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Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken

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This Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken makes a quick, easy dinner or freezer recipe. Made with simple ingredients but full of flavor, it’s great on its own or served over rice, farro or cauliflower rice.

slow cooker creamy mexican chicken

*Originally published 2/2019. Updated 9/2024*

Hi friends!

This Crockpot Creamy Mexican Chicken recipe is for those of you requesting more crockpot recipes. It is SO easy to throw together the night before or the morning you want to make it. Or you could easily make it a freezer meal by tossing everything but the cream cheese in a ziploc bag and sticking it in the freezer until you need it.

Mexican Shredded Chicken in the Crock Pot

This dinner gets most of its flavor from the spices so feel free to really amp them up! Taste test and add more at the end if you want. You can make it mild or spicy by choosing the spice level of your salsa, peppers and chilis. If you’re a cilantro lover, mix a bunch of fresh cilantro in at the end. If you hate cilantro, leave it out! Want it creamy AND cheesy? Add a few handfuls of cheese after it’s done cooking. Or leave it out. Serve it over rice or farro, or cauliflower rice…or just by itself with some chips for scooping.

How to make slow cooker pulled Mexican chicken

Making this recipe couldn’t be easier thanks to the slow cooker. All you need to do is:

  • Pour the salsa on the bottom of the slow cooker
  • Add remaining ingredients except cream cheese and stir to combine
  • Top with cream cheese.
  • Shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese.
  • Serve however you want to!

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken

You could try this as Instant Pot Creamy Mexican Chicken if you want to but I would probably make a few adjustments. I would add about half a cup of chicken broth and leave out the cream cheese. Cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Shred the chicken, then add the cream cheese. Rest the cover on top and let it sit on the warm setting for 10 minutes or so until the cream cheese warms enough to mix in.

Crockpot Mexican Chicken Soup

If you wanted to turn this into a soup, you could do so by adding chicken broth. The cream cheese will still make it creamy but the broth will add liquid to make it more soup-like so you can easily eat it with a spoon.

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken is super flexible and you can’t really mess it up! The best kind of recipe in my opinion.

Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken in crockpot

Easy Mexican Chicken Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

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Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken

crockpot mexican chicken
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5 from 5 reviews

This Crockpot Mexican Chicken makes a quick, easy dinner or freezer recipe. Made with simple ingredients but full of flavor, it’s great on its own or served over rice, farro or cauliflower rice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup salsa
1.5 pounds chicken (breasts or thighs)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
1 red pepper, diced
1/2 cup diced onion
1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, minced (optional)
1 Tbsp cumin
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp paprika
1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chilis, optional (hot or mild)
8 oz cream cheese
Optional mix-ins: shredded cheese, avocado, fresh cilantro
Rice, farro or cauliflower rice for serving, optional

Instructions

  1. Pour salsa onto bottom of slow cooker.
  2. Add remaining ingredients (except cream cheese) and stir to combine.
  3. Place cream cheese on top.
  4. Cook on low 4-6 hours until chicken shreds easily with a fork.
  5. Shred chicken and stir to mix in cream cheese. You can also mix cream cheese in about halfway through.
  6. Top with avocado, cheese, cilantro, additional salsa etc if desired.
  7. Serve over rice, farro or cauliflower rice if you want to!

Notes

To freeze, combine all ingredients except cream cheese in a ziploc bag and freeze. When ready to make, thaw in the fridge overnight, dump in slow cooker, top with cream cheese and cook as directed.

You could probably make this in the instant pot although I haven’t tried it myself. You’d just need to add 1/2 cup or so of chicken broth and probably remove a little bit of liquid before shredding and stirring to mix in the cream cheese.

So there you have it! So easy and so delicious!

Slow Cook Creamy Mexican Chicken Recipe FAQs

How can I make this slow cooker creamy Mexican chicken a meal?

I love this recipe because it’s already packed with protein and veggies. The best ways to make it a meal are to serve it over rice, use it as a topping for nachos, serve it with chips for scooping and put into tacos or lettuce wraps! You could also serve it over cauliflower rice or another grain like farro.

Can you freeze this creamy Mexican chicken and rice?

Yes. There are a couple of ways you could freeze this. Make as directed, cool and portion into Souper Cubes (aff link) or Ziploc bags to freeze. Or you could mix all the ingredients except cream cheese in a Ziploc bag and freeze before cooking. Then thaw in the fridge overnight, add to the crockpot and top with cream cheese. If you’re serving with rice, you can make and cool the rice and then freeze it separately.

What’s the best way to season Mexican chicken (Best spices for Mexican chicken)?

I love all the seasonings in this recipe. The cumin, chili powder and paprika go well together. You could also try taco seasoning to replace some or all of those spices. The jalapenos and green chilis are an easy way to add spice if you want it! And fresh cilantro at the end adds even more flavor.

easy mexican chicken recipe - slow cooker creamy mexican chicken

Do you have any recipes for Mexican chicken thighs?

I don’t have any on this site but you could try:

What’s the best recipe for marinated Mexican chicken?

Here are a few marinades to try:

Could you make this Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chickenas baked Mexican chicken in the oven?

I have not tried adapting this recipe to the oven. If you’re looking specifically for a casserole you make in the oven, I probably wouldn’t try this recipe.

Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken

This Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken makes a quick, easy dinner or freezer recipe. Made with simple ingredients but full of flavor, it's great on its own or served over rice, farro or cauliflower rice.

What are some other Mexican chicken recipes?

If you’re looking for some other Mexican-inspired recipes, try one of these or find more slow cooker recipes here:

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!

Grab the recipe!
slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole

Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

This slow cooker chicken quinoa enchilada casserole is perfect for lunch or dinner on a busy week. Or enjoy some now and freeze half for later.

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato chicken chili recipe

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. 

Grab the recipe!
crockpot cilantro lime chicken recipe

Cilantro Lime Chicken {Slow Cooker or Instant Pot}

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect healthy dinner recipe and can be made in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. Serve it over rice or as a filling for tacos. You can even prep it ahead of time and freeze until you need it.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot farro enchilada casserole recipe

Instant Pot Farro Enchilada Casserole

This Instant Pot Farro Enchilada Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s also great for meal prep, freezes well and is made with pantry staples!

Grab the recipe!
baked ranch chicken taquitos

Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos

These Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos are a quick and easy, kid-friendly option for lunch or dinner and a great way to use up leftover chicken. Make a double batch and freeze some for a busy week!

Grab the recipe!

And if you’re tired of chicken recipes and want to try beef- try this Crockpot French Dip recipe.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars with Quinoa

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These chocolate chip pumpkin bars pack an extra nutritional punch thanks to the addition of quinoa! Kid-friendly and easy to make, they’ll quickly become a favorite Fall recipe!

pumpkin chocolate chip bars with quinoa

Hi friends!

This is another Fall recipe I shared last year over on Instagram and as I made my first batch this year, I realized they should live here as well.

Easy Pumpkin recipes

I am a huge proponent of using pumpkin all year round. Some of my favorite recipes include:

You can find all my recipes using pumpkin here. Or check out this post with 30 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes or 20+ Pumpkin Desserts (that are not pumpkin pie).

Ingredients for Healthy Pumpkin Bars

I wanted to make these bars a little healthier than traditional dessert pumpkin bars. Here are the ingredients you need:

  • Quinoa – cooked and cooled. Doesn’t change the taste but adds some protein and fiber
  • Pumpkin – packed with nutrients. Look for canned 100% pure pumpkin
  • Egg – for structure
  • Maple syrup – I like to use maple syrup in pumpkin recipes to amplify the Fall flavors
  • Oil – I use a neutral oil like avocado oil
  • Vanilla extract – for flavor!
  • Flour– I use white whole wheat flour but have also made them with King Arthur Measure for Measure GF flour
  • Baking soda and cinnamon
  • Chocolate chips– I consider these non-optional 🙂 But you could leave them out or swap in some raisins if you wanted to.
healthy chocolate chip pumpkin bars

Pumpkin Bars Recipe

The most time-consuming part of this recipe is making the quinoa. Rinse and cook your quinoa according to package directions, then let it cool for a bit before baking.

Once that’s done, just mix all the wet ingredients in a bowl, add the dry ingredients and spoon into an 8×8 pan to bake.

Pumpkin Bars Cream Cheese Icing

If you’re looking for a sweeter treat, these would be great with some cream cheese icing but I most frequently make them without icing.

If you’re looking specifically for a recipe with frosting, try these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Recipe for Pumpkin Bars

Here’s the exact recipe:

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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars with Quinoa

chocolate chip pumpkin bars with quinoa
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5 from 1 review

These chocolate chip pumpkin bars pack an extra nutritional punch thanks to the addition of quinoa! Kid-friendly and easy to make, they’ll quickly become a favorite Fall recipe!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: 8x8 pan 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup oil (I use avocado oil)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. In a bowl, combine quinoa, pumpkin, egg, maple syrup, oil and vanilla. 
  3. Add flour, baking soda and cinnamon and stir until just combined.
  4. Stir in chocolate chips.
  5. Spread into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper. 
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until set.

Notes

You could substitute pumpkin pie spice for some of the cinnamon or add some ginger in if you want to!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars FAQs

What about oatmeal pumpkin bars?

If you’re looking for an oat-based bar, these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars use oat flour. You might also like these Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Bars.

Are these gluten-free pumpkin bars?

You can easily make these gluten-free by using a 1:1 GF flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure (aff link). Or try this Gluten Free Pumpkin Bean Bread.

Do you have more pumpkin bars recipes?

Looking for other pumpkin bars to try? Here are a few:

Can you make these protein pumpkin bars?

You could easily add a scoop of protein to these bars and the quinoa adds some extra protein but they’re not specifically made to be protein bars. Try these Healthy Pumpkin Protein Bars or these Copycat Pumpkin Perfect Bars.

How do I store Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars to keep them fresh?

Once cooled, these can be stored in a Ziploc bag or airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. Then they should be transferred to the fridge to prevent molding.

chocolate chip pumpkin bars recipe

Can I freeze these pumpkin bars for later?

Yes! Let them cool completely, cut into bars and store in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. To thaw, just pull them out and put them on the counter.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe? Are there vegan-friendly options for this recipe?

You should be able to substitute a flax egg for the egg in this recipe, which would make the bars vegan.

Can I make these pumpkin bars without oil?

You could try substituting mashed banana or peanut butter for some or all of the oil.

How can I make these chocolate chip pumpkin bars less sweet without losing flavor?

These bars are fairly low in added sugar already, but you could try substituting applesauce or mashed banana for some or all of the sugar.

Are there any alternatives to maple syrup I can use in these Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars?

You could substitute white sugar or honey for maple syrup in these bars.

These chocolate chip pumpkin bars pack an extra nutritional punch thanks to the addition of quinoa! Kid-friendly and easy to make, they'll quickly become a favorite Fall recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

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This Chocolate Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips is the perfect way to use up all of those summer zucchini. Kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Chocolate Zucchini bread with chocolate chips

Hi friends!

I’m not sure there’s a vegetable more synonymous with summer for me than zucchini. Every gardener I know has zucchini coming out their ears by the time August rolls around and since it’s so readily available I’m always looking for new ways to use it up!

Here are some of my favorite recipes:

You can find all my zucchini recipes here if you need more ideas.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips

One thing that’s missing from my list of zucchini recipes is chocolate! I’ve had a few requests for a recipe that really disguises the zucchini and this is the perfect one.

The dark brown color acts as a great disguise but I also use my food processor to blend the zucchini into even smaller pieces so you can’t even tell that it’s there!

My youngest kiddo calls this brownie bread and he absolutely loves it.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips

Healthy Chocolate Zucchini Bread Ingredients

You just need a few simple ingredients to make this bread and you probably have most of them on hand already! Here’s what you need:

  • Zucchini – shred it and squeeze lightly to remove excess moisture if there is any. You don’t have to squeeze it completely dry
  • Eggs and oil – for structure and tenderness
  • Sugar and applesauce – for sweetness
  • Vanilla – for flavor
  • Flour – I use white whole wheat flour but AP is also fine
  • Baking soda and salt
  • Cocoa powder – for that chocolate flavor!
  • Hemp seeds – I add these to most of my baked goods for a nutrient boost but they’re optional

Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

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Chocolate Zucchini Bread

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This Chocolate Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips is the perfect way to use up all of those summer zucchini. Kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeeze lightly to remove excess moisture
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup oil (i use avocado oil)
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.25 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (I mix in half and sprinkle half on top before baking)
  • 1/4 cup hemp seeds, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a food processor, combine zucchin, eggs, oil, sugar, applesauce and vanilla and process well.
  3. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt and hemp if using and blend again.
  4. Add chocolate chips and pulse to combine.
  5. Scoop into loaf pan lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
  6. Bake for 35-45 minutes until top is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

If you don’t have a food processor you can mix by hand, the zucchini just won’t blend in as well.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread FAQs

Is this double chocolate zucchini bread?

If you count the chocolate chips and the cocoa powder as separate sources then yes! This is double chocolate zucchini bread 🙂

Can you make this gf chocolate zucchini bread?

Yes. Just replace the flour with your favorite 1 to 1 gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure.

Is this vegan chocolate zucchini bread?

No, this recipe is not vegan. Try this 1-Bowl Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe if you’re looking for a vegan option. It uses flax eggs.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can easily make this recipe without a food processor. Just stir everything by hand in a mixing bowl. You could also combine the zucchini and other wet ingredients in a blender and then transfer to a bowl and mix in the dry ingredients.

double chocolate zucchini bread

Can you freeze chocolate zucchini bread?

Yes! Let it cool completely before freezing in a Ziploc bag. You can slice before freezing to make it easier to enjoy just a piece or two at a time. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw on the counter!

How can I make this banana chocolate zucchini bread?

Replace the applesauce in this recipe with one medium mashed banana. Or try this Marbled Chocolate Zucchini Banana Bread.

Can I make this recipe as chocolate zucchini muffins?

Yes! Just bake in muffin tins. Cooking time will be shorter. I would start checking around 18 minutes.

What are some other easy chocolate zucchini bread recipes?

Here are a few others to check out:

This Chocolate Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips is the perfect way to use up all of those summer zucchini. Kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade {with a kick!}

by 4 Comments

This spicy Greek yogurt chicken marinade is so moist and flavorful. Prep it ahead of time and then throw it on a sheet pan in the oven or toss it on the grill for a quick, healthy dinner.

Greek yogurt chicken marinade

*Originally published May 2019. Updated Sept 2024*

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing a recipe for Spicy Yogurt Marinated Chicken! If it’s been a while since you marinated anything, you may be surprised just how much flavor it can add. This is one of those recipes that’s perfect for food prep because you can just toss everything into a Ziploc bag and then move it to the grill for an easy dinner.

I used chicken thighs when I made it but you could also use chicken breasts. When I want a sheet pan meal, I cooked them in the oven with some green beans on one pan and roast some sweet potato slices on another.

In the summer months, this recipe is perfect for grilling. Put the chicken on the grill with some quick veggie kabobs and boom! Dinner is served. 

ingredients for Greek yogurt chicken marinade in ziploc bag

How To Make Greek Chicken Marinade with Yogurt

To make this marinade, just grab a large Ziploc bag. You could also use a bowl or Tupperware container if you prefer.

Combine the yogurt, spices, lime juice and garlic in the bag, then place the chicken in yogurt mixture. Seal tightly and mix until well combined and coated.

Let marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours then cook as desired!

Greek Chicken with Tzatziki

Someone asked me if you could substitute tzatziki sauce for the Greek yogurt in this marinade and I think you could! I would leave out the lime juice and give it a try.

spicy greek yogurt chicken marinade

How To Cook Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade

There are tons of ways to cook this chicken!

  • On the grill – remove from the marinade and grill.
  • In the oven – place on a baking sheet with some veggies and bake!
  • In the air fryer – place in the air fryer at 400 for 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness
  • On the stove top – cook in a cast iron skillet on the stove.

If you’re using a sheet pan, you may want to use some foil for a divider. The chicken is juicy and will release some liquid. I covered half my pan with foil to contain the chicken and then tossed my green beans on the other half of the pan.

If you’re not a fan of roasting two pans in the oven at once, toss a few sweet potatoes in the microwave while the chicken and beans are cooking in the oven!

Marinated Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

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Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinde Recipe

greek chicken marinade with yogurt
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5 from 1 review

This Spicy Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade is so moist and flavorful. Prep it ahead of time and then throw it on a sheet pan in the oven or toss it on the grill for a quick, healthy dinner.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3/4 cup plain greek yogurt (regular works too)
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
juice from one lime
pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large Ziploc bag.
  2. Close tightly and use your hands to mix everything around and make sure the chicken is well coated.
  3. Marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours. (24 hours is best!)
  4. Remove the chicken and cook as desired, discarding the remaining marinade. I cooked mine on a sheet pan with green beans at 400 for 15-25 minutes. Time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. Check internal temperature until it reaches 165. You may need to remove the green beans before your chicken is done!

Notes

To cook the sweet potatoes, thinly slice, spray with oil, season as desired and bake at 400 or 425 for 20-25 min flipping once.

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade is so easy and full of spice. You can dial back the cayenne if you don’t want it as spicy. You could also try a different combo of spices. Add some turmeric, swap the lime juice for lemon juice, try chili powder instead of cumin etc!

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade FAQs

Can you marinate meat in Greek yogurt? Is it safe to marinate chicken in yogurt?

Yes! Yogurt makes a great marinade. Yogurt is acidic, which you want in a marinade. Some marinades use lemon, citrus, vinegar etc but in this case yogurt adds acid as well.

Is Greek yogurt good for marinating? What are the benefits of a yogurt marinade?

Marinating in yogurt adds acid which helps tenderize the meat and make it nice and juicy when you cook it instead of dry and rubbery.

Is marinating chicken healthy?

Yes! Marinating is a super easy way to infuse flavor into the chicken before cooking it.

Is Greek yogurt or regular yogurt better for marinade?

It doesn’t matter. Either works great!

greek yogurt chicken marinade 1

How long should you marinate chicken? How long can you keep yogurt-marinated chicken in the fridge?

Most Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinades are suggested for 4-24 hours. Marinating any longer than 24 hours can cause the meat to start to break down, resulting in a less desirable texture.

How long do you cook marinated chicken?

This will depend on your cooking method. Be sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the meat and the juices run clear.

Do you rinse off yogurt marinade? When baking do you leave it in all the marinade?

You do not need to rinse off the marinade before cooking but you can discard any marinade left in the bag after you remove the chicken.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt? I wonder if sour cream could be subbed for Greek yogurt in the marinade?

Yes, if you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream makes a great substitute. You could also use buttermilk or tzatziki sauce!

What are some of the best Greek chicken recipes?

If you don’t care about yogurt and are just looking for some Greek-inspired chicken recipes, try one of these:

Greek chicken thigh marinade/Greek chicken thigh recipes

Have chicken thighs to use up? Here are some great recipes to try:

Greek Yogurt Chicken

This Spicy Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken is so moist and flavorful. Prep it ahead of time and then throw it on a sheet pan in the oven or toss it on the grill for a quick, healthy dinner.

Healthy Chicken Marinades

Looking for other chicken marinades? Try these:

easy chicken marinade made with just 4 ingredients

Easy Chicken Marinade (only 4 ingredients!)

For this easy chicken marinade, combine oil, red wine vinegar, honey and garlic for perfectly juicy chicken every time. Cook it any way you want – on the grill, in the air fryer or in the oven!

Grab the recipe!
meal prep chicken marinade

Simple Chicken Marinade for Meal Prep

This simple chicken marinade for meal prep will quickly become a favorite. Easy and flavorful, perfect for batch-cooking chicken to enjoy all week long.

Grab the recipe!
This 5 ingredient Bourbon Chicken Marinade can easily be thickened to double as a glaze for extra flavor while cooking dinner!

Honey Bourbon Chicken (Marinade and Glaze)

This Honey Bourbon Chicken Marinade is packed with flavor! Let it sit overnight, then turn the marinade into a sauce while you cook the chicken. 

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Curried Sweet Potato Soup

by 11 Comments

Small ingredient list, big flavor. This Curried Sweet Potato Soup is perfect for a vegetarian dinner on a cold fall evening. Make a double batch and freeze some for a busy week!

Curried sweet potato soup

*Originally published 11/2010. Post updated 9/2024*

Hi friends –

This curried sweet potato soup is a family recipe and in total transparency, I used to hate it.

I vividly remember my mom making it all the time when I was growing up. My dad loved it and now as I’ve gotten older, I understand why.

I’ve been making it for myself and my husband for years and along the way, I’ve made some modifications. Lots of recipes for sweet potato soup use coconut milk but I prefer to blend in a can of white beans for some extra fiber and protein. I also add carrots along with the sweet potato for an extra veggie.

This soup is hearty and spicy and it makes a great dinner side or appetizer.

Curried Sweet Potato Soup Ingredients

The ingredient list is simple but full of flavor:

  • Leeks- I prefer them over onions for the milder flavor. I always have some sliced and stored in the freezer to make it easy to add them to things.
  • Ginger – Fresh ginger is so flavorful and the perfect compliment to the curry powder.
  • Sweet potatoes – The star ingredient!
  • Carrots- Why not toss another orange veggie in since it’s all getting blended together?!
  • White beans – These are so mild in flavor that they blend easily into the soup while adding both protein, fiber and creaminess.
  • Broth – Use veggie broth to keep it vegetarian or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Spices – Curry powder adds the signature flavor, cayenne adds a little kick and salt enhances it all!

How To Make Easy Sweet Potato Soup with Curry

To make this soup, simply saute the leeks and ginger in some butter, then add the veggies, beans, broth and spices and simmer until soft.

Using a blender or immersion blender, puree everything up. I always start with 3 cups of broth and then add more at the end so I can control what thickness I’ll end up with.

You can also puree only 3/4 of the way and leave some of the veggies for a little more texture.

Small ingredient list, big flavor. This Curried Sweet Potato Soup is perfect for dinner on a cold fall evening. Make a double batch and freeze some for a busy week!

Other way to use sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite veggies so if you’re looking for other ways to use them up, here are some ideas:

Or try one of these 35+ Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes or one of these 20+ Baked Sweet Potato Dessert Recipes. Find all of my sweet potato recipes here.

Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s how I make my version of this family recipe:

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Curried Sweet Potato Soup

Curried Sweet Potato Soup 1
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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Warm, hearty and full of spice this soup makes a great appetizer or meal of its own!

  • Author: Lindsay L
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (or oil)
  • 1 cup sliced leeks
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger (approx a 1 inch knob)
  • 5–6 cups peeled and chopped sweet potatoes (approx 3 medium, roughly 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 cup peeled and sliced carrots
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 Tbsp curry powder
  • 4–5 cups broth (vegetable or chicken broth)
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Plain yogurt to garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot melt butter. Add leeks and ginger and saute for 5 minutes over medium heat.
  2. Add sweet potatoes, carrots, beans, spices and 3 cups of broth.
  3. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender (about 15-20 min).
  4. Puree the soup in batches in blender or using an immersion blender.
  5. Add remaining broth as needed to thin to desired consistency.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  7. Drizzle with plain yogurt to garnish if desired.

Notes

Other garnish options- roasted chickpeas, crispy onions, cilantro, etc

If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can puree only part way.

Curried Sweet Potato Soup FAQs

How to store curried sweet potato soup?

Store in a glass container in the fridge. Soup may thicken as it cools so feel free to add a splash of water or broth if needed when you reheat it to help thin it out again.

Can I freeze curried sweet potato soup?

Yes! Let cool completely and then store in a freezer-friendly container. I love Souper Cubes (aff link) so you can freeze in whatever portion size you want and easily thaw as needed.

Is this vegetarian sweet potato soup?

Yes! As long as you use vegetable broth, use oil instead of butter and skip the yogurt garnish, this soup is both vegetarian and vegan.

Is curried sweet potato soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

Are there other curried sweet potato soup recipes?

If you’re looking for a bit of a different spin, try one of these:

Small ingredient list, big flavor. This Curried Sweet Potato Soup is perfect for dinner on a cold fall evening. Make a double batch and freeze some for a busy week!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10+ Easy Halloween Snacks

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Looking for easy Halloween snacks for your next party? Pick your favorites and use them to make the ultimate Halloween snack tray.

easy halloween snacks for childrens halloween snacks tray

Hi friends!

Last year I shared this epic Halloween snack tray on Instagram and it was a big hit so I’m giving it a permanent place on the blog so everyone can enjoy these ideas year after year!

Halloween is such a fun holiday and my kids have been especially excited about it the past few years so I’ve been looking for ways to celebrate beyond just wearing their costumes to go trick-or-treating.

When they were younger we were big into arts and crafts. There are so many fun Halloween craft ideas out there.

halloween crafts for kids

Here are a few we loved:

  • Make a cardboard skeleton. Using a skeleton picture for reference, draw the bones on cardboard, cut them out, paint them and then glue together for a fun skeleton to hang on your door! If you’re looking for something a little smaller scale, these cardboard tube dancing skeletons are cute! Or try these zombie and skeleton handprints.
  • Make a DIY Mummy door. Wrap the door with streamers and then tape on some giant eyeballs!
  • Draw a picture – We love Art for Kids Hub and they have a whole archive of Halloween drawing videos. The zombie is our favorite.
  • Pose a skeleton – Buy a 5-foot skeleton and put someone in charge of moving it around the house each day and putting it in different positions. Here are 19 ways to pose a skeleton.
easy halloween snack ideas for a snack tray

Last year I started getting a little more creative in the kitchen and tried out a bunch of ideas for cute and easy Halloween snacks.

Then one day I put them all together to make a fun and spooky Halloween snack tray and everyone loved it. This would be perfect for a Halloween party or a pre-trick or treat gathering with friends or neighbors.

Here are some of my favorite Halloween snacks:

Easy Halloween Snacks for a Classroom Party

Frankenstein rice krispy treats

Frankenstein Rice Krispy Treats

These are so festive and super easy to make. Follow the normal Rice Krispy Treats recipe but mix some green food coloring in after the marshmallows are melted, before you add the cereal.

Once cooled, cut into rectangles. Dip the top in melted chocolate for the hair, then add candy eyeballs (aff link) and use chocolate icing to make faces, eyebrows, scars etc. For the bolts I stick toothpicks into the sides and add a mini marshmallow.

For other classroom party ideas, this post has some great Halloween Classroom Treat Ideas.

Ideas for Halloween Snacks with Oreos

oreo spiders - easy halloween party snack

Oreo Spiders

Grab a package of double stuff Oreos and some pretzel sticks. Be sure to use double stuff Oreos or the cream layer won’t be thick enough for the pretzels to stick in. Carefully twist the top of the Oreo to loosen it and give you more room. Break the pretzel sticks to whatever length you want the legs to be, then carefully stick them into the Oreo.

Use a dot of icing to add candy eyeballs and voila!

Need more ideas? Here are 30 Halloween treats made with Oreos.

Children’s Halloween Snacks

mummy hot dogs for a Halloween snack idea

Mummy Hot Dogs

If your kiddos love hot dogs, these are a fun way to change it up for Halloween. Here’s how to make mummy hot dogs. Use candy eyes or dots of mustard for the eyes.

Healthy Halloween Snacks

healthy Halloween snacks

Clementine pumpkins and ghost string cheese

These are great for class parties! You can use a Sharpie to draw right on the clementine peels and cheese stick wrappers. These Cheese Broomsticks are also super cute!

If you’re having trouble getting Sharpie to write on the clementines, you can just add a little green stem and voila! You have a pumpkin. I used some leftover edges from the Frankenstein rice krispy treats but a small piece of cucumber or celery would also work. You can secure them with a toothpick or a dot of icing or melted chocoate. Or draw faces onto fruit cups of peaches or mandarin oranges.

Or take the extra step and peel the clementines ahead of time before adding a stem!

Easy Halloween Snacks with Fruit

Halloween Snacks with Fruit - white chocolate dipped strawberries on a plate

Strawberry ghosts

Who doesn’t love a chocolate dipped strawberry? I used white chocolate to make them look like little ghosts. I use these Ghiradelli White Chocolate Melting Wafers (aff link) and melt them in the microwave on the defrost setting.

I find it’s easiest to dip them and let the white chocolate set, since it hardens quickly and then use a little dot of it to stick on mini chocolate chips for the eyes. You can use another mini chip for the mouth or melt some chocolate chips and put them in a ziploc bag, then cut the corner and make bigger wide open mouths.

After I was done I noticed that the strawberries that were round on top and pointy on the bottom actually looked a bit like skeleton heads!

DIY Halloween Snacks

ghost and mummy pretzels - easy halloween snack ideas

Ghost and mummy pretzels

These are so fun to look and and easy to make. Just grab your white chocolate, some candy eyeballs and a bag of pretzel twists.

Dip some completely in the melted white chocolate for the ghosts. Then using a spoon, drizzle melted chocolate over the rest and add eyeballs to make mummies!

pumpkin yogurt dip with cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips

Pumpkin yogurt dip

Use my super easy recipe for pumpkin yogurt dip and add a yogurt spider web on top to make it festive! You could also mix 1/4 cup pumpkin into my Cream Cheese Fruit Dip if you prefer!

To make the spiderweb I put the yogurt into a ziploc bag and cut off the tip. Then draw the straight lines first and connect with curved lines.

To make the cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips, cut tortillas into triangles. Brush with melted butter or spray with oil, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.

Want more ideas for easy Halloween snacks? Check out these posts:

apple pn

Apple Peanut Butter Teeth

A fun and easy snack kids will love using apple slices, peanut butter and mini marshmallows

dGrab the recipe!
coverHalloweenBrownies

Graveyard Brownies

Use boxed brownie mix to make it easy, add crushed Oreos and tombstones!

Grab the recipe!
spider pancakes 64c2dfafe10d1

Spiderweb Pancakes

Use your favorite pancake recipe and add some black food coloring to a little of the batter to make the spiderwebs.

Grab the recipe!
Jack oLantern Quesadilla Wide 1

Jack-O-Lantern Quesadillas

All you need is a knife to turn a regular quesadilla into a festive pumpkin!

Grab the recipe!
image8

Kiwi Frankensteins

Peel part of the kiwis to expose the green skin and then have fun making Frankenstein faces with melted chocolate!

Grab the recipe!

Pin this for later!

Looking for easy Halloween snacks for your next party? Pick your favorites and use them to make the ultimate Halloween snack tray.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

25+ Best Fall Salad Recipes

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Here are some of the best Fall salad recipes. Whether you’re looking for greens, grains or your favorite Fall vegetables, this list has something for everyone!

best fall salad recipe ideas

Hi friends!

We’re heading into a Fall and while some people view salads as more of a summer meal, I’m of the belief that salads are perfect for year round consumption. You can easily tailor them to the season by adding your favorite seasonal produce, making them lighter in the summer and heartier in the cooler months.

Today I’ve rounded up more than 25 amazing and delicious salad ideas for you to try! If you need more salad topping inspiration beyond this post, be sure to check out my Ultimate List of Healthy Salad Topping Ideas and also check out my post to learn How To Make A Healthy Salad.

Best Vegetables for Fall Salad Recipes

If you’re wondering what some of the best Fall veggies for salad are, try some of these seasonal options:

Best Fruits for Fall Salad Recipes

There are also some seasonal fruits that make great additions to your Fall salads like:

With those in mind, let’s get to ideas for the best Fall salad recipes!

Fall Pasta Salad Recipes

If you’re tired of traditional green salads, adding pasta is a fun way to change things up. Grab your favorite veggies and chop or roast them, toss them with your favorite pasta and add greens if you want to!

roasted vegetable pasta salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing

This Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing is a simple, healthy vegetarian recipe. Serve it as an easy dinner side dish and pack the leftovers for lunch!

Grab the recipe!
autumn pasta salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Autumn Crunch Pasta Salad

This salad starts with a base of pasta and spinach, then adds lots of crunch thanks to apples, celery and pecans. Cranberries and oranges add a burst of sweetness and a simple poppyseed vinaigrette tops everything off.

Grab the recipe!
fall pasta salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Fall Pasta Salad

The perfect combination of roasted sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds and cranberries and mixed with your favorite noodles and topped with a simple maple vinaigrette.

Grab the recipe!
fall pasta salad with squash and corn - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Fall Pasta Salad with Squash & Corn

This large salad serves 8! Sweet corn, roasted squash and kale are tossed in a creamy vegan dressing and it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge!

Grab the recipe!
Fall Rotini with Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Fall Rotini with Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts

You’ll love this vegetarian pasta salad and its delightful mix of roasted squash and Brussels sprouts tossed in a simple shallot sauce.

Grab the recipe!

Fall Kale Salad Recipes

Kale is perfect for make ahead salads because it holds up well in the fridge. Toss it with your favorite dressing and the kale leaves with soften, not wilt and provide a great base for all of your favorite Fall fruits and vegetables.

harvest kale caesar salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Harvest Kale Caesar Salad

A fun change from a traditional Caeser salad, this one starts with a base of kale and adds apples, roasted cashews, hemp hearts and dried cranberries for a sweet nutritional boost.

Grab the recipe!
fall kale and sweet potato salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Autumn Kale and Sweet Potato Salad

Kale, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, pecans and cranberries topped with a maple tahini dressing that everyone will love. Perfect for meal prep!

Grab the recipe!
harvest kale salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Nutty Harvest Honeycrisp Kale Salad

Ribbons of kale plus Honeycrisp apples and white cheddar mixed with crunchy goodness like sweet and spicy pecans and pepita clusters, all topped off with a cinnamon shallot vinaigrette.

Grab the recipe!
the ultimate fall salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

The Ultimate Fall Salad

This salad starts with a base of lacinato kale, Brussels sprouts and red cabbage and combines them with favorites like pomegranate, apples and pecans!

Grab the recipe!
crunchy kale salad with couscous - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Crunchy Kale Salad with Couscous

This Crunchy Kale Salad with Couscous is perfect for food prep. Throw it together on Sunday and top with your favorite protein for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner during the week.

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato kale salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Sweet potatoes and chickpeas are tossed together and roasted, then mixed with kale, avocado and a creamy honey mustard dressing!

Grab the recipe!

Best Fall Salad Recipe Ideas {Vegetarian}

Who needs meat when you can pack your salads with all sorts of plant-based goodness? Fall produce is hearty and rich in nutrients, making it the perfect addition to salads and you can always add your favorite beans or lentils for an added boost of protein.

fall harvest salad vegetarian - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Fall Harvest Salad

This salad is packed with roasted squash, fresh apples, toasted pumpkin seeds and feta cheese. Paired with an apple cider vinaigrette, it’s perfect for Fall.

Grab the recipe!
shaved brussels sprout salad- Best Fall Salad Recipe

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Who needs lettuce when you have shredded Brussels sprouts for your salad base? Pair them with apples, hazelnuts and creamy goat cheese for a delicious side salad.

Grab the recipe!
roasted cauliflower salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Autumn Glow Cauliflower Salad

This hearty salad with made with roasted cauliflower and sweet potato, plus your favorite grain and and lemony salad dressing.

Grab the recipe!

Fall Green Salad Recipes

If you’re a year-round leafy green lover, there are plenty of ways to put a Fall spin on your salads to make them fit the season!

roasted squash fall salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Roasted Squash Fall Salad

This Roasted Squash Fall Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s full of flavor and easy to customize. A great way to enjoy seasonal produce!

Grab the recipe!
apple and pear fall green salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Apple and Pear Fall Salad

This apple and pear Fall salad is made with fresh greens, your favorite Fall fruits, bacon, feta and a cider dressing.

Grab the recipe!
delicata squash fall green salad - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Delicata Squash Salad

This salad makes the perfect side dish for Fall or winter. Caramelized squash pairs perfectly with pomegranates and a tangy vinaigrette.

fall apple salad

Autumn Apple Salad

All of the Fall flavors collide in this autumn apple salad – pecans, cranberries, feta, apples and baby spinach topped with a maple dijon dressing.

Grab the recipe!
fall salad with pomegranate dressing - Best Fall Salad Recipe

Fall Salad with Pomegranate Dressing

The perfect blend of apples and pears, squash and pecans, red onions and Gorgonzola cheese over spring mix lettuce all topped off with a delicious pomegranate dressing.

Grab the recipe!

Healthy Fall Salad Recipes {with Farro}

Farro is one of my favorite grains and it’s the perfect addition to Fall salads. It pairs well with hearty vegetables like squash and carrots and is a great way to add some extra protein and fiber.

fall farro salad with carrots

Fall Farro Salad with Carrots

This warm farro salad also features sauteed carrots, white beans, cranberries and fresh herbs! Perfect for a vegan main dish or a hearty side.

Grab the recipe!
fall farro salad

Fall Farro Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette

A warm farro salad packed with roasted Brussels sprouts, apples, squash, nuts and more and all topped off with a hot honey dressing.

Grab the recipe!
fall salad with harissa dressing

Wholesome Fall Grain Salad with Harissa Dressing

A protein-packed salad made with shredded chicken, lentils, squash, arugula, grains and more! The harissa dressing adds a fun twist!

Grab the recipe!
fall farro salad with squash

Nourishing Fall Farro Salad with Squash

A simple blend of squash, farro, pomegranates and goat cheese that’s perfect for Fall.

Grab th recipe!

Best Fall Salad Recipes with Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse and makes a great addition to salads! Tastes good warm or cold and can make the base of a hearty salad on its own or be mixed with your favorite greens.

autumn quinoa salad

Autumn Quinoa Salad

A simple blend of squash, pumpkin seeds, arugula, fresh herbs and quinoa make for a nutrient-dense salad with a maple mustard dressing.

Grab the recipe!
fall quinoa salad

Fall Quinoa Salad

This roasted vegetable quinoa bowl is great for meal prep and features Brussels sprouts, quinoa, baby spinach and chickpeas.

Grab the recipe!
harvest quinoa salad

Harvest Quinoa Salad

Quinoa plus squash, cranberries, apples, pepitas and toasted almonds make this salad crunchy and sweet!

Grab the recipe!
Wild Rice Salad 009

Wild Rice Salad

If you’re tired of quinoa, try using wild rice as a base instead! Chewy wild rice paired with crunchy veggies is a great combo!

Grab the recipe!

Fall Salad Dressing Recipes

All the best salads need a delicious dressing. Try one of these Fall-inspired dressing to add a new or different flavor to your next salad!

apple maple vinaigrette

Apple Maple Vinaigrette

A simple mix of maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, garlic and shallots makes the perfect addition to a chopped salad!

Grab the recipe!
fall salad dressing

Favorite Fall Salad Dressing

This easy dressing takes your salads to the next level with this dressing – a delicious combination of cinnamon, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar.

Grab the recipe!
pomegranate ginger vinaigrette

Pomegranate Ginger Vinaigrette

This unique flavor combination will quickly become your new favorite! Pairs well with hearty salads featuring squash and other Fall vegetables.

Grab the recipe!
fall salad dressing ideas

Fall Salad Dressings

Three fun new salad dressings to try! Carrot miso dressing, maple mustard vinaigrette and a festive cider vinaigrette. Which will you try first?!

Grab the recipes!

That’s it for today. If you have a favorite Fall salad, leave it in the comments!

Best Fall Salad Recipes

Here are some of the best Fall salad recipes. Whether you're looking for greens, grains or your favorirte Fall vegetables, this list has something for everyone!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Peanut-Free & Tree Nut-Free Packaged Snacks

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This list of Peanut-Free and Tree Nut-Free Packaged Snacks is designed to help parents and caretakers who need to provide allergy-friendly snacks for their own kids or to an entire school class or daycare.

Peanut-free and Tree Nut-free Packaged Snacks for School

*Originally published August 2019. Updated August 2024*

Hi friends!

This roundup of Peanut Free & Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks for School has been highly requested. You guys have been asking me for nut-free ideas for YEARS, literally…and to be honest, I’ve been putting it off. I’m not an allergy mama. My kids don’t have allergies and their school doesn’t require them to be nut-free so I selfishly haven’t had a whole lot of reason to write this post. But I finally sat down and did it!

Note that all of these snack ideas would also be great in lunch boxes. If you need help with packed lunch ideas, check out my guide: A Month of Easy Packed Lunches For Kids.

I have a whole series on best of store-bought packaged snacks if you need more ideas:

Snacks from certain stores:

Types of snacks:

A few things to note before we go further:

  • This is not an all-inclusive list. There are a lot of options out there. Some of which are not the healthiest. It would be impossible to include them all, and as an RD I approached this list as still wanting it to be filled with snacks that have some nutritional value. Know that I did my best to include items that are somewhat healthy and that I would feel good about giving my own kids.
  • It’s still your responsibility to do your research. I spent a lot of time on websites and looking at packaging but things can change quickly in the manufacturing process so you still need to check all the labels yourself and check them every time you buy them..not just the first time.
  • I haven’t tried them all. Like I said, I’m not an allergy mama so we haven’t had the occasion to buy a lot of these products and therefore neither I nor my kids have tasted a lot of them.
  • Some wouldn’t be my first choice nutritionally. But most on this list are things I feel are good choices when packaged snacks are needed.

Nut Free Packaged Snacks for Kindergarteners and Beyond

The best way to determine if foods are allergy-free snacks is to read the label since brands should have a warning statement or allergen list. Be aware of phrases like this:

“May Contain Peanut or Tree Nuts.”

“Processed on shared equipment with Peanuts or Tree Nuts.”

“Manufactured in a plant with Peanut or Tree Nuts.”

“Contains Peanut or Tree Nut Ingredients.”

You can also check the FAQs on the website but packaging should have the most updated info.

Some schools give guidelines that foods must not contain peanut or tree nuts but don’t require them to be from nut-free facilities. Some do. Be familiar with the rules for wherever you’re sending food so you can make sure to choose snacks that comply with their guidelines. 

And remember that although choosing allergy-friendly options like this can be a pain if your family does not have allergies, it’s important for the safety of a lot of kids and allergy families appreciate you putting in the time and effort to keep their kids safe. My hope is that this list will make your job just a little bit easier.

List of Peanut Free Snacks & Nut Free Packaged Snacks For School

Here’s my list of peanut-free and tree nut-free packaged snacks from several allergy-friendly brands, many of which are known for keeping their facilities free of the top 8 allergens. You can click the hyperlinked brand name below each image to be taken to their website, use their store locator etc.

I’ve listed some of their products that might make good snacks. Most brands offer more products than the ones I’ve listed and you can use your discretion to choose those as well! And remember that some brands may have some products made in nut-free facilities and other products that are not so read carefully! I hope it gives you some new ideas if you need them for school and daycare lunches especially!

peanut and tree nut free snack ideas

Peanut Free Snacks

  • Made Good – Granola bars, granola minis, morning bars and crackers!
    • Free from the top 9 allergens, made in a nut-free facility
  • Safe & Fair – Granola, popcorn and pea protein chips. Plus Remy’s Graham crackers.
    • Free from the top 9 allergens, granola facility is top 9 allergen free
  • Enjoy Life – Lentil chips
    • Free from top 9 allergens, facility is nut-free, made in a facility that contains gluten using a certified gluten-free process
  • 88 Acres– Granola bars (seed & oat bars), protein bars, seed butters and granola.
    • Free from top 9 allergens, made in a top 9 free facility.
  • Zee Zees – Soft baked bars, trail mix, roasted chickpeas, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, applesauce, dips and spreads
    • Nut-free and free from several other allergens as well. Made in nut-free facility.
  • RW Garcia – Crackers and chips
    • Nut-free and gluten-free. Made in a peanut-free and tree nut-free facility.
  • PopChips – Chips
    • Don’t contain peanuts or treenuts. Certified gluten-free.
  • GoGo Squeez – Fruit squeez, fruit and veggie squeez, yogurt squeez, Go Go squeez morning smoothies
    • Nut-free and gluten-free, some are dairy-free.
peanut free snacks and nut free snacks

Snacks Peanut Free (Gluten Nut Free Snacks)

  • Nature’s Bakery – Fig bars, mini fig bars, oatmeal crumble bars,
    • Nut-free and free of many allergens except wheat (do have a gf bar option. Facility is nut-free.
    • Note these have 11-14g added sugar which is a bit high for an everyday snack in my opinion.
  • Skinny Pop – Popcorn
    • Peanut, tree nut and gluten free.
  • Chomps – Beef sticksS
    • Top 9 allergy free. Produced in facility where soy, milk and sesame are present.
  • Hippeas – Puffs, chips and straws.
    • Top 9 allergy free. Produced in facility on shared dairy lines but not shared with nut-containing products.
  • Blake’s Seed Based – Breakfast bars, granola bars, crispy treats
    • Top 9 allergy free. Made in a peanut-free, tree nut-free and gluten-free facility.
  • Veggies Made Great – Muffins, frittatas, veggie cakes and blondies
    • Peanut and tree nut free and made in a nut-free facility.
  • Beanfields– Bean and rice-based chips
    • Top 9 allergen free.
  • Biena – Roasted chickpeas and tasty thins (chickpea and veggie crisps)
    • Peanut and tree nut free
  • That’s It Fruit Bars – fruit bars, mini fruit bars, probiotic bars, energy bars, apple and pumpkin seed crunchables, and truffles.
    • Free from top 12 allergens.
  • The Good Crisp Company – chips
    • Peanut and tree nut free, made in peanut and tree nut free facility.
  • Cascadian Farms – Chocolate drizzled granola bars
    • Those boxes that are specifically marked are produced in a peanut-free facility
  • Annie’s Granola Bars – chocolate drizzled or chocolate dipped granola bars
    • They have a couple specifically made in a peanut-free facility. Look for the label.
peanut free and tree nut free desserts and treats

Peanut Free Treats

If you’re looking for treats to send with your kiddo for a special occasion, class party etc, here are some peanut and tree nut free options:

  • Rule Breaker – Cookies/blondies and mini cookies
    • Made with chickpeas. Top 11 allergy free and made in a top 11 allergy free facility.
  • Free2b – Sun cups and mini sun cups (filled with sunflower seed butter)
    • Top 10 allergy free, made in a top 10 allergy free facility
  • Made Good – Cookies
    • Top 9 allergy free, made in a top 9 allergy free facilty
  • Katz – Creme cakes, donuts, creme-filled cupcakes and more.
    • Gluten-free, peanut and tree nut free, made in a GF, nut free and peanut free facility.
  • Zee Zees Soft Baked Bars– lots of fun flavors like birthday cake and s’mores.
    • Nut-free facility
  • Abe’s – Cakes, mini muffins and cupcakes, brownies, pound cake.
    • Peanut free and tree nut free facility (except coconut).
  • Better Bites – Cupcakes, cake bites and do bites.
    • Top 8 allergen free, dedicated facility
  • Home Free – Cookies
    • Free of top 14 allergies, dedicated peanut/tree nut free facility
  • Kinnikinnick – Cookies, breads, buns, donuts, pie crusts
    • Peanut, tree nut, gluten, soy and dairy free.
  • Yum Earth – Candy, lollipops, fruit snacks
    • Top 9 allergy free
nut butter alternatives spreads

Nut-butter alternatives

Pair with pretzels, fruit, celery etc for dipping, put on sandwiches and more!

  • SunButter
    • Made with sunflower seeds. Creamy, crunchy and chocolate flavors, plus jammie sandwiches
  • WowButter
    • Made with soy. Creamy and crunchy options.
  • 88 Acres Seed Butter
    • Made with pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Plain, chocolate and vanilla cinnamon.
  • Oat Haus Granola Butter
    • Made with oats and flax. Vanilla, birthday cake, brownie batter, cinnamon roll and more flavors.
  • The Amazing Chickpea
    • Made with chickpeas. Plain, apple cinnamon, banana bread, chocolate and more flavors.
  • Tahini
    • Made from sesame seeds. Add honey or maple syrup to sweeten
nut free snacks for school

Peanut Free and Tree Nut-Free (Nut-Allergy Free Snacks)

There are also some other packaged snacks that I frequently see mentioned on allergy-friendly lists. Some of their websites say the snacks themselves are peanut/tree nut free but the facilities are not. For some of the others I couldn’t find specific info about the facilities so you’ll need to do your own research based on how strict the guidelines are at your school/facility:

  • Cereal- Cheerios, Chex, Original Barbara’s Puffins
  • Triscuits
  • Goldfish/Cheddar Bunnies
  • SunChips
  • Pirate Booty
  • Veggie Straws
  • Dino Bars – *contain coconut oil
  • Harvest Snaps
  • Pringles
  • Nutrigrain bars

And a few other packaged snack ideas:
(DO YOUR RESEARCH AND CHECK THE LABELS)

  • String cheese
  • Fruit: fresh, dried, freeze-dried, fruit leathers, dried fruit bars, fruit cups
  • Individual guacamole and hummus cups
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Yogurt cups/tubes/pouches
  • Shelf-stable milk boxes
  • Cottage cheese + fruit cups
  • Meat sticks/jerky
  • 8oz Lifeway kefir
  • Mini bagel with cream cheese
  • Tortilla chips with guacamole

So there you go! Hope that was helpful.

Please remember – I spent a lot of time and energy on this post, but things change. You are responsible for checking the labels and doing research on the things you choose to buy!

This list of Peanut-Free and Tree Nut-Free Packaged Snacks is designed to help parents and caretakers who need to provide allergy-friendly snacks for their own kids or to an entire school class or daycare.

And if you’re looking for more snack ideas check out these posts:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Snacks At Costco For The Whole Family

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Looking for healthy snacks at Costco? This list includes 50+ options that the whole family will love! Crunchy snacks, high protein snacks, granola bars and more.

healthy snacks at costco the whole family will love

*Originally published 8/2021. Updated 8/2024*

Best Costco Snacks 2024

Hi friends!

A couple of years ago I shared a list of our favorite things to buy at Costco. Recently I’ve been getting a lot of requests for snack ideas so I compiled a list of healthy Costco snacks to give you some new ideas.

Here are some other stores I’ve covered:

If you need more ideas, for specific kinds of snacks, here are some posts to check out:

These snacks would also be great for packed lunches. Check out my Month of Easy Packed Lunches for Kids if you need more lunch box ideas!

How can I choose snacks with low added sugar at Costco?

I’ve tried to include some of the nutrition info that I look at when choosing snacks, including protein, fiber, sugar and sodium., but remember there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to snack guidelines. As a Registered Dietitian and mom of 3, here are some that I use when purchasing for my own kids and recommending for others:

  • Most of the time I try to choose snacks that have at least 2g of both protein and fiber for kids.
  • I always try to make sure snacks include protein so if I have a carb-based snack like crackers or cereal, I pair with a protein like cheese, yogurt, turkey etc.
  • I try to limit added sugar to 6g or less whenever possible. Occasionally 7-8g, but snacks with 9+ grams of added sugar or more treats than snacks in my opinion.

What are some low-sodium snack options at Costco?

When it comes to sodium, it usually doesn’t make or break my snack decisions. I’ve included it mostly so you can see how the amounts vary from snack to snack. Some crackers and granola bars are higher in sodium than others.

Things like cheese and jerky can also be high in sodium. It’s mostly something I take note of at snack time and if I’m serving something higher sodium like a cheese stick, deli meat or jerky, I try to balance it with something lower sodium like fruit, a homemade muffin, etc.

Also remember some sodium is naturally occurring, but a lot is added during processing. 140mg per serving or less is generally considered low sodium.

How does Costco’s healthy snack selection vary by location?

I’ve tried to group the snacks into categories to make it easy for you. Also, remember that Costco stores vary regionally and also seasonally. This is my list of the best Costco healthy snacks 2024 that were available at my Costco in Columbus, OH.

Are there nut-free healthy snacks available at Costco?

Yes! There are some great options. I’ve tried to note whether the products are gluten-free/nut-free when I was able to verify but if you have allergies/intolerances, please do your own research. If you need more allergy-friendly snacks, check out my Peanut & Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks post.

What types of healthy snacks does Costco offer for families?

This snack list is not just for kids! It can be used as a guide for anyone looking to make healthy snacks a part of their day. As the year goes by, I will do my best to update this post with new items I see so that you can keep an eye out for them.

Also, a reminder that many of the snacks at Costco are available in smaller quantities at other stores. If I’m trying something new with my kids, I often buy somewhere else first to make sure they like them before adding to my list of Costco snacks to buy.

What are some healthy snack pairings found at Costco?

Here are some of my Costco favorites, plus ideas for pairing them to make balanced snacks!

Healthy Snacks At Costco

healthy crunchy snacks from costco

Costco Chips and Snacks (Crunchy)

Are there healthy crunchy snacks available at Costco?

Costco has tons of great snack options that will give you that satisfying crunch! Remember that some crunchy foods like popcorn can be a choking hazard for younger kids. I talk a little more about safe snacks for younger kiddos in this post- Healthy Snacks For Toddlers. Here are some of my favorite crunchy snacks:

  • Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Tortilla Chips – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 75mg sodium (Gluten-free, nuts not in ingredient list but not guaranteed)
  • Hippeas – 4g protein, 3g fiber, 2g sugar, 140mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Harvest Snaps – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 0g sugar, 75mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Crunchmaster Crackers – 3g protein, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 110mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free made in peanut-free facility)
  • Peanut Butter Pretzels – 4g protein, 1g fiber, <1g sugar, 230mg sodium
  • RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers – 2g protein, 1g fiber, 2g sugar/no added sugar, 50mg sodium (gluten-free, made in peanut/treenut free facility)
  • Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers – 3g protein, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 180mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Sonoma Pizza Crisps – 13g protein, 0g fiber, 1g sugar(0g added), 330mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Triscuits – 3g protein, 3g fiber, 0g sugar, 160mg sodium (nut-free)
  • Skinny Pop Popcorn – 2g protein, 3g fiber, 0g sugar, 75mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Sun Chips – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 2g sugar, 140 mg sodium (nut-free)
  • Whisps Cheese Crisps – 13g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 350mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)

A reminder that I try to always pair things like crackers with a protein or fat source for more staying power!

healthy granola bars from costco

Granola Bars from Costco

  • Aussie Bites – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 8g sugar, 90mg sodium (shared equipment with wheat, peanut & treenut)
  • Perfect Bar – 17g protein, 3g fiber, 19g sugar (13g added), 50mg sodium *higher in sugar than i like but also high in protein and low in sodium (gluten-free)
  • KIND Minis – 3g protein, 3g fiber, 3g sugar/2g added, 70mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • KIND Nut Bar Variety Pack – 6g protein, 7g fiber, 5g sugar(4g added), 140mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Larabar – 5g protein, 3g fiber, 17g sugar/4g added, 65mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Made Good Granola Minis – 1g protein, 2g fiber, 6g sugar, 10mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • RX Bars – 12g protein, 5g fiber, 13g sugar(0 added sugar), 260 mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Nature Valley Chewy Fruit & Nut Bars– 3g protein, 2g fiber, 8g sugar(6g added), 65mg sodium
  • Clif Nut Butter Bars – 7g protein, 3g fiber, 9g sugar/6g added, 150mg sodium
healthy protein snacks costco

Costco Protein Snacks

Can I find high protein snacks at Costco?

Yes! Check out some of these options. There are some great choices for a variety of diets including gluten-free, vegan and more!

  • Kirkland Trail Mix – 5g protein, 2g fiber, 10g sugar/4g added, 40 mg sodium (no gluten-containing ingredients)
  • Kirkland Cheese Fruit & Nut Packs -8g protein, 1g fiber, 8g sugar/7g added, 160mg sodium
  • Country Archer Mini Beef Sticks – 4g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 200mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Chomps Beef Sticks – 10g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 380 mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Babybel Cheese – 5g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 160mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Kirkland Organic Hard-Boiled Eggs -6g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 60mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Perdue Panko Chicken Nuggets – 13g protein, 1g fiber, 1g sugar, 450mg sodium
  • Organic Valley Stringles – 7g protein, 0g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added, 210 mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Dietz & Watson Originals Turkey – 11g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 360mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt – 12g protein, 0g fiber, 9g sugar/4g added, 50mg sodium (gluten-free,
  • Wholly Guacamole Minis – 1g protein, 2g fiber, 1g sugar, 240mg sodium (gluten-free, nut free…this is a healthy fat, not a protein. Pair with carbs for a balanced snack!)
  • Nuts – They sell large bags of nuts that you can use to make your own trail mix!
  • Kirkland Snacking Nuts – 9g protein, 5g fiber, 2g sugar, 320mg sodium (processed on equipment shared with wheat)
  • Go Raw Organic Pumpkin Seeds – 8g protein, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 140mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Honey Smoked Fish Co Salmon – 12g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 420mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Columbus Low Sodium Salami – 7g protein, 0g fiber, 1g sugar, 340 mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Jack Links Beef & Cheese Sticks– 8g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 510mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
healthy carbs costco snacks

Healthy Carb Snacks From Costco

  • Cheerios – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 2g sugar, 190mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Dave’s Killer Bread – 5g protein, 5g fiber, 5g added sugar, 170mg sodium (nut-free)
  • Kodiak Cakes Pancake Mix – 14g protein, 5g fiber, 3g sugar/2g added, 380mg sodium (no nut ingredients but processed on shared equipment with tree nuts)
  • Lotus Foods Rice Ramen – 4g protein, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g sodium (gluten-free, no nut ingredients but some products processed in facility that contains nuts)
  • Kirkland Hummus Cups – 4g protein, 3g fiber, 1g sugar, 290mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Brownberry Multigrain Sandwich Thins – 6g protein, 3g fiber, 3g sugar/2g added, 300mg sodium
  • Quaker Oats – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 1g sugar, 0g sodium
  • Veggies Made Great Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins – 3g protein, 1g fiber, 10g sugar/6g added, 160 mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Brownberry Oatnut Bread – 4g protein, 2g fiber, 3g sugar, 150mg sodium
  • Siete Foods Tortillas – 1g protein, 3g fiber, 1g sugar/0g added, 220mg sodium
  • Mush Overnight Oats – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 8g sugar/0g added, 130mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Goodles – 14 protein, 7g fiber, 6g sugar, 590 mg sodium
  • Kirkland Ancient Grains Granola – 5g protein, 6g fiber, 9g sugar/8g added, 135mg sodium (processed in a facility that uses peanuts/tree nuts)

Many of these are things that require a little prep work at home to turn into snacks vs being pre-packaged but they shouldn’t take much time and are cost-effective to buy at Costco. Use the bread to make sandwiches/toast/french toast. Use the oats to make oatmeal, energy balls, muffins. Make pancakes or waffles with the mix and freeze them. The ramen noodles cook in 5 minutes for a quick snack.

healthy fruit snacks costco

Fruit Snacks From Costco

Here are some great fruit-based options for snacks from Costco:

  • Mott’s Applesauce – 0g protein, 1g fiber, 11g sugar/0 added, 0mg sodium (pair with a protein source! gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Kirkland Three Berry Blend Frozen Berries -2g protein, 5g fiber, 10g sugar/0g added, 0g sodium (mix with spinach and milk for an easy smoothie!)
  • Gogosqueez – 0g protein, 3g fiber, 12g sugar/0g added, 0mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Kirkland Sunsweet Dried Plums – 1g protein, 3g fiber, 15g sugar/0g added, 0mg sodium (there are TONS of dried fruits available. Pair with a protein option for a more filling snack, use in trailmix etc!)
  • Del Monte Fruit in 100% juice – 0g protein, 1g fiber, 13g sugar/0g added, 10 mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • That’s It Mini Fruit Bars– 1g protein, 2g fiber, 10g sugar/0g added, 15mg sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Bear Fruit Rolls – 0g protein, 2g fiber, 8g sugar/0g added, 0g sodium (gluten-free, nut-free)
  • Once Upon A Farm Fruit & Veggie Blends– 1g protein, 2g fiber, 8g sugar/0g added, 0mg sodium

Remember to pair these snacks with protein/fiber/healthy fats to make a more balanced, filling snack!

healthy hemp hearts and flax seed

I also always have these bags of ground flax and hemp hearts at home to add to homemade snacks. I mix them into yogurt, pancakes, waffles, smoothies, muffins and bars. I sprinkle them on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Basically any time I can add them, I do!

healthy minimal prep snacks Costco

What are some healthy snacks at Costco that require minimal preparation?

Here are some premade options that could be eaten for a quick snack. Some of these are higher in sodium but you may need to weigh that with the convenience factor to see if it’s a good choice for you occasionally:

  • Pro2Go Grilled Chicken Strips – 18g protein, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 380 mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Frankly Fresh Chicken Breast Burrito Bowl – 30g protein, 7g fiber, 4g sugar, 720mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Amylu Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Meatballs – 14g protein, 0g fiber, 4g sugar(2g added), 750mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Don Lee Farms Green Chili Shredded Chicken & Riced Cauliflower Bowl – 23g protein, 4g fiber, 3g sugar(0g added), 570 mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Don Lee Farms Crispy Shredded Chicken Tacos – 14g protein, 2g fiber, 3g sugar (0g added), 510mg sodium
  • Ling Ling Chicken & Vegetable Potstickers – 12g protein, 2g fiber, 4g sugar(3g added), 570mg sodium
  • El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos – 10g protein, 1g fiber, 0g sugar, 340mg sodium
  • Imperial Garden Edamame – 12g protein, 4g fiber, 2g sugar, 5mg sodium (gluten-free)
  • Trident Fish Sticks– 12g protein, 1g fiber, 0g sugar, 320mg sodium

Costco Vegan Snacks

Are there any vegan snack options at Costco?

Looking specifically for vegan snacks? Here are a few:

  • Hippeas
  • Made Good Granola Minis
  • Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
  • Harvest Snaps
  • Skinny Pop
  • Dried Fruit
  • Barnana Plantain Chips
  • RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers
  • Wheat Thins
  • Triscuits
  • Larabar
  • That’s It Minis
  • Kirkland Ancient Grains Granola
  • Cheerios
  • Dave’s Killer Bread
  • Lotus Foods Rice Ramen
  • Kirkland Hummus Cups
  • All the fruit options listed above!

Did you find any new ideas? Pin this post for later! What are your favorite Costco snacks?

Are there gluten-free snack options available at Costco?

Yes! Being gluten-free myself, I know there are plenty of gluten-free options at Costco. Some of my favorites include the honey smoked salmon, Crunchmaster and Simple Mills crackers, Skinny Pop, That’s It Fruit Bars paired with a cheese stick, Chomps and homemade trailmix using all of their nuts and seeds. There are plenty more gluten-free options as well!

Costco Snacks To Buy

Looking for healthy snacks at Costco? This list includes 50+ options that the whole family will love! Cruchy snacks, high protein snacks, granola bars and more.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Mexican Street Corn Dip

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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!

Mexican street corn dip served with chips

Hi friends!

If you’re looking for an easy dip to serve at a party or something to bring to the next summer potluck, this dip is it! It’s super easy to make, requires just a few ingredients and is bursting with flavor!

My husband is a huge fan of sweet corn but I like my corn on the cob plain. However, if you cut that plain corn off the cob, add some seasonings and Greek yogurt to make it creamy and give me some chips for scooping, I will eat the whole bowl!

Mexican Street Corn Dip Ingredients

You just need a few basic ingredients to make this dip:

  • Corn – If you’re using corn on the cob, cook it however you’d like- on the stove, in the microwave, on the grill etc and then cut it off the cob. You could also try this recipe with canned or frozen corn.
  • Butter – To add a little richness
  • Garlic – For flavor.
  • Jalapeno- This is optional, but I think this dip tastes best with a little kick to it!
  • Lime juice – Fresh is best!
  • Seasonings – Just a simple mix of paprika, chili powder and salt
  • Green onion – Thinly sliced
  • Feta – If you can find cojita cheese you can use that but I find feta to be more readily available
  • Plain Greek yogurt – Many recipes will use sour cream or mayo to add creaminess but I prefer Greek yogurt to add a little extra protein!
best Mexican street corn dip

How To Make Mexican Street Corn Dip

Here’s how you make it:

  • Cook the corn and cut it off the cob.
  • In a saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add in the garlic, jalapeno, lime juice and seasonings.
  • After sauteing for a few minutes, add the corn and green onions and saute a few minutes more.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the feta and yogurt and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Top with green onions and feta and serve with chips.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

You may be wondering what the difference is between this dip and Mexican Street Corn Salad and the answer is probably the chips! Serve this dip by itself in a big bowl and people can eat it as a side dish salad, or put it in a bowl next to some chips and people will eat it as a dip!

More Easy Appetizers

Need more easy party appetizer ideas? Try one of these:

Street Corn Dip Recipe

Here’s the exact Mexican Street Corn Dip recipe:

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Mexican Street Corn Dip

Mexican Street Corn Dip
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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!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears of corn, cooked and cut off the cob (approx 3 cups)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 jalapeno, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • juice from one lime
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • extra green onion and feta for topping, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook corn as desired (stovetop, grill, microwave, etc) and cut off the cob if needed.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. 
  3. Add jalapeno, garlic, lime juice and spices and saute 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add corn and green onions and saute another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in yogurt and feta until well combined. 
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings, top with more green onions and feta and serve warm with chips for scooping.

Notes

For a less spicy dip, omit the jalapeno or cut back on the chili powder!

Mexican Street Corn Dip FAQs

What is the best street corn seasoning?

For this Mexican Street Corn Dip, we stick to just chili powder, paprika and salt and uses fresh garlic but you could try garlic powder, cumin or even add fresh cilantro. Or try making your own DIY Elote (Street Corn) seasoning.

Can you make Mexican street corn on the grill?

You can definitely use the grill whether you’re making this dip or regular Mexican street corn. Here’s directions for How To Grill Corn. Just follow those directions and cut it off the cob to use it in this dip. OR here are a couple of recipes for Grilled Mexican Street Corn. (Or try this one for Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes).

Other Mexican street corn salad recipes?

My recipe uses plain Greek yogurt but a lot of recipes out there use mayo or sour cream to make it creamy. Try this Mexican Street Corn Salad with mayo. Or this Mexican Street Corn Dip with cream cheese.

Can you make Mexican street corn casserole?

This recipe is pretty much a casserole as well. When I think of casseroles, I think baked in the oven so you could try mixing everything together and baking in a baking dish in the oven until warm and bubbly if desired!

What are some other easy Mexican street corn recipes?

If you happen to have extra street corn dip/salad and are looking for ways to use it up, here are some ideas:

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!

Need more Mexican recipe ideas?

hot taco dip 2 copy

The Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip

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!

Grab the recipe!
Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos

Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos

These Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos are a quick and easy, kid-friendly option for lunch or dinner and a great way to use up leftover chicken. Make a double batch and freeze some for a busy week!

Grab the recipe!
Crockpot Creamy Mexican Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken

This Crockpot Mexican Chicken makes a quick, easy dinner or freezer recipe. Made with simple ingredients but full of flavor, it’s great on its own or served over rice, farro or cauliflower rice.

Grab the recipe!
Mexican Burgers topped with grilled corn salsa, pepperjack cheese and guacamole

Mexican Burgers

These Mexican Burgers are perfect for your summer cookout or party. Topped with grilled corn salsa, pepper jack cheese and lots of guacamole, each bite is packed with flavor!

Grab the recipe!
This Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect healthy dinner recipe and can be made in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. Serve it over rice or as a filling for tacos. You can even prep it ahead of time and freeze until you need it.

Cilantro Lime Chicken {Slow Cooker or Instant Pot}

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect healthy dinner recipe and can be made in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. Serve it over rice or as a filling for tacos. You can even prep it ahead of time and freeze until you need it.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

At-Work & After-Work Snacks

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Need at-work and after-work snacks for adults? Here are some easy, healthy snack ideas that can give you a mid-afternoon energy boost or tide you over until dinner.

healthy at-work and after-work snacks

*Originally published 2/2015. Updated 8/2024*

Hi Friends!

Let’s talk about adult snacks, shall we? Specifically at-work snacks and also after-work snacks. As a mom, I’ve spent a lot of time lately focusing on snacks for kids.

In case you’ve missed any of those posts, check them out here:

Great Snacks For Work

I recently was asked for some adult snack ideas. A lot of my readers work outside the home and are looking for snacks that they can either pack to take to work or prep and eat quickly when they get home from work as they get dinner ready or shuttle kids around to various activities.

So here are some ideas for at-work snacks and then after-work snacks when you get home:

best at work snacks - popcorn, cheese, almonds, cottage cheese with fruit, jerky, edamame

Best At-Work Snacks

Here are a few snack ideas that are easy to pack and eat at work:

  • Cottage cheese with fruit– There are pre-packaged options available at the store like Breakstone’s Cottage Doubles but you can easily make them yourself by portioning some cottage cheese into a container and topping with your favorite fruit!
  • Nuts & Cheese – Pair your favorite nuts with a cheese stick or some cheese cubes (and dried fruit if you want!) Or grab something like Sargento Balanced Breaks from the store.
  • Jerky or meat sticks – Shelf stable and comes in tons of flavors. Most are high in sodium so I recommend them in moderation but a great option to have on hand. We love Chomps.
  • Popcorn – A whole grain and a good source of fiber! Here’s how to make healthy microwave popcorn, or you can buy a large bag at the store and portion into individual servings. It also makes a great addition to trail mix.
  • Edamame – It’s a great source of protein and can be served a variety of ways. Grab some steamable bags from the freezer aisle – shelled or in pod and enjoy with a sprinkle of salt. Or try crunchy roasted edamame. The Only Bean makes several flavors!
healthy snack foods for work

Healthy Snack Foods For Work

I always recommend prioritizing protein at snack time to avoid spiking your blood sugar. If you can add some healthy fats and fiber, that’s even better!

  • Turkey Sandwich – Choose your favorite deli meat (here are some of the best deli meat brands), pair it with a whole grain bread (here are some of the best healthy storebought bread brands) and then add things like cheese, avocado, pickles and mustard for flavor. If you’re making the sandwich ahead of time, put things like pickles, tomatoes etc between the cheese and meat to keep the bread from getting soggy.
  • Tuna Salad with Crackers– Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and pack it for a snack with your favorite crackers all week long. Here are some healthy crackers for adults. And here’s my favorite tuna salad recipe!
  • Hard Boiled Eggs – So easy to make a batch on Sunday and pack a couple every day for snack. Here’s my tried and true method for how to make hard-boiled eggs in the instant pot.
  • Egg Wraps – These are so easy to make and can be filled with anything you want! My favorite combo is thinly sliced chicken breast and avocado. These egg wraps are good hot or cold!
  • Protein Bars – There are tons of store-bought options. Look for one that’s low in added sugar with simple ingredients. Or try these homemade No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars.
ideas for best healthy snacks to munch on at work

Ideas for best healthy snacks to munch on at work

Sometimes you just need a good crunchy snack, am I right? Here are a few ideas:

  • Roasted chickpeas – They’re super easy to make at home, or grab some at the store from brands like Biena. If you don’t like chickpeas, try roasted edamame or fava beans (from Bada Bean Bada Boom).
  • Plantain chips with guacamole – Plantain chips are a fun change from traditional potato chips and guacamole adds healthy fats! Or try dipping jicama sticks in guac for another option.
  • Popcorn Trail Mix – A super easy trail mix to make yourself. I like the combo of popcorn, roasted chickpeas, plantain chips and chocolate chips. Or try this Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix.
  • Veggies and Dip– Choose your favorite crunchy veggies- celery sticks, carrots, bell pepper strips or mini peppers, raw broccoli florets, snap peas etc and pair them with a dip like hummus, Greek yogurt ranch dip or Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip.
  • Rice Cakes with Avocado – If you crave crunchy, rice cakes can be a great vehicle. Top them with avocado and add hard boiled eggs or smoked salmon. Or try turkey and cheese or peanut butter and jelly for other toppings.

Find more healthy crunchy snacks here.

Snack Foods For Work: Mixed Nuts, Muffins, Yogurt and Granola with berries

Great After-Work Snacks To Have Before Dinner

Here are a few more easy options that are great to grab when you get home from work while prepping dinner:

  • High fiber muffin – We love Lentil Banana Muffins or Sweet Potato White Bean Bars. Pair it with a glass of milk for a quick snack!
  • Yogurt with granola – To keep the sugar down and add some texture, try plain yogurt topped with granola and fresh fruit. Or for flavored try one of the Best Low Sugar Yogurt options.
  • Trail Mix– Buy it store-bought or make your own. You can use popcorn or cereal as a base, or just a mix of your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruit.
  • Apple with peanut butter – A classic snack for a reason. Never gets old! For a nutrient boost you can mix some ground flax or hemp seeds into your peanut butter before dipping.
  • Smoothie- Did you know you can make a big batch of smoothies and store them in glass jars in the fridge? Then just microwave as needed! Try adding some pumpkin seeds and cereal for a little crunch!
healthy treats for work

Healthy Treats For Work

Sometimes you just want a little treat for a snack and that’s ok! Here are a few ideas that might help curb your sweet tooth but still have some nutritional value:

  • Dates with peanut butter: Dates are like nature’s candy. So sweet and delicious. Plus they’re a good source of fiber. Add some peanut butter in the middle for a dose of healthy fats.
  • Energy balls/bars: These are so easy to customize and you can really throw in whatever you want. Use dates and nuts as the base. Add seeds, oats or protein powder if you want, nut butter and chocolate chips. My favs are My Go-To Energy Balls. Or try Pumpkin Energy Balls in the fall or Gingerbread Protein Balls in the winter.
  • Chocolate Power Bark – Melt some dark chocolate and nut butter in a bowl, stir in some chopped nuts and seeds and spread into a thin layer on parchment paper. Top with a few more nuts, some dried fruit and a sprinkle of salt. Freeze and break into pieces! You can also make a similar bark with yogurt instead of chocolate if you prefer!
  • Chocolate Avocado Pudding – Easy to blend up but packed with more nutrients than your typical pudding. Try this Chocolate Avocado Pudding recipe.
  • Other options: Kettlecorn, apple chips, banana slices with pb in the middle, dipped in chocolate, dried fruit strips, cinnamon and sugar pumpkin seeds

Best Healthy Non-Perishable At-Work Snacks

If you have a snack drawer at work that you’re looking to stock with non-perishables, here are a few ideas:

Best Storebought Snacks For Work

If you’re looking for store-bought snacks specifically, here are a few lists to check out:

And if you have a long commute or spend a lot of time in the car and need snacks for the car ride check out my Healthy Road Trip Snacks.

Snack Recipes For Work

Here are few more of my favorite recipes on the blog that make great snack recipes for work:

healthy black bean brownies with chocolate chips

Healthy Black Bean Brownies

These Healthy Black Bean Brownies are full of fiber and make a great snack!

Grab the recipe!
This Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It's packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding

This Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding is packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Grab the recipe!
Bursting with citrus flavor, these Lemon Energy balls make the perfect snack. Made with just 5 ingredients, they're gluten-free, paleo-friendly and perfect for stashing in the fridge or freezer!

Lemon Energy Balls

Bursting with citrus flavor, these Lemon Energy balls make the perfect snack. Made with just 5 ingredients, they’re are perfect for stashing in the fridge or freezer!

Grab the recipe!
Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

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.

Grab the recipe!
These Tuna Quinoa Cakes are a great way to add some extra protein to your day. Eat them plain, put them on a bun, or use them to top your salad for a healthy lunch or dinner!

Tuna Quinoa Cakes

These Tuna Quinoa Cakes are a great way to add some extra protein to your day. Eat them plain, put them on a bun, or use them to top your salad or grab a few for a post-workout snack.

Grab the recipe!
Need at-work and after-work snacks for adults? Here are some easy, healthy snack ideas that can give you a mid-afternoon energy boost or tide you over until dinner.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

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Need some healthy road trip snacks? Or just some healthy snacks on the go snacks? Whether it’s vacation, driving to sports practice or a day of running errands, here are some travel snacks you’ll love!

healthy road trip snack ideas

*Originally published 9/21. Updated 8/24*

Hi friend!

A couple of years ago I was asked for some ideas about snacks for the car that aren’t super messy so I wrote this post on Low Mess Car Snacks for Kids. I’m finding that a few years later, I still heavily rely on car snacks so I’m always thinking about new ideas. In addition, in the summer of 2021 we drove from Ohio to Minnesota with 3 kids 6 and under. Believe me when I say I packed a lot of snacks.

We also started swim team that summer which meant A LOT of time at the pool. Two years later we’re at the pool even more for swim meets etc and with young kids that means packing a lot of snacks.

I wanted to share some good road trip snacks for kids -both what we packed in our cooler and the non-perishables in case you need more road trip snack ideas! You could also pack a lot of these for plane snacks! Or use these ideas for long days at the pool, hiking adventures and more.

I’ve also already written several snack posts that will have more options for healthy on-the-go snacks.

Healthy Store Bought Snack Ideas

Also be sure to check out The Snack Spark for even more snack ideas!

Homemade Healthy Snack Ideas

As far as homemade snack ideas, I have tons. Especially when it comes to healthy muffins and bars that are good for packing as snacks on the go. Check out the snack category of the blog to browse lots of homemade snack options.

Where to buy healthy snacks online

If you’re looking to buy snacks online vs in-store, you can find lots on Amazon. Here are some individually wrapped snacks. Also check out sites like Thrive Market (requires a subscription) and Vitacost (no subscription required). Nuts.com is another good one, especially if you like to make your own trail mix.

What to look for in healthy snacks

When I talk about healthy snacks with my kids I talk about starting with protein and pairing it with healthy carbs, healthy fats and/or fiber. This combination helps fill us up and helps us stay full for longer periods of time. When packing for a road trip, I try to pack a lot of individual protein options that can then be paired with something else. For example, if my kid asks for crackers, I’ll give them some cheese to go with it. If they ask for a piece of fruit, I’ll give them a yogurt as well.

Good Road Trip Snacks

So here are some good options for road trip snacks!

healthy road trip snacks for the cooler

Healthy Road Trip Snacks For The Cooler

  • Fruit –
    • grapes- I pulled them all off the stems ahead of time
    • bananas
    • apples- leave them whole or slice ahead of time and rubberband together to minimize browning
    • clementines – you can peel them ahead of time to make it easier
    • applesauce cups (or pouches for younger kids to minimize mess)
  • Veggies-
    • baby carrots
    • celery sticks – you can even prep ants on a log ahead of time
    • bell pepper strips or mini peppers
    • snap peas
  • String cheese and cheese slices
good road trip snacks for the cooler
  • Hard-boiled eggs – peel them ahead of time
  • Yogurt- yogurt tubes/pouches are less messy for kids. You can also freeze them ahead of time to minimize mess even more 
  • Hummus
  • Deli turkey, pepperoni and salami- can be eaten with crackers and used to make a sandwich
  • Chicken- if you don’t want deli meat, try cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer and then thinly slicing before traveling!
  • Homemade muffins/bars – I have a whole list of Kid-friendly Baking Recipes for bars and muffins packed with veggies and legumes!
healthy road trip snacks non-perishable

Car Travel Snacks (Non-perishable):

  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – you can store them in the cooler if you use jelly, or you can skip it, or use honey!
  • Bread – for turkey and cheese sandwiches
  • Crackers – we love Crunchmasters, simple mills and wheat thins
  • Cheerios cereal – I have a list of Low Sugar Cereals for Kids if Cheerios isn’t your favorite
  • Pretzels and goldfish
  • Trail mix
  • Roasted chickpeas
  • Popcorn
road trip snack ideas
  • Granola bars – Try one of these Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids– our favs are KIND, Larabar and Kashi or Made Good granola balls
  • Chips
  • Jerky or beef sticks – we love Chomps!
  • Applesauce or other fruit pouches – try Mama Chia pouches for a nutrient boost!
road trip snacks - candy
  • Candy – is it the healthiest? No. Will it sometimes save your sanity as a parent? Yes 🙂

Note that we stopped overnight in a hotel with a fridge and I knew the place we were staying had a fridge so I wasn’t worried about packing too much food because I knew we could just eat it throughout the week of vacation. 

I’ve also noticed that sometimes my kids don’t eat a ton in the actual car but then they’re starving when we get to the hotel so it’s nice to have things on hand to give them while we get settled, figure out where we’re going to eat dinner etc. 

What foods are considered non-perishable?

Foods are considered non-perishable if they are canned, dried, preserved or have the water removed. Basically, things that can safely be stored at room temperature without requiring they be put in the fridge or freezer to avoid spoiling.

Is it safe to snack on the go?

While I recognize that eating in the car is generally not recommended as it can be a choking hazard, I’m also a mom with young kids and know that it sometimes can’t be avoided. I found that plastic cups are a great way to pass snacks back to kids because they’re easy for them to hold and they fit in car seat cup holders. If your kids are still rear-facing, make sure you can see them while eating either by sitting near them or at least in a mirror.

on the go snack ideas

Healthy Snacks on the Go

In addition to what’s listed above, here are more ideas:

Healthy Trail Mix

There are tons of great trail mix options at the store but it’s also so easy to make your own. I love this option because you can completely customize it to your liking and even make different blends for different family members. You can also make it safe for toddlers using mixes like this nut-free trail mix.

Plant-based protein

There are tons of dried plant-based proteins on the market right now. Things like roasted chickpeas, broad beans and edamame make a great on-the-go snack. Check out some different brands like The Good Bean, Biena, Bada Bean and more. Plus there are tons of nuts and seeds that you can eat on their own or as a topping etc.

Protein balls

Homemade protein or energy balls/bars are another great option. While I typically keep these in the freezer for storage, they won’t spoil if you pack them for a day trip. Make them with protein powder or without. Here’s my go-to energy balls recipe as well as some kid-friendly, protein-rich energy balls without protein powder.

Snacks the are high in protein

Protein is a key component of a good snack. If you’re looking for some ideas specifically for high protein, check out my list of Healthy High Protein Snack Ideas.

Other protein-rich snacks

Things like tuna pouches, deli meat turkey/chicken or meat sticks like Chomps (aff link) are high in protein and pair well with crackers for an easy snack.

Healthy snacks that are easy to freeze

Waffles and pancakes are actually one of my favorite on the go snacks. I love that you can easily make them ahead of time, whenever you’re not busy, and freeze them. Then just transfer to the fridge the day before you leave and pack them in a ziploc bag. They’re not super crumbly, they’re easy for kids to eat, you can make them with added protein – try our favorite Whole Wheat Pancakes.

More healthy options for a grab and go snack

Things like popcorn, sweet potato chips and dried fruit bars are strips can be great options. We love That’s It bars and Just Bare apple chips. When it comes to dried fruit, larger strips of dried fruit like mango and pears are less likely to be dropped than smaller options like raisins.

Remember that popcorn, whole nuts, roasted chickpeas etc are choking hazards for young kids.

Need some healthy road trip snacks? Or just some on the go snacks? Whether it's vacation, driving to sports practice or a day of running errands, here are some travel snacks you'll love!

What are your favorite healthy road trip snacks?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread

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This Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread puts a fun twist on a classic summer recipe. Don’t like lemon? Skip the zest and add extra blueberries! Enjoy a slice for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

lemon blueberry zucchini bread

*Originally published July 2011. Updated July 2024*

Hi friends!

This Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread is a must-try summer recipe so I wanted to make sure it was on your radar. I feel like everyone has a classic go-to zucchini bread recipe (if you don’t, try this Easy Zucchini Bread) but sometimes it’s fun to change things up a little bit.

When I first shared this recipe, I talked about my bad habit of overbuying lemons, even if I don’t need them. As a result, I’m constantly looking for ways to use them up and lemon and blueberry is one of my favorite combinations. (I also love these Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Oat Bars).

We’ve also reached the point in the summer where everyone seems to have excess zucchini lying around and is combing the internet for ways to use them.

Need more zucchini recipe ideas? Try:

But now let’s talk about how to make this recipe.

Ingredients in Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Here’s what you need to make this easy quickbread:

  • Sugar – if you prefer a little less sweet, feel free to cut back to 1/2 a cup
  • Eggs – to add structure
  • Oil – to add flavor and moisture
  • Buttermilk – for tenderness
  • Vanilla- adds flavor
  • Zucchini – one shredded medium to large zucchini should do the trick
  • Flour- I use AP flour or white whole wheat flour
  • Baking powder and baking soda –
  • Blueberries- you can use fresh or frozen
  • Lemon – this is optional. If you don’t like it, leave it out. Or add the zest for flavor. You can even kick things up a notch and use the lemon juice and powdered sugar to make a glaze.
recipe for moist lemon and blueberry zucchini bread

How Do I Make Easy To Make Zucchini Bread

When you’re ready to bake, here’s what to do:

  • In a bowl, combine sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, vanilla and zucchini and mix well.
  • Add flour, baking soda and baking powder and stir to combine.
  • Gently mix in blueberries (and lemon zest) if using.
  • Pour into a loaf pan and bake.
  • Optional – let cool completely and add lemon glaze.

Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread (Muffin) Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

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Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread

easy lemon blueberry zucchini bread
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This Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread puts a fun twist on a classic summer recipe. Don’t like lemon? Skip the zest and add extra blueberries! Enjoy a slice for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2/3 cup sugar (feel free to cut back to 1/2 cup)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil (I use avocado oil)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeeze gently to remove some of the moisture)
  • 2 cups flour (i use AP or white whole wheat flour)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • zest from one lemon + 1 Tbsp lemon juice, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl combine sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, vanilla and shredded zucchini and mix well.
  3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and a pinch of salt and stir to combine.
  4. Gently stir in blueberries and lemon juice and zest, if using.
  5. Pour into loaf pan lined with parchment paper and bake 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  6. Optional – let cool completely and combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 Tbsp lemon juice to make a glaze and pour over the loaf.

Notes

The lemon flavor is optional in this recipe. Feel free to add the zest or leave it out. For a stronger flavor, add one Tbsp lemon juice to the batter, add extra zest or top with lemon glaze.

If you don’t like big blobs of blueberries in your bread, use frozen wild blueberries. They’re smaller!

One bowl. So easy. Go make it immediately!

Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread FAQs

Is this a recipe for moist zucchini bread?

Yes. This bread is very moist. The oil and buttermilk help make it moist and tender and the shredded zucchini and blueberries add moisture as well.

Can I make this gluten-free zucchini bread?

You could sub a gluten-free 1:1 flour like King Arthur Measure for Measure for the flour. Or you could try this Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread or this GF Zucchini Bread from Iowa Girl Eats.

Can I make zucchini bread with banana?

You could easily add shredded zucchini to your favorite zucchini bread recipe, or try swapping half the sugar in this recipe with 1-2 mashed bananas.

How to store this lemon and zucchini bread?

Let cool completely and then store in a ziploc bag on the counter for 3-4 days. If you’re going to be eating it for longer, I would store in the fridge to avoid mold growing.

easy to make zucchini bread with glaze

Can you freeze lemon blueberry zucchini bread?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap in saran wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. You can slice it ahead of time so that you can pull out a slice or two at a time or freeze as a whole loaf. Do not freeze with the glaze on. Make the glaze just prior to serving.

Can I make yellow squash zucchini bread or zucchini bread with carrots?

Feel free to swap yellow squash for zucchini if that’s all you have! If you want to add carrots, you can add shredded carrots right along with the shredded zucchini or try these Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins.

Can I make this zucchini bread with applesauce?

I would start by replacing half the sugar in this recipe with applesauce. If you like it, feel free to experiment with replacing all of the sugar.

This Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread puts a fun twist on a classic summer recipe. Don't like lemon? Skip the zest and add extra blueberries! Enjoy a slice for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Mac and Cheese (Boxed)

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Looking for the best boxed mac and cheese? Here are some picks for healthy store bought mac and cheese from a Registered Dietitian. Plus a kids taste test!

best mac and cheese boxed

*Originally published August 2022. Updated July 2024*

Hi friends!

Today we’re continuing our “Best of” series by talking about macaroni and cheese. So far we’ve covered:

Snacks from certain stores:

Types of snacks:

So be sure to catch up on those posts if you missed them!

Best mac and cheese in a box

When it comes to boxed mac and cheese, my biggest concern is sodium. Some brands, especially the deluxe versions, have 1,000+ mg of sodium per serving, which is way more than necessary. While I don’t recommend packaged mac and cheese as an everyday food, it’s certainly something my kids have for dinner occasionally.

When I’m picking out which brand to buy, I look for the lowest sodium per serving that I can find, and I’d also love for there to be a decent amount of both protein and fiber.

The problem is that some of the brands that are higher in both protein and fiber are not always a hit with my kids.

So after looking at a lot of mac and cheese boxes, I decided to do a taste test with my kids (Their ages at the time of the taste test: 7, 5 & 3) to see which ones they would actually eat.

I chose two classics: Kraft and Annie’s Original. I also chose two that were higher in fiber & protein: Banza and Goodle. Then I threw in an Annie’s Vegan option and Annie’s 25% reduced sodium. Here’s the video of their taste test:

Best Healthy Boxed Mac and Cheese

Let’s look at these six options I chose for the taste test in a little more detail. Note- I’m sure there are other great options. I tried to stick to brands that were widely available in the two grocery stores by my house, not specialty stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s etc.

boxed macaroni and cheese

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

  • 9 grams of protein
  • 2 grams of fiber
  • 560 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it
high protein gliuten free macaroni and cheese

Banza Mac & Cheese (Made w/ chickpea pasta)

  • 15 grams protein
  • 5 grams fiber
  • 640 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
high fiber macaroni and cheese

Goodles (found at Target)

  • 14 grams protein
  • 6 grams fiber
  • 590 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
vegan macaroni and cheese

Annie’s Vegan Mac (Red Lentil Spirals)

  • 11 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 240 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
lower sodium macaroni and cheese

Annie’s 25% Less Sodium

  • 10 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber
  • 400 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it
healthiest macaroni and cheese

Annie’s Original Macaroni & Classic Cheddar

  • 9 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 430 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it

Don’t be fooled by the marketing like I was! I thought the Annie’s 25% less sodium meant 25% less than their original but it actually says 25% less than the leading brand and it only has 30mg less than the original Annies!

Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

So what’s my pick as a Registered Dietitian to feed my kids?

best boxed macaroni and cheese for kids

Overall I choose Annie’s. Either the 25% less sodium or the original – both have the lowest amount of sodium I found. They also have several organic options that are widely available if that’s important to you!

I love that Banza and Goodle are higher in both protein and fiber. Despite them also being higher in sodium, I still think they’re good options if your kids will eat them!

Boxed Mac and Cheese FAQs

Does boxed mac and cheese go bad?

Since it’s a shelf-stable food, it will generally last for several years. Remember that the expiration date is speaking to the quality not the safety so in general it’s fine to eat it 1-2 years past the expiration date. It’s likely the packets of cheese that will go bad before the noodles.

How to make boxed mac and cheese better?

  • Choose one with 500mg sodium or less per serving
  • Try not using the whole packet of cheese
  • Mix in Greek yogurt instead of butter for extra protein
  • Look for whole wheat, whole grain or alternative noodle options for more fiber

Boxed Mac and Cheese Hacks

  • To make it creamier, try using Greek yogurt. You can either add it right along with the milk instead of butter, or you can skip the milk and try just adding Greek yogurt. Adding less milk also makes it thicker and creamier.
  • To turn it into a full meal, try adding leftover cooked chicken or some chicken sausage. You can also add cooked vegetables. One easy hack is to add some frozen peas to the water for the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.
  • For a different cheese flavor, try using half the packet of cheese and mixing in some shredded cheese of your own.
  • Try putting your own spin on it! Want pizza mac? Grab some white cheddar boxed mac, put it in a pan, top with a little pizza sauce, pepperoni and shredded mozzarella and broil for a couple minutes.
  • Add some spices. Try mixing in a little garlic powder or paprika when you add the cheese.

Boxed Mac & Cheese Baked

Want to fool a crowd? Make boxed mac and cheese as directed, add any mix-ins you want, then put it in a baking pan, top with some extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and bake at 350 degrees Faherenheit for 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted.

How To Make Mac and Cheese From A Box

If you’ve never made boxed mac and cheese you can follow the directions on the box which involves boiling water, adding the noodles and then draining them before adding cheese milk and sometimes butter.

Recently I’ve started making it a different way that involves adding the cheese, butter and noodles right at the very beginning before you even boil the water and I think it turns out much better. You can find directions for the TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe here.

Boxed Mac and Cheese in the Microwave

While I haven’t tried this myself beyond eating the Kraft microwavable cups in college, here are directions for how to make boxed mac and cheese in the microwave. The microwave gets the water hot enough to boil so it can cook the noodles, you just have to remember to stir frequently and there won’t be water to drain out at the end.

Instant Pot Box Mac and Cheese

If you have an instant pot, you can also use that to cook a box of mac and cheese. Add one cup water to the instant pot with butter and pasta. Cook 4 minutes, quick release and stir in cheese and milk. Here’s a whole post about how to cook instant pot box mac and cheese.

Can you make boxed mac and cheese without milk?

If you don’t have or don’t want to use milk, try saving 1/4 cup of the water you cooked the pasta in. You can also mix in cream, plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese or sour cream instead of milk.

How to make box mac and cheese with ground beef?

This is a great way to use up leftover ground beef or turkey, taco meat, etc. Just cook the beef and stir it into the macaroni once you’ve mixed in the milk and cheese. Try adding a little taco seasoning for taco mac or just salt and pepper for some cheesy hamburger mac.

Best Mac and Cheese From A Box

Looking for the best store-bought macaroni and cheese? Here are some picks for healthy mac and cheese from a Registered Dietitian. Plus I had my kids do a taste test!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay—

Easy Banana Oat Bars

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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!

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!

*Originally published in Jan 2017. Updated July 2024*

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 pretty forgiving. They don’t require exact measurements and 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.
  • Oats – Rolled oats work best. Instant oat will change the texture.
  • Peanut Butter – Adds some healthy fats and boosts the protein content.
  • Maple syrup – Depending on how ripe your bananas are, you can adjust how much maple syrup you need. You could also sub regular sugar or leave it out completely.
  • Egg- adds some structure.
  • Baking powder – adds a little lift to the bars.
  • Vanilla and cinnamon – for flavor!
  • 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 peanut butter, maple syrup, egg and vanilla and stir until well combined.
  • Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon and chocolate chips.
  • Pour into an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and bake.

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

Healthy Banana Oat Bars Recipe

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Easy Banana Oat Bars

Banana Oat Bars 1
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These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8x8 or 9x9 pan 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup ripe bananas (approx 3 medium-large)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 2–4 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, hemp seeds, ground flax

Instructions

  1. Mash bananas in a bowl.
  2. Add peanut butter, maple syrup and egg and mix well.
  3. Stir in oats, cinnamon, baking powder and chocolate chips and mix until combined.
  4. Pour into a 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes.
  6. Let cool, cut and serve.

Notes

This recipe is very forgiving. A little extra banana or oats won’t hurt. You can leave out the maple syrup or chocolate chips if you want.

Feel free to bake in a 9×9 pan if desired. Bars will just be a bit thinner.

See what I mean by super easy? This recipe is very forgiving. If your measurements aren’t exact, don’t worry!

You can use an 8×8 pan for thicker bars or a 9×9 pan if you like them a bit thinner.

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. If using cocoa powder, I would use 1/4 cup maple syrup as well.

How to make vegan banana oat bars?

To make these bars vegan, sub 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?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

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 Salad Topping Ideas

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Looking for salad topping ideas? Here are lots of simple, easy salad toppings. Use them to add nutrients and flavor and to make your meals more exciting!

healthy salad topping ideas - what to put on your salad

*Originally published April 2012. Updated July 2024*

Hi friends –

Are you looking for some healthy salad topping ideas? Perhaps you’re in a bit of a salad rut? You’ve come to the right place!

When it comes to what to put in a salad, I feel like there are two kinds of people – those who love the greens and those who love the salad toppings. This post was inspired by a salad I ate when I was just out of college. It was nothing fancy – just bed of mixed greens topped with asparagus, corn, hard-boiled egg, bacon, red onions, tomatoes, and feta. I ate it. I went home. And I couldn’t get it out of my head.

After thinking about it,  I decided it was because the toppings were out of the ordinary for me. When I first started making salads for myself, I quickly fell into a pattern of just adding carrots, red peppers, red onion, and tomato. In the summer, I would add strawberries and apples and occasionally I would add some roasted sweet potatoes.

I decided that I probably wasn’t the only one to ever fall into a salad rut so I put together this list of topping ideas.

what to put in a salad - salad topping ideas

What To Put In A Salad

What it really comes down to then is what to put in salad, right? If you’re looking for a helpful breakdown ofo how to build a healthy salad, you’ll love this post: What To Put In A Salad. It gives you all sorts of ideas for salad bases, healthy proteins, carbs and fats to add to your salad to keep you full and satisfied.

If you’re looking for the ultimate list of salad topping ideas, you’re in the right place here! There are hundreds of healthy salad toppings. You can put almost anything over a bed of leafy greens and call it a salad. And we all know the more traditional salad toppers like veggies, grilled meat and cheese.

But what about things like fruit, beans, seeds and fresh herbs? Have you tried them?

To help break you out of your boring salad rut, I made a list of salad toppings…some traditional…and some you might not have thought of! Maybe it will inspire you to spice up your salad!

salad topping ideas list

Healthy Salad Topping Ideas List

Popular Salad Toppings – Vegetables

If you tend to only use raw vegetables, try changing things up at using roasted, grilled, marinated or pickled vegetables for variety!

  • Asparagus
  • Roasted Beets
  • Canned artichoke hearts
  • Cucumbers
  • Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Peas
  • Red onion
  • Celery
  • Raw mushrooms
  • Roasted sweet potato
  • Radishes
  • Olives
  • Corn
  • Kimchi
  • Cabbage
  • Brussel’s sprouts- roasted or shredded
  • Jicama

Easy Salad Toppings – Fruit

You can add fruit to salad in a variety of ways. Try it thinly sliced, segmented or blended into dressings!

  • Pears
  • Peaches
  • Grapes
  • Mandarin oranges
  • Apples
  • Avocado
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Tomatoes
  • Pomegranate arils

Don’t forget about dried fruit like raisins, Craisins, cherries, blueberries, mango, etc

Salad Toppings Seeds & Nuts

A great way to add some healthy fats and protein! Try them raw, roasted, candied, toasted or slivered!

  • Pepitas
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Hemp hearts & chia seeds (try adding them to dressing or just sprinkle some over the top
  • Almonds
  • Pecans
  • Walnuts
  • Peanuts
  • Pine nuts
  • Pistachios

Protein Salad Toppings

  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Poached or soft-boiled eggs – great for a breakfast salad!
  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Crab cakes
  • Shrimp
  • Scallops
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Steak
  • Ham
  • Bacon
  • Chicken sausage

Adding leftover proteins to a salad is a great way to repurpose leftovers!

Vegetarian Protein Salad Toppings Ideas

Vegetarian protein sources are a great way to add protein and fiber to your salads.

  • Black beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Great northern beans
  • Kidney beans
  • Edamame
  • Tofu
  • Tempeh

Whole Grain Salad Toppings

If you’re tired of lettuce-based salads, try making a grain-based salad with one of these or just add some to your regular salad:

  • Couscous
  • Farro
  • Quinoa
  • Wheatberries
  • Barley
  • Rice
  • Wild rice
  • Rice noodles

Cheese Salad Toppings Ideas

Cheese is an easy way to add tons of flavor to a salad. Try it crumbled, sliced, cubed or grated. Or try grating into piles on a baking sheet and baking to make some crunchy crisps!

  • Goat cheese
  • Feta
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
  • Gorgonzola
  • Gouda
  • Halloumi

Fresh Herb Salad Toppings

Another great way to add flavor. Use them in your dressings, leave them whole, add to a marinade or chop and toss with a mix of ingredients before adding to the salad:

  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Chives
  • Dill
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro

Crunchy Salad Topping Ideas

Every good salad needs a little crunch in my opinion! Try:

  • Crumbled tortilla chips or tortilla strips
  • Croutons
  • Crispy onions
  • Wonton strips
  • Roasted edamame or fava beans
  • Roasted chickpeas

Need a new dressing idea? Try:

  • Salsa
  • Hummus
  • Salsa mixed with plain yogurt
  • Guacamole
  • Pureed fruit
great salad topping ideas

FAQs for Healthy Salad Topping Ideas

What are the best salad toppings Costco sells?

Costco has tons of great options to put on salads. First of all, if you like to keep your toppings separate from your salad until you’re ready to eat it, they have these great Bentgo glass salad containers. They have tons of dried fruit and nuts and seeds which makes a great addition to salads.

They also have a lot of Taylor Farms chopped salad kits. These can be a great starting point because they’re prepped and ready to go. You can skip the dressing packet and use your favorite and also add meat, eggs, beans etc to boost the amount of protein.

Also check out things like:

  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Cooked grilled chicken strips
  • Guacamole cups and hummus (make a great dressing!)
  • Kimchi
  • Chicken sausage

What are the best salad toppings Walmart sells?

Walmart has a great grocery section and they sell a lot of packaged salad topping options. Note that things like this dried cranberry and pecan salad topper are a great combo, but they often add extra oil, sugar and salt. You can make your own salad topper mixes with a combination of dried fruit, nuts and seeds.

They also have a large selection of things like croutons, bacon bits and dressings. I always encourage people to give homemade a try on occasion. It’s super easy to make your own salad dressing and homemade croutons. But I’m also a realist and use plenty of store-bought options in my own daily life.

Should I buy the salad toppings McCormick sells?

McCormick salad toppins are an ok option, but if the crunch factor is what you’re after, I think you’re better off just adding a handful of your favorite nuts or seeds.

What are the best salad topping combinations?

This definitely depends on your taste preferences but I love a sweet and spicy combination – candied nuts with a spicy dressing or sweet and salty like dried fruit and your favorite cheese.

What to add to salad to make it better?

From a nutritional standpoint, I always recommend adding protein, healthy fats and fiber. Adding some or all of these will help make your salads more filling and satisfying and help you stay full longer.

What are the best summer salad toppings?

Fruit is one of my favorite summer toppings. Berries are a great addition when they’re in season. Sweet corn, radishes or any grilled vegetables are also a fun way to change things up in the summer months.

Looking for some new salad topping ideas? Here are lots of simple, easy ingredients you can use to boost the nutrition of your salad. Use them to add nutrients and flavor and to make your meals more exciting!

Need more salad topping ideas? Check out these posts:

And if you typically pack salads for lunch and want some new ideas, here are 50 Packable Lunch Ideas!

What are your favorite salad toppings?? Anything missing from my list?

–Lindsay–

10 Healthy Ways To Eat Apples For Breakfast

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Have extra apples? Here are 10 recipes for healthy apple breakfasts (or snacks!) From smoothies to oatmeal, they’re delicious and kid-friendly too!

collage of healthy apple breakfast recipes

*Originally published Oct 2015. Updated June 2024*

Hi friends!

Let’s chat about healthy apple breakfast recipes! This post was originally published in the Fall after a weekend of apple picking. I found myself with a surplus of apples and started looking for some quick and easy ways to use them up. Apples are a great addition to pretty much any meal, any time of day.

I focused on breakfast ideas with apples because breakfast is often the meal my kids eat best and I’m always looking for new healthy options for them. So why not add some apple breakfast ideas to the rotation, right?!

If you’re looking beyond breakfast, here are 15 Healthy Recipes Using Apples for lunch, dinner snack time and even dessert!

In addition to being naturally sweet, apples are a great source of fiber if you leave the skin on! Fiber helps keep you full and satisfied, especially when paired with protein and/or healthy fats!

All of these recipes have me drooling and I plan to work my way through the list. Join me? Who doesn’t need more healthy apple recipes for breakfast?

Healthy Apple Breakfasts

almond flour apple cake

Who says you can’t have cake for breakfast?! Try this Almond Flour Apple Cake.

These Apple Cinnamon Blender Waffles are an easy, healthy breakfast option and also make a great afternoon snack!

Grab your blender and whip up these Apple Cinnamon Blender Waffles.

Not a waffle fan? Try these Apple Cinnamon Blender Muffins instead!

Apple Pear Oatmeal Smoothie

Ever tried adding apples to a smoothie? This Apple Pear Oatmeal Smoothie is a magical flavor combination.

Apple Peanut Butter Crunch Wraps

These Apple Peanut Butter Crunch Wraps are great for breakfast or to pack in a lunch box!

apple cheddar omelet

Apple Egg Breakfast

Apples and cheese make a great pair. Try the combo in this Apple Cheddar Omelet.

Apple Egg Breakfast

Quinoa isn’t just for dinner. You can enjoy it for breakfast just like oatmeal!

Try this Cinamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa.

Raw Apple Cinnamon Chia Breakfast Bowl

Raw Apple Cinnamon Breakfast

This Raw Apple Cinnamon Chia Breakfast Bowl is a great gluten-free breakfast option packed with healthy nuts and seeds!

baked breakfast apples

Baked Apple Breakfast Recipe

This is such a fun way to use an entire apple for breakfast!
Baked Breakfast Apples

crockpot apple cinnamon oatmeal

If you’re busy in the mornings, try this Overnight Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.

Honey Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Bake

Pair these Honey Apple Oatmeal Muffins with a cheese stick, yogurt or glass of milk for a quick and easy breakfast!

As you can see there are many ways to enjoy apples for healthy breakfasts (or snacks!) Pin these ideas for later so you can revisit them!

Healthy Apple Breakfast Ideas

Have extra apples? Here are 10 recipes for healthy apple breakfasts (or snacks!) Everything from smoothies and muffins to oatmeal, they're a great way to start your day!

Want more apple recipes? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20+ Healthy Green Lentil Recipes

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Looking for green lentil recipes? Here are 20+ healthy lentil recipes to try! Everything from curry and soup to salads and tacos, they’re plant-based and full of protein, fiber & flavor.

easy green lentil recipes

*Originally published 9/21. Updated 4/24.*

Hi friends!

Recently, I shared 15+ Red Lentil Recipes and you guys were excited to have so many plant-based recipes all in one place. So I decided to put together another plant-forward roundup using green lentils. 

How To Cook Lentils

What are the basic steps to cook green lentils perfectly?

I love lentils because they’re a quick-cooking protein and I always make sure to have them in my pantry. There are several different kinds of lentils and they all cook a little bit differently. I love using red lentils in soups and curries because they lose their shape and blend into the soup. For things like tacos and other places I’m looking for more of a ground meat substitute, I prefer green lentils because they hold their shape and are soft but not mushy. 

Here are the directions for how to cook green lentils on the stove.

How To Freeze Lentils

Can you freeze and thaw cooked green lentils?

I usually cook a whole bag all at once and freeze the extras because it’s so quick and easy. I make muffins with lentils every week so it’s nice to be able to just pull some out of the freezer and not have to cook them every time. Just cook and cool completely, then portion into Ziploc bags and freeze. I use one cup portions for the muffins and 2 cup portions for other recipes. When ready to use either thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave to defrost.

Here are some recipe ideas for you!

green lentil recipes

Green lentil recipes vegan and vegetarian

You can easily add lentils to all your favorite soups and Mexican dishes for a vegetarian or vegan meal option that’s high in protein and fiber!

healthy lentil recipes

Healthy Lentil Recipes

Can green lentils be used as a meat substitute in vegan or other recipes?

Yes! They make a great substitute. Their texture is similar, especially with green lentils, because they stay slightly firm and hold their shape and resemble ground meat crumbles.

Try one of these recipes:

lentil recipes not soup

Green Lentils Recipes Not Soup

Lentils are great in soup but can also go beyond! Use them to make meatballs, meatloafs, salads and more!

Instant Pot Lentil Recipes

instant pot green lentils taco salad

Can green lentils be cooked in a slow cooker or instant pot?

Absolutely. First, learn how to cook them in the Instant Pot (How to Cook Lentils In The Instant Pot) or crockpot (slow cooker lentils recipe) to use them any way you prefer.

Or try one of these recipes to get started:

Green lentil recipes soup

a quick and easy green lentil soup recipe

Are there any quick and easy green lentil soup recipes?

Soup is by far one of the easiest and most common ways to use green lentils. Here are a few soup recipes to try:

Green Lentils Recipes Salad

green lentils salad recipe

How can green lentils be used in salads for extra protein?

Lentils are a great way to add protein to salads. Whether you prefer lettuce or non-lettuce salads, try mixing in some lentils. With their mild flavor they easily absorb the flavors of whatever dressing you add without imparting a strong taste and add a healthy dose of protein and fiber. Try:

Green Lentil Recipes FAQs

How can green lentils be incorporated into breakfast dishes?

There are lots of ways you can add lentils to your breakfast if you’re willing to keep an open mind! In general, I would say red lentils can be well-suited for breakfast recipes. Check out Lentils.org for tons of breakfast recipes. Or try these Breakfast Lentils with Cinnamon and Sugar or these Red Lentil Pancakes.

Green lentils hold their shape well and would be good to use in breakfast burritos, breakfast scrambles, with hash browns or in something like these Breakfast Lentil Quesadillas.

Are there any gluten-free green lentil recipes?

Lentils are naturally gluten-free and so they can easily be added to any recipe that is gluten-free already!

What are some creative ways to use green lentils in snacks?

One of my favorite ways to use lentils is in baked goods and snack recipes. Try these:

Or learn how to make roasted lentils and add them to homemade trail mix!

How can you make dessert with green lentils?

Lentils work really well in chocolate desserts. Try adding them in these Chocolate Lentil Brownies or switch to red lentils and try these Peanut Butter Chocolate Lentil Blondies.

Can green lentils be sprouted and if so, how?

Yes! Here’s an easy tutorial on how to make sprouted lentils.

Can green lentils be used to make burgers or patties?

Yes! They make great vegetarian or vegan burgers, patties or meatballs. Try these Classic Lentil Burgers, Italian-Style Lentil Meatballs or these Spiced Lentil Burgers with Tahini Slaw.

See something you like? Pin it for later!

Looking for green lentil recipes? Here are 20+ healthy lentil recipes to try! Everything from curry and soup to salads and tacos, they're plant-based and full of protein, fiber & flavor.

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Rhubarb Custard Bars

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These Rhubarb Custard Bars are the perfect spring party dessert! It’s the perfect combination of shortbread crust, custard, rhubarb and cream cheese frosting that everyone will love.

rhubarb custard bars

*Originally published 6/2011. Updated 4/2024*

Hi Friends!

If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up some of the beautiful rhubarb that you might see in the garden or on grocery store shelves during the spring and early summer months, these Rhubarb Custard Bars are worth a try!

I first published this recipe way back in 2011 because it’s one of my dad’s very favorite desserts. When I saw some rhubarb at the store the other day, I decided it was high time to make a batch and show you all just how easy and delicious they are.

How To Make Rhubarb Custard Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These bars have 3 layers but each one is super easy to put together.

To make the shortbread crust, just mix together some flour and sugar and then cut in cold butter until you have a crumbly mixture. Press it into the bottom of a pan and stick it in the oven. It will look super dry and crumbly but will come together in the oven as the butter melts.

While the crust is cooking, mix together the custard. Simply whisk together a little flour, eggs, milk and sugar. Then stir in the sliced rhubarb. Pour the mixture over the crust when it’s done baking and stick it back in the oven.

Once the bars have cooked and cooled to room temperature, it’s time to make the frosting. Use an electric mixer to mix some cream cheese, cool whip and vanilla. Then add powdered sugar until the frosting is sweet enough for you. Spread it over the top of the bars and enjoy!

Best Rhubarb Custard Bars

creamy rhubarb custard bars

Here’s how you make them:

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Rhubarb Custard Bars with Shortbread Crust

rhubarb custard dessert bars
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These Rhubarb Custard Bars are the perfect spring party dessert! It’s the perfect combination of shortbread crust, custard, rhubarb and cream cheese frosting that everyone will love.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: serves 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1.5 cups flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 8 Tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Filling

  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 5 cups sliced rhubarb (fresh or frozen)

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temp
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cool whip, thawed
  • 1/2 – 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine 1.5 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender to cut butter in until mixture is crumbly.
  3. Press mixture evenly into a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper. Mixture will be very dry and crumbly.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, combine 1/3 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, milk and eggs in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
  6. Stir in rhubarb.
  7. When the crust is done baking, pour rhubarb mixture over crust and bake 40-45 minutes or until set.
  8. Cool to room temperature.
  9. To make the frosting, combine cream cheese, vanilla and cool whip. Beat with an electric mixture until smooth.
  10. Add powdered sugar, tasting as you add until desired sweetness is reached.
  11. Spread topping over bars once they’re cooled. Cut and serve.
  12. Store in the fridge.

Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Bars FAQs

What makes rhubarb a good choice for custard bars?

In case you’re not familiar, rhubarb is often described as red celery. It grows in stalks similar to celery and has leafy greens at the top. In it’s raw form, rhubarb is quite tart. It lends itself well to baking because it can be added to sweet desserts for a bit of a contrasting flavor for a nice balance of tart and sweet. It also holds up well when baked and maintains its shape.

Can frozen rhubarb be used in this recipe and if so, how does it affect the cooking process?

Yes! You are welcome to use frozen sliced rhubarb. No need to thaw ahead of time, just use as directed in the recipe.

What are some alternative crust options for these rhubarb custard bars?

You could make these with a graham cracker crust if you wanted to or try something a little different like a gingersnap crust.

How can you tell when the rhubarb custard bars are perfectly cooked?

When the bars are done, the custard should be set. The outside should be firm and slightly jiggly in the middle.

rhubarb custard shortbread bars

Can the sugar in the recipe be substituted with a healthier alternative?

You can play around with cutting back the sugar in this recipe if you want to. Try cutting back to 2/3 or 3/4 cup in the custard part or cutting back on the amount added to the frosting.

How do you store rhubarb custard bars? What the best way to store them?

Since these bars have a cream cheese frosting, they need to be stored in the refrigerator. I usually just cut and store in a glass container with a lid.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of these bars?

Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (I like King Arthur Measure for Measure) in place of the flour to make these bars gluten-free.

Can other fruits be combined with rhubarb for a different flavor profile in these bars?

You could try. Some fruits like strawberries and raspberries that would mix well with rhubarb tend to have a higher water content and may affect the set of the custard.

What are some serving suggestions or garnish ideas for rhubarb custard bars?

You could garnish these with fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries, make a rhubarb sauce to drizzle over the top or make little reddiwhip flowers to garnish.

Rhubarb Custard Shortbread Bars

These Rhubarb Custard Bars are the perfect spring party dessert! It's the perfect combination of shortbread crust, custard, rhubarb and cream cheese frosting that everyone will love.

Rhubarb Dessert Recipes

Have more rhubarb you need to use up? Try one of these recipes:

Easy Dessert Recipes

Need more dessert ideas? Here are a few we love:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak

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This slow cooker flank steak is flavored with ginger and garlic and packed with protein and vegetables. The best part is you don’t need to sear the meat beforehand! Just slice everything up, cover with sauce and let it cook!

flank steak recipes slow cooker - crockpot ginger garlic flank steak

*Thanks to the Ohio Beef Council for sponsoring this post. Published 10/22. Updated 4/24.*

Hi friends!

The biggest request I get when it comes to slow cooker recipes is that they be as easy as possible. Readers want to be able to just dump everything into the crockpot, set the timer and come home to a delicious meal.

Recently, I’ve had a lot of requests for a beef and broccoli recipe that didn’t require searing the meat beforehand.

Crock Pot Flank Steak

Enter this flank steak recipe in the slow cooker. It’s such a great source of protein and I love how tender it gets in the crockpot. I took the broccoli request to heart and then added a bunch more vegetables because you really can’t have too many right?

So really all you have to do is add rice and boom! You’ve got a complete dinner ready and waiting when you get home.

ginger garlic flank steak - recipes slow cooker

How To Cook Flank Steak in the Crockpot

Let’s talk about how to make this recipe. As I said, it just requires a little slicing and chopping, and then you dump everything in. One important thing to note is that for tender beef, you want to be sure to cut against the grain. Luckily with flank steak, it’s easy to see the long lines running across the meat so you just want to make sure you cut across those and not with them.

Another tip is to throw your flank steak in the freezer for an hour or so before slicing. This allows you to cut it thinly, at a slight angle, more easily than if it’s just straight out of the fridge. You’ll easily be able to get the perfect strips to add to the slow cooker.

We toss the strips in cornstarch to help thicken the sauce a little as it cooks. And remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Flank Steak in the Air Fryer

While this recipe is all about the slow cooker, I also wanted to mention that cooking flank steak in the air fryer is another super easy way to cook it! Here are a few recipes if you want to try it that way:

Or try my Air Fryer Steak Bites!

But for today we’re all about the crockpot so let’s get to the recipe:

Crockpot Flank Steak Recipe

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Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak

slow cooker ginger garlic flank steak
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This slow cooker ginger garlic flank steak is packed with protein and vegetables. The best part is you don’t need to sear the meat beforehand! Just slice everything up, cover with sauce and let it cook!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 – 2# flank steak
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 cups thinly sliced carrots
  • 1 thinly sliced bell pepper
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 – 2 Tbsp hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 package frozen broccoli, steamed
  • green onions

Instructions

  1. Place steak strips in a large bowl. Add cornstarch and toss to coat.

  2. Add thinly sliced carrots and bell peppers to the crockpot and add the steak.

  3. In a bowl, combine beef broth, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, tamari and hot sauce and stir to combine.

  4. Pour the sauce into the crockpot and stir to coat.

  5. Cook on low for 6 hours. 

  6. Prior to serving, stir in a bag of cooked, steamed broccoli. 

  7. Taste and adjust seasonings. You can add salt, add more hot sauce or even sprinkle with garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.

  8. Serve over rice and top with green onions.

Notes

  • You can sub chicken broth for beef broth.
  • You can sub soy sauce for tamari
  • If you want to use fresh broccoli, just throw it in for the last hour or so of cooking!

Doesn’t it look just delicious?! I love how many veggies are packed in there and I love that there’s not dirtying another pan by having to sear beforehand. The brown sugar adds sweetness to this but then you can mix in as much hot sauce as you want to give it that sweet and spicy combination flavor!

Need more slow cooker flank steak recipes? Try:

Slow Cooker Flank Steak FAQs

What is the best way to prepare flank steak before cooking it in the slow cooker? What are some tips for slicing flank steak?

The easiest way to slice flank steak is to stick it in the freezer for an hour. It will freeze it just enough to make it easy to slice. Be sure to slice against the grain for tender slices. If you slice with the grain, the meat will be stringy and tough.

How long should I cook flank steak in the slow cooker for optimal tenderness?

This recipe does best when cooked on low for 4-6 hours.

Can I cook vegetables alongside the flank steak in the slow cooker?

Yes! Feel free to add whatever vegetables you’d like. I use broccoli, peppers and carrots. You could try green beans, cauliflower or even potatoes.

How can I ensure my flank steak doesn’t dry out?

Cooking the steak with sauce in the slow cooker will keep the steak from drying out!

What are the benefits of cooking flank steak in a slow cooker versus grilling?

Using the slow cooker is a more hands-off approach. If you don’t have time to man the grill, try using the crockpot.

Can slow cooker flank steak be prepared in advance and frozen?

You could easily combine all of the ingredients except the cornstarch and freeze. When ready to cook, dump into the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water, stir to combine and pour into the crockpot, stirring well, for the last hour of cooking.

slow cooker ginger garlic flank steak

What are some healthy side dishes to serve with slow cooker flank steak?

This is a healthy balanced meal all by itself but adding a side of rice, quinoa or farro would be a great addition. You could also serve with a side salad, some fruit or something like roasted potatoes, baked sweet potatoes or corn on the cob.

How can I thicken the sauce created from cooking flank steak in a slow cooker?

The sauce will thicken as it cools, but if you want a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 Tbsp more cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and stir it in and let cook 15 min longer.

How can I make a gluten-free version of slow cooker flank steak?

Make sure to use certified gluten-free cornstarch as needed and use tamari instead of cornstarch.

What are some creative ways to repurpose leftover slow cooker flank steak?

I think this recipe would be delicious as a filling for lettuce wraps! You could also dice leftovers up a bit smaller and use them to make quesadillas.

Slow Cooker Beef Flank Steak Recipe

Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Flank Steak Recipe

I hope you guys enjoy this recipe! Be sure to let me know if you try it! If you’re looking for more slow cooker recipes you can see all of my crockpot recipes here!

Some of my favorites include:

And if you’re a beef-lover, Ohio Beef Council has tons of great beef recipes on their site.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–