese and small pieces of fruit are fun for kids to help make and eat! Remember round fruits like blueberries can be a choking hazard for young toddlers. You can always cut them in half before adding to kabobs!

If you want more snack ideas, I have the ultimate resource for you – The Snack Spark! It’s a simple PDF packed with balanced snack pairings, store-bought snack suggestions, allergy-friendly snacks, prep ahead snacks and more! Learn more about The Snack Spark here!

Need more snack ideas for toddlers?

Sweet Potato Banana Bites
Egg Wraps
Frozen English Muffin Pizzas
Banana Flax Waffles
My Go-To Energy Balls (press them into a pan and cut into bars to make them easier for young toddlers to eat!)

And if you’re looking for store-bought snacks, I’ve gotcha covered there too!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

PS. Thanks to my friend Katie at Mom to Mom Nutrition for the original inspiration for this post! See these types of snacks in action in her real-life photos below!

The Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip

February 2, 2021 by Lindsay Leave a Comment

This easy Hot Taco Layer Dip is perfect for tailgating. This vegetarian appetizer is made with easy homemade refried beans, creamy hummus, corn salsa and cheese. Perfect for scooping with chips!

Thanks to Bush’s® Beans for sponsoring this post.

Hot Taco Layer Dip in a cast iron skillet with chips and a can of pinto beans

Hi friends!

The big game is right around the corner and this hot taco layer dip is sure to make you a fan favorite. It’s perfect for an appetizer or side dish, comes together quickly and it is packed with flavor.

We’re big sports fans around here and for several years now I’ve been searching for the perfect game day recipe. One I can whip up quickly if we’re hanging out in the living room. I’ve finally found that recipe.

Hot Taco Layer Dip

This warm layered bean dip is pure perfection. While the general idea of this recipe isn’t new, this recipe has a few specifics that really make it stand out.

First, I teach you just how easy it is to make refried beans at home using Bush’s® Pinto Beans. All you need are the following basic ingredients:

Bush’s® Pinto Beans
Garlic
Seasonings – chili powder, cumin and salt
Lime juice

That’s it! And if you have a cast-iron skillet you can build this layer dip right in the pan. Just sauté the garlic in a little oil. Add the drained beans, seasonings and lime juice, sauté for a few more minutes and then smash to the desired consistency. Then just spread them around the pan to make the bottom layer of your dip!

Next, I swapped the traditional mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a blend of creamy hummus, salsa and some green chiles. If you have a few extra minutes you can even make a batch of simple hummus using Bush’s® Garbanzo Beans, lemon juice, tahini, garlic and oil.

Finally, we throw together a simple corn salsa to layer on. Made with just:

Corn
Red onion
Tomatoes
Jalapeno
Cilantro
Lime juice

Top it all off with a few handfuls of shredded cheese, and pop it in the oven until it’s warm and bubbly. This type of dip often has a layer of ground meat, but I love the plant protein you get in this recipe from both the refried beans and hummus!

hand dipping into skillet of hot taco layer dip with bowl of chips

Trust me when I say you won’t be able to resist dipping a chip (or 10) into this dip! Here’s how you make it:

Don’t let the homemade aspects of this recipe intimidate you. It’s just a few simple steps and the end result is so worth it!

This easy Hot Taco Layer Dip is perfect for tailgating. This vegetarian appetizer is made with easy homemade refried beans, creamy hummus, corn salsa and cheese. Perfect for scooping with chips!

Want more Mexican-inspired recipes? Try:

What’s your favorite game day appetizer?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

The Best One-Pot Comfort Meals

January 27, 2021 by Lindsay 27 Comments

Looking for the best one-pot comfort meals? These dinner ideas are warm and satisfying and also quick and easy to make and clean up!

Hi Friends!

Let’s talk comfort meals. Specifically one-pot comfort meals. When things get busy around here, typically the last thing I want to do when dinner rolls around is make a main dish and a couple of side dishes, etc to get a complete meal. I want easy. I want to minimize the amount of dirty dishes I have to deal with after dinner is over. I want dinner to be fast, simple and delicious…all at once! That’s why I love these recipes. My definition of one-pot meals are any that combine lean protein, lots of veggies and some healthy carbs in one dish! What’s better than getting a balanced meal in every bite?!

And these aren’t just any one-pot meals. These are comfort food recipes. The kinds of recipes that bring back childhood memories, like chicken pot pie, macaroni and cheese and more! When you combine the simplicity of a meal requiring just one pot and wonderful foodie memories that accompany so many comfort food recipes, you’re setting yourself up for some great meal choices!

One-Pot Comfort Meals

Marry Me Chicken via Budget Delicious. Easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress company.
One-Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta via Nutmeg Nanny. All the goodness of fajitas in a comforting bowl of pasta.
Chili Con Carne via Country Cleaver. Everyone needs a classic chili recipe for cold nights.
The Best Stovetop Mac and Cheese via Life’s Ambrosia. A childhood favorite that will never let you down.
Kid-Friendly Skillet Sloppy Joe Casserole via Allergy Awesomeness. A twist on everyone’s favorite sloppy joes.
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits via Kristine’s Kitchen. No need for crust with this simple, yet hearty pot pie recipe.

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Green Beans via The Lean Green Bean. Pasta, meat and veggies all on one sheet pan.
Chicken Enchilada Skillet via Boulder Locavore. All the flavor of enchiladas without all the effort.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup via A Cedar Spoon. A light twist on classic chicken noodle soup. It’s good for the soul.
One-Pot Jambalaya via Food Faith Fitness. A classic recipe that’s full of flavor. Introduce it to the family!
Italian Sausage and Ravioli Soup via Amee’s Savory Dish. A hearty soup that couldn’t be easier to throw together.
Skillet Lasagna via Flavor the Moments. No need for layers with this fun twist on lasagna!

Did anything catch your eye? Tell me, are you a fan of one-pot meals or do you prefer a main dish with assorted side dishes to go along with it? What’s your favorite comfort food and/or your favorite one-pot meal?

What’s your favorite one-pot comfort meal? Leave me a link!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

15 Non-Traditional Salads

January 21, 2021 by Lindsay 17 Comments

Salads don’t always have to be just a bowl full of lettuce! Check out this roundup of 15 non-traditional salads for some fun ways to up your veggie intake!

Hi Friends!

Time for another delicious roundup! Let’s talk non-traditional salads. When most people hear the word salad, they typically think of regular old lettuce, topped with a few veggies and some dressing. My husband eats a bowl of green leaf lettuce topped with broccoli and cucumbers for lunch pretty much every single day. That’s all well and good…but for me personally, I’m not really crazy about regular lettuce. GASP! I know. Luckily though, the word “salad” has evolved and expanded its meaning and there are all sorts of interesting combinations that can now be considered salad!

If a bowl of leafy greens doesn’t necessarily get you excited either, have no fear! I’ve rounded up some non-traditional salad ideas for you. They’re still healthy, quick and easy and they’re all great options for adding more veggies to your meals!

Non-Traditional Salads

Chickpea Salad with Tomato and Cucumber via Wholesome Made Easy. No lettuce needed, just chopped veggies and chickpeas in a simple dressing.

Broccoli Slaw with Ramen via The Lean Green Bean. Broccoli slaw adds crunch and ramen noodles add a fun twist.

Kale and Red Cabbage Slaw via Kalyn’s Kitchen. Eat this slaw by itself, top with a lean protein or add to tacos!

Rainbow Quinoa Salad via Peas and Crayons. Grain-based salads are a great option for side dishes and meals.

Shaved Winter Vegetable Salad via The View From Great Island. Sometimes presentation makes all the difference!

Asparagus Salad with Eggs and Prosciutto via Liz’s Healthy Table. Simple yet elegant, this salad can impress a crowd.

Bok Choy Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing via Running To The Kitchen. A great way to gain exposure to veggies you may not eat frequently.

Salmon Nicoise Salad via The Lean Green Bean. A fun twist on a classic nicoise salad.

Superfoods Brussels Sprout Salad via Two Healthy Kitchens. If you haven’t found a way you love eating brussels sprouts yet, try this!

Romaine Hearts Grilled Chicken Caesar via Eating Richly. An easy way to feed a crowd with tons of flavor and visual appeal.

Grilled Vegetable Salad via Kylee Cooks. Salads aren’t just for raw veggies. Try grilling them first!

Thai Kohlrabi Noodle Salad via Running To The Kitchen. Spiralized vegetables make a great addition to salads.

Pulled Pork Apple Salad via The Creative Bite. A salad can never have too many toppings 🙂

14 Bite-Sized Valentine’s Day Desserts

January 20, 2021 by Lindsay 18 Comments

Make your celebration special with these Bite-Sized Valentine’s Day Desserts! These tasty treats are a fun, easy way to celebrate the one you love!

Hi Friends!

February is fast approaching so I wanted to share some bite-sized Valentine’s Day desserts with you guys! Hubby and I have a Valentine’s Day tradition of making a fancy dinner at home, mainly because it’s more convenient than going to a restaurant…not to mention cheaper!

I’ve been thinking about the menu for this year I still have no idea what to make for the main course, I’ve got lots of dessert inspiration… so I thought I’d share it with you.

Nutella and Cherry Hand Pies via Wonky Wonderful or these Strawberry Hand Pies via Well Plated. They’re like pop tarts, but better!

Red Wine Chocolate Truffles via Dessert for Two. Rich, decadent and impressive but easily made in your own kitchen.

Healthy Brownie Bites via The Lean Green Bean. Bite-sized brownie goodness. Top with peanut butter or a more festive frosting!

Oreo Balls via Peas and Crayons. A classic treat both kids and adults will love.

Mini Vanilla Bean Cheesecakes via That Skinny Chick Can Bake. Who needs a whole cheesecake when you can have these adorable minis!

Homemade Ferrero Rocher Truffles via View From The Great Island. Skip the store and make your own!

Meringue Cookie Kisses via Meals Heels and Cocktails (not pictured) The pink and white swirls make them perfect for Valentine’s day!

Love Monster Energy Bites via The Creative Bite. How cute are these for kid lunches?!

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat Hearts via Inside Bru Crew Life. Jazz up a classic treat for the holiday!

Strawberry Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites via Cotter Crunch. Freeze-dried strawberries make everything pretty in pink!

Deep Dish Red Velvet Cookies for Two via Show Me The Yummy. The perfect dessert for you and your one and only!

Vegan Raspberry Almond Butter Brownies via Hummusapien. Cut this batch into bites and get creative with your toppings!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes via Iowa Girl Eats. The most impressive dessert that’s actually super easy to make!

Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Mousse via The Real Food RDs (not pictured) Satisfy your sweet tooth with a few bites of this mousse!

Let’s chat:
What’s your favorite dessert?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Roasted Chick Pea Snack Mix

January 18, 2021 by Lindsay 5 Comments

This sweet and spicy roasted chick pea snack mix contains added fiber and protein, and is perfect when you’re looking for a healthy, crunchy snack!
Thanks to Bush’s® Beans for sponsoring this post.

Hi friends!

We’re kicking off the new year with a new snack idea that I know you’ll love! This Sweet and Spicy Roasted Chick Pea Snack is made with BUSH’S® Garbanzo Beans that are roasted to crispy perfection and then mixed with a few other crunchy favorites like popcorn, nuts and plantain chips!

My friends at BUSH’S® Beans – That Beautiful Bean Company – are celebrating the beauty of beans and I’m excited to share a few reasons why beans are so beautiful to me!

They’re versatile and can be used in so many different recipes that you’ll never get tired of them!
They’re nutritious, with added protein, fiber and other nutrients.
They’re a great way to help introduce more plant-based proteins into your diet and help you create more nutrient-dense meals and snacks.

Roasted Chick Pea Snack Mix

Snack mix with roasted chickpeas, plantain chips, popcorn and peanuts

I’ve been enjoying this roasted chick pea snack mix for a couple of weeks now, and it has definitely become my go-to afternoon snack. It’s the perfect blend of a bunch of my crunchy favorites and I love that it’s just a little sweet and a little spicy too!

Let’s talk about what’s included:

Bush’s® Garbanzo Beans – Roasted in the air fryer or oven to get them nice and crunchy!
Popcorn – It’s so easy to make your own with just popcorn kernels and a brown paper lunch sack.
Plantain chips – Another crunchy addition. You could swap banana chips for a little more sweetness or try something like crunchy rice cereal instead.
Peanuts – My go-to nut but you could easily sub almonds or another favorite of yours. Or try something like pumpkin seeds!
Seasonings – I mix melted butter with a little brown sugar and cayenne pepper. You could skip the sugar and add some garlic powder or paprika for a more savory mix.
Optional – To add more sweetness you could add a handful of raisins or other dried fruit or even some chocolate chips

Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix - sweet, spicy and crunchy

You can make a big batch of this roasted chick pea snack mix with minimal effort and enjoy it all week long. Here’s how:

What do you think?! Will you try it?

This sweet and spicy roasted chick pea snack mix contains added fiber and protein, and is perfect when you're looking for a healthy, crunchy snack!

Want more chickpea recipes? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

15 Casseroles For Sunday Dinner

January 16, 2021 by Lindsay 16 Comments

Here are 15 quick and easy casseroles for Sunday dinner- or any night of the week when you want a simple meal the whole family will love without much effort!

Hi Friends!

Let’s talk casseroles. In my opinion, they’re the easiest way to pack a ton of delicious flavors into one dish. The combinations are pretty much endless and usually, they require very little effort. Win, win, win in my book. I’m always looking for new healthy casseroles to try with my family and there are so many options out there so I decided to make myself a list and start working my way through it.

In case you need a little inspiration like I did, I rounded up 15 casseroles to share with you guys. Most are more traditional dinner casseroles but don’t forget about breakfast casseroles! Breakfast for dinner is almost always a win at my house and eggs are great for casseroles!

Healthy Casseroles

Breakfast Enchilada Casserole via The Lean Green Bean. You can prep it a day in advance and pop it in the oven when you need it!
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini via Bellyfull. Creamy, cheesy and freezes well.
Cheesy Sausage Veggie & Rice Casserole via Iowa Girl Eats. Gluten-free and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole via Inspiralized. A fun, gluten-free way to use spiralized sweet potatoes.
Instant Pot Farro Enchilada Casserole via The Lean Green Bean. Easy to whip up with pantry staples!
Southwestern Chicken Casserole via Fit Foodie Finds. When you’re craving Mexican food but don’t want tacos or enchiladas.
Beef and Cauliflower Stuffed Pepper Casserole via The Lean Green Bean (not pictured). A twist on traditional stuffed peppers. Low carb and gluten-free.

Teriyaki Chicken Casserole via Well Plated. Freezer-friendly with an easy, flavorful sauce.
Taco Casserole via Dinner at the Zoo. All your favorite taco components in casserole form.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole via The Real Food RDs. Gluten-free, dairy-free and low-carb but not lacking flavor!
Buffalo Chicken Bake via A MindFull Mom. Layers of chicken and potatoes with lots of buffalo flavor.
Meatball Sub Casserole via The Novice Chef. All the goodness of meatball subs but served with a fork.
Green Chili Chicken Pot Pie via Recipe Runner. Classic comfort food with a flavor twist.
Easy Cheesy Pizza Casserole via Neighborfood (not pictured) A new addition to the pizza night lineup…made with garlic bread!
One-Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole via Culinary Hill (not pictured) Ready in 30 minutes but can also freezer-friendly.

What’s your family’s favorite casserole?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

15 Quick Family Meals

January 15, 2021 by Lindsay 24 Comments

For those nights when you need dinner in a hurry, here are 15 quick family meals the whole family will love.

*Originally published in 2014. Updated Dec 2020*

Hi Friends!

I’ve got a roundup of quick family meals for you! We all know life is a little crazy right now and I’m all about quick, easy dinners. Do you have a back pocket list? A list of meal ideas that are so quick and easy you could practically make them in your sleep? Meals you can pull out during the craziest weeks, the busiest life seasons to help you get dinner on the table without much fuss? Several of these are on my back pocket list. And since I’m always looking for new ideas, I thought I’d share some of them with you to help make your dinner time easier.

This round-up covers everything from Instant Pot recipes to chicken & beef, to meatless meals so there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Quick Family Meals

Shrimp Curry Noodle Bowls via The Lean Green Bean. Ready in 15 minutes and packed with veggies! Sub chicken if you don’t like shrimp. (or try this Lentil Veggie Curry)
No-Fuss 5 Minute Pizza Dough via Wanna Be A Country Cleaver. A super simple recipe so you can have pizza any night of the week!
Sloppy Joes via Kristine’s Kitchen. They’re a classic for a reason! Kid-friendly and full of flavor.
Easy Lasagna Skillet via The Creative Bite. If you love lasagna, you’ll love this quick, stovetop version!
Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles via The Lean Green Bean. Packed with veggies and covered in a flavorful sauce everyone will love!
Pineapple Chicken via Amee’s Savory Dish. Easier than waiting for takeout and full of fresh flavors.
Burger in a Bowl via Running To The Kitchen (not pictured) A twist on burger night with a special secret sauce.
Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon via Meals Heels and Cocktails (not pictured). Minimal prep with maximum flavor. Ready in no time!

Meaty Tortellini Skillet via From Valerie’s Kitchen. Transform a package of tortellini into a full, healthy meal in minutes.
Egg Waffles via The Lean Green Bean. Breakfast for dinner is always in style and this is a fun twist.
Pizza Chicken via Iowa Girl Eats. Gluten-free, kid-friendly and perfect for a busy night.
White Chicken Chili via The Lean Green Bean. Made with pantry staples and tastes even better as leftovers!
Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas via The Blond Cook. Quick and easy and cleanup’s a breeze.
Santa Fe Chicken via Food Faith Fitness. Seasoned chicken topped with a flavorful salsa.
Spiced Sweet Potato & Black Bean Bowl via Cait’s Plate (not pictured) An easy vegetarian meal with a flavorful avocado sauce.

That’s all for today. I’m always looking for new quick family meals to add to my go-to list. I keep one on my phone for those nights when I need dinner in a hurry and don’t even have time to think about what to make. All of these fit the bill!

See something you like? Pin this to save this post for later!

Have a favorite quick, go-to meal? Leave me a link!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Banana Carrot Muffins

January 13, 2021 by Lindsay 6 Comments

These Banana Carrot Muffins are made with simple ingredients, lightly sweetened and perfect for a kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

Hi friends!

Can’t wait to share these Banana Carrot Muffins with you guys to kick off the new year! I’ve been making these for my kids for about a month now and they’ve been a big hit all around. My younger two are pretty good about eating a variety of muffins and bars that I make but my oldest has a couple favorites and it’s tough to get him to branch out.

He absolutely loves my Lentil Banana Muffins and after trying a few different flavor combos, it became clear that his most preferred baked goods will always have bananas in them. So I came up with a cross between my lentil muffins and my Carrot Applesauce Muffins and that’s what we have here today!

Banana Carrot Muffins

Instead of adding sugar to these, I relied on the sweetness of extra-ripe bananas and vanilla yogurt. However, I’ve also tested them adding 1/4 cup maple syrup and they come out great so you can make them that way for a slightly sweeter muffin.

Here’s what you need:

Mashed bananas – make sure they’re extra brown and spotty for maximum sweetness
Carrots – I chop mine in a food processor and then make the whole muffin batter in the food processor to make the carrots less noticeable but you could also just make them in a bowl with shredded carrots
Vanilla yogurt- you could swap plain yogurt if you wanted or use plain yogurt + maple syrup
Egg
Oil – I use avocado oil
Hemp seeds – an easy way to add extra nutrients!
Baking soda, cinnamon, vanilla
White whole wheat flour – my go-to for baking
Chocolate chips – optional but likely preferred especially since these muffins aren’t very sweet.

Here’s how you make them:

What do you think?!

Let me know if you try these! They’re a new favorite around here!

Want more kid-friendly baking recipes? Find 20+ ideas here:

Kid-friendly Baking Recipes

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

9 Smoothie Bowl Recipes

January 7, 2021 by Lindsay 5 Comments

These healthy smoothie bowl recipes are almost too pretty to eat! Smoothie bowls are an easy way to pack fruit, protein and veggies all into one meal and then you can get creative with the toppings!

Hi Friends!

Let’s talk about smoothie bowls. Smoothies are great and all, but have you tried them super thick and in a bowl with toppings?! Can’t be beaten! Smoothie bowl recipes are great because you can easily make them a full meal. Fruits make a great base, but if you add in a protein source and/or healthy fats, you can boost their staying power. Plus you can easily add some vegetables that you may be missing out on at other meals!

Some of my favorite smoothie veggies are zucchini and cauliflower because they blend in so easily and have very little flavor. Spinach and other leafy greens also blend well into smoothies and although they may not make them look as appetizing, they rarely alter the flavor.

I’ve been scouring the internet for some of the best smoothie bowls out there and I wanted to share them with you!

Healthy Smoothie Bowl Recipes

Avocado Pineapple Smoothie Bowl via Running to the Kitchen. A tropical delight that’s packed with nutrients.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Bowl via Liz’s Healthy Table. This classic combo can’t be beaten.

Strawberry Coconut Smoothie Bowl via Inside Bru Crew Life. A simple yet satisfying recipe that can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Strawberry Peanut Butter Swirl Smoothie via Flavor the Moments. Your favorite sandwich combo in drinkable form.

Peach Zucchini Smoothie Bowl via The Lean Green Bean. The perfect way to use up some of that summer zucchini.

Cranberry Smoothie Bowl via Nutmeg Nanny. Cranberries aren’t just for Thanksgiving!

Apple Pie Smoothie Bowl via Fit Foodie Finds. Apples are often overlooked for smoothies but make a great addition!

Peach Pie Smoothie Bowl via Spoonful of Flavor. Taste as good as dessert!

Blueberry Peach Smoothie Bowl via A Cedar Spoon. A classic flavor combo that everyone will love!

Let’s chat:

Do you prefer smoothies or smoothie bowls?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20 Easy Dinner Ideas

December 16, 2020 by Lindsay 2 Comments

Are you looking for easy dinner ideas for those nights you don’t feel like cooking? Here’s a round-up on super simple meals that you can make without much time, effort or brainpower.

Hi friends!

Lately I’ve been in a bit of a dinner slump. My focus is on surviving the day and with three littles, that doesn’t leave a lot of brain power to plan dinner. I need easy dinner ideas that I can make quickly and without much thought. We all have our favorites, right? Go-to meals most of the family will eat without complaint. Meals we can stash in our freezer and quickly pull out to thaw or just throw on a pan and stick in the oven.

I reached out to my Instagram community to ask them what meals fit the bill in their house and I felt like there are a lot of good answers, so I put them together to share.

By far, the top 5 most common responses were:

Mexican night: Tacos, taco salad and build your own burrito bowls are also a hit. Add some fajita veggies if you’re feeling fancy. You can make this easier by pre slicing peppers and onions. Store them in the freezer so all you have to do is toss them in a hot pan.
Breakfast for dinner: Eggs, pancakes, french toast, waffles. Use a boxed mix or pull some out of the freezer to make it even easier on yourself.
Spaghetti: Package of pasta, jar of sauce and occasionally some meatballs. It was also super common to have meat sauce stored in the freezer so it could just be defrosted and served over freshly cooked noodles.
Pesto pasta with chicken sausage: Cook some noodles or tortellini, toss in pesto and add sliced chicken sausage. Toss some veggies on a sheet pan to roast while the noodles are cooking and mix those in as well if you’re feeling fancy.
Sheet pan gnocchi with chicken sausage – There are many versions but this is one of my recipes and I was shocked how many people said they make it regularly. A super simple dinner you can make using frozen of boxed gnocchi and even frozen veggies if you want.

Here are some other simple dinner ideas:

Grilled chicken + starch + veggie –> Try my 4 ingredient marinade before grilling, choose rice/potatoes etc and your favorite veggie and add bbq sauce or your favorite sauce!
Rotisserie chicken + sweet potato fries + broccoli –> Buy a chicken or make one of your own by simply cooking a whole chicken in the crockpot, instant pot or air fryer. Sub whatever roasted veggie you want for broccoli.
Boxed mac and cheese + frozen peas + chicken sausage –> Swap white beans for a vegetarian option or skip the green veggies and stir in some pumpkin.
Salmon + green beans + salad dressing + rice –> Put salmon on a sheet pan with green beans, top with salad dressing (I like Italian) and bake. Serve with rice. Or swap salmon for chicken breasts and green beans for carrots and potatoes and use honey mustard dressing.
Chicken + bbq or buffalo sauce + fries + salad –> Cook chicken and sauce in a crockpot or Instant Pot. Shred and serve on buns with fries and a side salad. Or try my Instant Pot Hummus Chicken.
Deli meat + crescent rolls + cheese —> Roll cheese and meat in crescent rolls and bake. Serve with raw veggies and fruit.
Groud turkey + sweet potato + cheese & salsa –> Cook turkey with taco seasoning. Microwaves sweet potatoes. Top potatoes with taco meat, salsa and cheese.

Shrimp or lentils + frozen veggies + curry paste + coconut milk –> Mix protein with veggies, add curry paste and coconut milk. Serve with rice and naan.
Grilled turkey & cheese + canned soup –> Or any combination of your fav quick and easy soup and sandwich.
Italian sausages + peppers + onions –> On the grill or baked on a sheet pan. Eat on rolls or as is!
Ravioli/tortellini + diced tomatoes + baby spinach + parmesan –> Cook pasta, saute in butter and garlic with tomatoes and baby spinach. Top with parmesan cheese. Add shrimp for extra protein.
Bagged caesar salad + rotisserie chicken or chicken fingers + tortilla –> Make a chicken Caeser wrap and serve with fruit. Swap another bagged salad kit or your fav lettuce and dressing if you want.
Cooked chicken + frozen veggies + biscuit dough –> Cooke chicken and veggies with some flour and broth. Add a splash of cream. Bring to a boil, drop in biscuit dough, cover and let dumplings cook!
Leftover chicken + frozen veggies + rice –> Saute chicken and veggies, add rice (and eggs to scramble if you want) and some soy sauce to make fried rice. Sub frozen edamame to make it vegetarian.

Need more ideas? Check out these posts:

Easy Weeknight Meals

Quick Family Meals

Easy Pantry & Freezer Meals

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Healthy Freezer Snacks

December 14, 2020 by Lindsay 24 Comments

Need some healthy snack ideas to feed your kids after school? Here are some easy, nutritious ideas that you can prep ahead of time and freeze!

Hi Friends!

I’m excited to share some healthy freezer snacks with you today! If you’ve followed for a while, you know I love my freezer and that I often use it mostly to make my life easier at snack time vs dinner time like some people.

Over the years I’ve found several snacks that can be frozen. Ie you prep them ahead of time and store them in the freezer so that when you have three kids screaming about how hungry they are, you can quickly pull something out for them! Lots of these ideas can be found in my After School Healthy Snacks and Healthy Snacks for Toddlers posts.

If you want some non-freezer snack ideas, check out these posts:

Here are a few freezer snack ideas:

Healthy Freezer Snacks

Energy balls

Energy balls and bars are great for the freezer. They don’t freeze all the way through, so you can eat them straight from the freezer and they last forever so you can make a big batch to have them on hand when you need them.

A few favorites:

Pro tip- If you don’t want to spend the time rolling them into balls, just press into a 9×9 pan, then freeze and cut into bars.

Smoothies

Did you know you can prep smoothies ahead of time and freeze in glass jars? Then just pop them in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. I usually make a big batch in my Vitamix – enough for 6 smoothies – and freeze them all which gets me through 3 snack times with my boys.

A few favorites

Silken Tofu Mixed Berry Smoothie (If you’re not into tofu, swap in yogurt or milk!)
Kid-Friendly Smoothies with Vegetables
My go-to smoothie for the boys is mixed berries, milk, spinach and a splash of OJ

If you don’t have glass jars, you can also freeze smoothies in popsicle molds and enjoy them that way!

English Muffin Pizzas

These are a fan favorite around here. Just prep, freeze and microwave for 1 min when ready to eat.

Here’s my Freezer English Muffin Pizza recipe.

Oatmeal

Make a big batch of oatmeal, freeze in muffin tins and reheat as needed! Top with nut butter and fruit.

Here’s my recipe for Freezer Oatmeal Cups.

Waffles

Waffles freeze beautifully and all you have to do is pop them in the toaster. I always make a double batch then let them cool completely, break in half and freeze. Use them in place of bread for a sandwich to change things up!

A few favorites:

Banana Flax Waffles
Sweet Potato Waffles
Whole Wheat Yogurt Waffles
Try these Pumpkin Oat Flour Muffins for a gluten-free option

Muffins and Bars

Almost all muffins and bars freeze well. Make a double batch, freeze and just thaw on the counter or in the microwave as needed!

Favorites around here:

You can find all my muffin and bar recipes in one spot in the post: Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes.

Other ideas:

Frozen bananas

Slice bananas lengthwise, cut in half, top with peanut butter, sprinkle with hemp seeds and chocolate chips and freeze. Eat straight from the freezer.

Frozen yogurt

Dip blueberries in yogurt, freeze on a parchment lined baking tray, store in a bag in the freezer
Put yogurt in a ziploc bag, cut off the corner and squeeze yogurt drops onto parchment paper. Freeze, store in a bag in the freezer.
Freeze yogurt tubes so they can be eaten frozen.
Mix granola, chopped nuts and seeds, fruit and chocolate chips into yogurt. Spread on a parchment-lined tray and freeze. Break into chunks for frozen yogurt bark.
Try these Chocolate Covered Raspberries to change things up!

Eggs

Not everyone likes eggs frozen and reheated but if they get the thumbs up for your eaters, they are a great freezer option. Make them egg cups like these Ham and Cheese Egg Cups or scramble a bunch of eggs to make breakfast-style burritos that you can freeze and reheat.

See anything you like? Pin this post for later!

Want more snack ideas? I have a whole snack resource for you. Check out The Snack Spark for simple snack pairings, allergy-friendly snacks, my favorite bars and cereals and more!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Healthy After School Snacks For Kids

December 13, 2020 by Lindsay 2 Comments

10 easy to make, kid-friendly after school snacks that are perfect to help kids stay full until it’s time for dinner!

Hi Friends!

Now that school has been in full swing for a while, I’ve had some requests for after-school snacks. It seems people have run through their list of go-to snacks and the kids are getting sick of them! So I’m hopeful that this roundup will give you a few new ideas! These ideas are mostly homemade. If you’re looking for even more ideas for after school snacks to buy, I’ve got them in this post: After School Healthy Snacks. In that post, I tackle different after-school situations including if you eat dinner early or late, have sports practice, need car snacks or non-perishable snacks etc!

You can also check out my posts on Healthy High Protein Snacks and High Protein Vegan Snacks.

And if you need nut-free snacks specifically, I’ve got you covered with these Peanut and Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks!

These snacks would be great additions to lunch boxes as well. I have a guide – A Month of Easy Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids if you need more lunch box ideas!

After School Snacks

Muffins and bars are my go-to snack always and I have so many options for you. They’re packed with healthy ingredients like vegetables, lentils, beans, nuts and seeds AND they taste great. Everything from Pumpkin Yogurt Bars, to Lentil Banana Muffins, to Sweet Potato White Bean Bars!

My Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes post has links to all these recipes in one convenient post!

A mix of apple slices and graham crackers drizzled with yogurt and peanut butter plus lots of fun toppings!

Apple Graham Cracker Snack Nachos

Egg wraps made with just one ingredient – eat them plain or fill with pepperoni and cheese or turkey and avocado etc!

Easy Egg Wraps

Prep a bunch of mini pizzas ahead of time and just microwave as needed.

Frozen English Muffin Mini Pizzas

Silken tofu adds protein to smoothies without altering the taste! Did you know you can make smoothies ahead of time, then simple freeze in glass jars and microwave as needed?!

Silken Tofu Smoothie

Another nutrient-packed snack that can be made ahead of time and just grabbed from the freezer as needed.

My Go-To Energy Balls (Or try my Lemon Energy Balls)

Pro tip- If you don’t want to spend time rolling balls, just press the mixture into a 9×9 pan, freeze and then cut into bars.

Top with peanut butter or add some chocolate chips for fun!

PB Banana Chia Pudding

A super-quick way to make an egg sandwich. Add cheese, turkey, avocado etc!

90 Second Microwave Egg Sandwich

Make a big batch of oatmeal, freeze in muffin tins and then just pull a couple out and microwave for a snack.

Freezer Prep Oatmeal Cups

Waffles do great in the toaster. Make a batch, freeze and then toast as needed. Use one instead of bread to make peanut butter and jelly for a fun change of pace!

Banana Flax Waffles

See anything that caught your eye? Pin this post for later to remind you!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

If this post was helpful and you want even more snack ideas, you’ll love The Snack Spark. It’s a pdf resource guide that includes what makes a healthy snack, simple snack pairings, my favorite bars and allergy-friendly snacks! Check out The Snack Spark for more details!

I’ve also got several snack posts if you need more ideas:

blog

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

Chewy Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip Ingredients

Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Packable Lunch Ideas

Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work

Freezer Chicken Tenders

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders

Healthy Toddler Snacks

Healthy Snacks For Toddlers

Hot Taco Layer Dip

One-Pot Comfort Meals

Non-Traditional Salads

Let’s chat:

Are you a fan of non-traditional salads? What’s your favorite?

Let’s chat: What’s your favorite dessert?

Roasted Chick Pea Snack Mix

Healthy Casseroles

Quick Family Meals

Banana Carrot Muffins

Healthy Smoothie Bowl Recipes

Healthy Freezer Snacks

Energy balls

Smoothies

English Muffin Pizzas

Oatmeal

Waffles

Muffins and Bars

Frozen bananas

Frozen yogurt

Eggs

After School Snacks

Let’s chat:
What’s your favorite dessert?