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Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

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These Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies with Oatmeal are bursting with delicious mix-ins and are guaranteed to please a crowd.

oatmeal walnut chocolate chip cookies

*Published 12/2022. Updated 10/2024*

Hi friends!

I’m adding a classic cookie recipe to your arsenal today – Chocolate Chip Walnut Oatmeal Cookies. Everyone has a favorite chocolate chip cookie – a tried and true staple that never fails. For me, that’s these Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. But it’s also good to have a few more go-to recipes, usually some with fun mix-ins!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

That’s where this recipe comes in! It’s a classic chewy chocolate chip cookie recipe with hints of cinnamon and lots of chopped walnuts, chocolate chips and oats mixed in.

If you, like me, do not actually love walnuts, you could swap in pecans like I often do! You could even use slivered almonds or chopped peanuts.

You could also swap chocolate chips for raisins for a different spin.

What makes these the best chocolate chip walnut cookies?

This recipe has the perfect ratio of mix-ins to cookie dough. The oats add some texture to basic cookie dough while the chocolate chips add the perfect amount of sweetness. But it’s the walnuts that make this cookie really shine. The understated walnut flavor really shines through in these cookies and they offer the perfect balance of crunch from the walnuts and chewiness from the dough.

Chocolate Walnut Cookies

In developing this recipe, my emphasis was on the walnuts and making them the star of the show. If you’d like a bigger focus to be on the chocolate, there are a few things you could do. Leave out the oats and:

  • Use dark chocolate – It has a richer, slightly stronger flavor which will make it stand out more.
  • Use chocolate chunks – Instead of using chocolate chips, grab a bar of your favorite dark chocolate and chop it up into larger chunks. They’ll take up more space in the cookies and make their presence known!
  • Add cocoa powder – Add 1/3 cup cocoa powder to your dough when you add the dry ingredients for a chocolate walnut cookie everyone will love!

Chocolate Oat Walnut Cookies

If you love the idea of oats and walnuts together but also want a chocolate cookie, feel free to follow this recipe as it’s written but add 1/3 cup cocoa powder when you mix in the dry ingredients.

Why add Oatmeal to Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies?

As a Registered Dietitian, oats are one of my favorite additions to muffins, cookies and other baked goods. They’re a whole grain and a great source of fiber. They also mix seamlessly into most doughs and batters and are an easy way to add some nutrient density to a recipe.

They also add a nice texture and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies with Oatmeal

chocolate chip walnut cookies with oats

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe Ingredients

Let’s talk about the ingredients:

  • Butter – softened to room temperature, not melted!
  • Brown sugar – helps make them chewy
  • White sugar
  • Eggs – we use one egg + one egg yolk for a chewier cookie
  • Vanilla and cinnamon- for flavor
  • Flour – I use white whole wheat flour but AP flour is fine. You can also use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
  • Baking soda
  • Oats – I use rolled oats
  • Walnuts – chopped to the desired size. I chop mine fairly small
  • Chocolate chips

How To Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

To make these cookies, just follow a few simple steps. Don’t skip chilling the dough. It makes a big difference and helps concentrate the flavors as well as keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking to help them stay nice and chewy!

To make these cookies:

  • Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs and vanilla.
  • Mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  • Gently stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
  • Chill the dough.
  • Bake and enjoy!

Tips for perfect oatmeal cookies:

  • Press down lightly with a fork to help them spread a little bit while baking.
  • Chill the dough to keep them from spreading too much.
  • For picture-perfect cookies, add a few extra chopped walnuts and chocolate chips to the top of your scoops before baking!

Chocolate Chip Walnut Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Here are all the details:

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie Recipe FAQs

How to store chocolate oat walnut cookies?

Let these cookies cool completely, then store in an airtight container on the counter.

Can you freeze this oatmeal chocolate chip walnut cookie recipe?

Yes! This dough would freeze great. Once the dough is mixed, scoop onto cookie sheets and flatten slightly. Then instead of chilling, place tray in the freezer for an hour or two, then transfer the cookie dough balls to a Ziploc bag.

Simply bake from frozen when ready to eat. They may require an extra minute or two of baking time.

Can I add walnuts to any oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe?

Yes! Walnuts make a great addition to cookies, even when the original recipe doesn’t call for them. Feel free to chop some up and add them to your favorite oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe for a boost of heart-healthy fats! Try these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Could I add other nuts to this oatmeal chocolate chip walnut cookie recipe?

Sure! You could chop up and throw in some pecans if you wanted. Oatmeals and pecans are similar in hardness so they would work well together in a cookie.

You could also add some chopped peanuts or slivered almonds.

These oatmeal chocolate chip walnut cookies are sure to please a crowd!

Need more chocolate chip cookie recipes?

chewy gluten-free chocolate chip cookies

Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Grab the recipe!
date sweetened chocolate chip cookies

Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies are naturally sweetened with dates and made with just a few simple ingredients! They’re perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack!

Grab the recipe!
peanut butter hemp seed cookies

Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Cookies

These Peanut Butter Hemp Cookies are made with just six ingredients and make a perfect protein-packed snack or dessert. Plus they’re kid-friendly!

Grab the recipe!
walnut chocolate chip cookies

Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe uses vanilla instant pudding mix as the secret ingredient!

Grab the recipe!
choc chip walnut oatmeal cookies 5

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

These soft and chewy oatmeal cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts.

Grab the recipe

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Apple Crisp Without Oats

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This apple crisp without oats is the perfect fall dessert! Delicious cinnamon apples with a buttery crumble topping.

apple crisp without oats

Hi friends!

If you’re on the hunt for a new fall dessert recipe, this is it! I’ve always been a bigger fan of apple crisp than apple pie. Who needs that bottom crust when the crumble topping pairs so well with warm apples?

This dessert is so easy to throw together and tastes great warm or cold but I’d highly recommend it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt on top.

No Oats Apple Crisp

This specific recipe uses no oats. As a dietitian, I’m a big fan of oats. They’re a whole grain, a great source of fiber, etc. I use them often in recipes like:

However, I’ve noticed in a lot of recipes for crisps and crumbles, I don’t always love the texture that oats add to the recipe. I often find them to be kinda dry and just not my favorite.

So I started thinking about these Pumpkin Pie Bars, which I love, and how they have a delicious topping that doesn’t require any oats. I figured I would try something similar for an apple crisp and it turned out great!

no oats apple crisp

No Oats Apple Crisp Quick Easy Recipe

Filling Ingredients

To make the filling for this crisp you just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Apples – Honeycrisp are my favorite!
  • Lemon Juice – Adds a little tartness to balance out the sugar
  • Brown sugar – For sweetness
  • Vanilla and cinnamon – For flavor

No Oats Apple Crisp Topping Ingredients

The topping couldn’t be simpler!

How to make apple crisp without oats

This recipe requires just a few simple steps:

  • Dice the apples.
  • Toss in a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, vanilla and lemon juice.
  • Pour the apples in a pan.
  • Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and cubed butter in a bowl. Use a pastry blender or two knives until butter resembles pea-sized balls.
  • Pour the topping over top of the apples and bake!

Apple Crisp Without Oats Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe:

No Oats Apple Crisp FAQs

How do I store this apple crisp without oats?

You can leave it out on the counter for a day or so, covered with foil or plastic wrap. After that I would transfer to a container and store in the fridge. Just warm it up in the microwave when you’re ready to eat!

Could you use the filling part of this recipe as apple pie filling?

Sure! Try thinly slicing the apples instead of dicing them and then grab a store-bought pie crust to put it in! You could even use the same crumble recipe on top of your pie.

Is this considered an apple crunch recipe?

It could be! The buttery topping does have a little crunch to it after baking. You could even extend the baking time to see if that makes it a bit crunchier – or add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture!

What if I want an apple oatmeal crumble recipe instead?

If you’re looking for a similar recipe that does use oats, try one of these:

no oats apple crisp

What are some other ways to use all of these apples I have?

Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is make homemade donuts. We love these Baked Pumpkin Donuts but here are some using apples.

Traditionally, apple cider donuts use apple cider not apples, but this recipe for Cinnamon and Sugar Baked Apple Donuts uses applesauce (which you could make with some of your apples) AND grated apples. Here’s another recipe for baked apple donuts.

If you want to try making your own apple cider, try this Easy Apple Cider Recipe.

OR make our favorite apple donuts, which involve coring an apple, slicing and adding toppings! Or try these Apple Graham Cracker Snack Nachos.

Apple Smoothies Recipe

Tossing an apple into your smoothie every day could be a fun way to change things up this fall! Try one of these:

Dump Cake Apple Recipe

My Pumpkin Pie Bars use cake mix as a base and there are similar recipes using apples! Check out:

Recipe For Apple Cookies

Apples also make a great addition to cookies! I’ve got a fun recipe for Apple Pecan Snack Cookies using coconut flour. Or you could try these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies or these Caramel Apple Cookies.

This apple crisp without oats is the perfect fall dessert! Delicious cinnamon apples with a buttery crumble topping.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

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This Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad is a simple, healthy side dish recipe. Choose your favorite veggies, then add some bacon, goat cheese and an easy balsamic dressing.

roasted vegetable pasta salad

*Originally published 10/2017. Updated 10/2024*

Hi friends!

Popping in today to share a fun new pasta salad recipe with you guys.

This Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad is packed with…you guessed it…roasted veggies! The best part about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.

Some of my favorites include Brussels sprouts, green beans, red peppers and sweet potatoes. I also often use broccoli and sometimes I’ll throw in some carrots.

It’s best to choose vegetables that all cook similarly so if you’re going to use carrots, chop them fairly small and know that they might still have a little crunch to them compared to vegetables like brussels sprouts, green beans and peppers.

I like that for a little texture variety but it’s something to consider. If you don’t like that, swap carrots for broccoli or sweet potatoes.

Another great thing about this recipe is that you can use pretty much any kind of pasta. I’ve made it with ravioli, tortellini, elbows and spirals and they all work just fine.

vegetable pasta salad with bacon and goat cheese

Ingredients for Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

Here’s what you need to make this pasta salad:

  • Roasted vegetables -Brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet potatoes, green beans and bell peppers are all great options.
  • Pasta – use your favorite type! I personally prefer tortellini or spirals
  • Goat cheese– a few goat cheese crumbles really add a nice flavor to this pasta salad
  • Bacon – Another great way to add flavor and a bit of texture
  • Homemade dressing– I use a simple homemade balsamic dressing which includes a mix of oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, maple syrup or honey and garlic.

How To Make Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

Making this pasta salad is pretty simple!

  • Cook your pasta.
  • Roast your vegetables.
  • Mix pasta and veggies with cooked, diced bacon and goat cheese.
  • Make the homemade dressing.
  • Stir everything together and serve!

Vegetable Pasta Salad Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Quick, easy and delicious. If you want to, you could add some leftover chicken into the mix as well!

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad FAQs

Do you serve this roasted vegetable pasta salad cold?

Totally up to you! This pasta salad tastes great warm, cold or room temperature. Keep in mind if you serve it warm, the goat cheese will melt.

How to store roasted vegetable pasta salad?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

What are the best vegetables for vegetable pasta salad?

It’s best to choose vegetables that all cook in a similar time – broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red peppers, sweet potatoes and green beans all cook in about 20 minutes. Carrots can also cook in that time frame when chopped small.

If you’re worried, cook carrots on a separate baking sheet so they can cook a few extra minutes without overcooking the other vegetables.

Could you make this a grilled vegetable pasta salad?

Absolutely. Keep everything the same, just swap grilled vegetables for the roasted ones.

What are some other vegetable pasta salad recipes?

Here are a few others to try:

Or try this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta.

easy vegetable pasta salad

Best dressing for roasted vegetable pasta salad?

I tend to prefer balsamic or honey mustard but Italian is also a classic. Here are some easy homemade dressings to choose from:

What to serve with vegetable pasta salad?

Choose your favorite protein! This would be great with a side of marinated chicken or steak. Or you could mix some chicken sausage right in.

Try:

Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad

This Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad is a simple, healthy side dish recipe. Choose your favorite veggies, then add some bacon, goat cheese and an easy balsamic dressing.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip

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This Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip is the perfect kid-friendly side dish for your next holiday gathering or weeknight dinner!

strawberry jello salad with cool whip

*Originally posted 10/23. Updated 10/24.*

Hi friends!

Allow me to introduce my Grandma’s jello. Growing up, my grandparents always came to our house for Thanksgiving, and my Grandma always made this jello.

It was quite literally the only thing I ate for Thanksgiving dinner, besides dinner rolls with butter, for the first 20+ years of my life. I’ve never met a kid who didn’t like it…and all you need are three ingredients!

Why Jello and Cool Whip with strawberries?

I can’t explain exactly what makes this better than regular jello other than the fact that it’s fruity, fluffy and fun to eat!

We always use strawberry jello, but you could make it with any flavor.

What’s the easiest strawberry jello salad recipe for beginners (a quick strawberry cool whip recipe kids will love?)

This one! It honestly couldn’t be easier. Here’s what you need:

Jello Salad with Cool Whip Ingredients

All you need for this recipe is:

  • Jello
  • Cool whip
  • Sliced strawberries

That’s it! Just make the jello, blend in some Cool Whip, stir in the strawberries, and voila!

Can you make this jello with frozen strawberries?

Yes! If you’re eating right away, thaw the strawberries in the fridge before mixing them in. If you have some time, you can just mix them in frozen and they’ll thaw.

Can I substitute fresh fruit in strawberry jello for frozen berries?

Feel free to use fresh strawberries in this recipe if you prefer. Just wash and slice before adding to the jello and cool whip mixture.

What’s the quickest method for making an easy jello salad?

You’ll definitely want a hand mixer for this recipe. It’s the easiest way to blend the jello with the cool whip once it has set and make it nice and fluffy!

Strawberry Jello Salad Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Strawberry Jello Salad FAQs

Can I try this strawberry jello dessert recipe with whipped cream?

I have not tried it myself so I’m not sure how it would hold up. My guess would be it would be fine if you were serving it right away but I’m not sure how well it would hold up in the fridge.

Are there any whip cream jello recipes?

If you’re looking to use whipped cream, try:

How long does strawberry jello salad last in the refrigerator?

Keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What are some variations of a classic jello strawberry salad recipe?

For a fun twist you could try using a different fruit besides strawberries to mix in – try raspberries or mandarin oranges to change things up!

Can I mix Jello with fruit cocktail and cool whip for a unique twist?

Yes! Canned fruit cocktail would make a great addition to several flavors of jello in a salad like this.

jello strawberry salad

How can I make a whip Jello dessert with different fruit flavors?

You can make this recipe with any flavor of jello! Try orange Jello with mandarin oranges mixed in, cherry Jello with fruit cocktail, raspberry or lemon Jello with raspberries, grape Jello with blackberries and more! The possibilities are endless.

Can I make a strawberry jello fruit salad without using dairy products?

I haven’t tried myself, but there are some vegan cool whip options including Cocowhip and vegan Truwhip. My hunch is this would work well if serving right away but I’m not sure how well it would hold up in the fridge for leftovers.

What are some other creative strawberry jello dessert ideas / desserts with strawberry jello?

What about other Jello recipes with Cool Whip?

If you’re looking for more recipes using Jello and Cool Whip, try:

I need more recipes with jello!

Check out these 36 Old-School Jello Recipes.

Cool Whip and Jello with Strawberries Recipe

This Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip is the perfect kid-friendly side dish for your next holiday gathering or weeknight dinner!

Need more Thanksgiving recipes to go with this jello salad? Try:

sausage and wild rice stuffing

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing

This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing makes the perfect holiday side dish but is also hearty enough to enjoy as a meal on its own.

Grab the recipe!
leftover turkey and white bean soup

Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a new meal. Or make it with chicken any time of year!

Grab the recipe!
sweet potato apple cranberry crumble

Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble

This Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner. Make it for a quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish or pop it in the oven while eating and serve it with ice cream for dessert!

Grab the recipe!
cranberry corn muffins

Cranberry Corn Muffins

These Cranberry Corn Muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with tart fresh cranberries. They make the perfect dinner side dish. Serve them with a hearty chili or make a batch for your holiday dinner.

Grab the recipe!
fresh cranberry sauce

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

This fresh homemade cranberry sauce is an easy and delicious way to add some fresh fall flavor to your meals! Make it for Thanksgiving and use the leftovers as a topping for waffles, oatmeal and sandwiches.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

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This Broccoli Pesto Pasta is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Pair with chicken for extra protein and customize with your favorite veggies.

broccoli pesto pasta with chicken

*Originally published 5/2016. Updated 9/2024.*

Hi Friends!

This broccoli pesto pasta recipe has been on the blog for years now but I recently made it and decided it was time to breathe some new life into the post!

It’s a fun twist on traditional pesto and super easy to make at home. Add some pasta, chicken and your veggies and boom! Dinner is served. Or if you don’t have broccoli, try this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta instead!

Broccoli works well in this recipe because it’s green and blends seamlessly into a typical pesto recipe.

Broccoli Pesto Pasta Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make the broccoli pesto:

  • Fresh basil – This recipe only uses about 1 cup. If you’re not growing it in your garden, it can be tricky to find at the grocery store so I didn’t want to require you to find a huge amount!
  • Garlic – You can control the number of cloves you add depending on how strong of a garlic flavor you like. I use 3 cloves but if you want a more subtle flavor you can use 2 or even 1.
  • Oil – I use avocado oil but olive oil also works great.
  • Pumpkin Seeds/Pepitas – I know pine nuts are expensive so this recipe uses pepitas because it’s something I always have on hand to add to my smoothies. You could also try sunflower seeds or even cashews or almonds.
  • Parmesan cheese – I buy a block and shred my own but you could buy it already grated if you need to.
  • Broccoli – I’ve found fresh broccoli to work best in this recipe. Frozen broccoli steamed in the microwave tends to add a bit too much water.
  • Pasta water – In this recipe, you cook the broccoli in boiling water and then remove it and add the noodles. After the noodles are cooked, save just a bit of the water to add to the pesto at the end. It’s filled with starch and will help bring everything together.
  • Salt – to taste!
broccoli pesto

How To Make Pasta with Broccoli Pesto

To make this pesto all you really need is a food processor. I’ve tried making this in a blender but since there’s not that much liquid, it can be tricky.

So grab your food processor, (big or small!) and add all ingredients except the pasta water. Blend until smooth. Slowly add the pasta water until the pesto is your desired consistency. I use about 1/4 cup. Then toss with your favorite pasta!

broccoli pesto pasta with chicken

Chicken Broccoli Pesto Pasta

In my opinion, chicken and roasted veggies are the perfect addition to this recipe. They pair well with the flavors of pesto and the chicken adds protein to the dish helping to round it out and make it a complete meal.

This Broccoli Pesto would be a great sub for regular pesto in my Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Tortellini or my Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls. Or try this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta.

Broccoli Pesto Pasta Recipe

Broccoli Pesto Pasta FAQs

How do you store broccoli pesto pasta?

If you’re making the pesto ahead of time, I would store it separately and toss it with warm pasta when you’re ready to serve it. Pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a week or two. Extra can be frozen.

How do you freeze broccoli pesto?

Pesto can be stored in the freezer if you’re not able to use it all. Just use a Tablespoon to scoop onto a plate lined with parchment paper. Freeze and then transfer the pesto spoonfuls to a Ziploc bag.

Can you make broccoli pesto without basil?

I’ll be honest- I think basil is really what gives pesto its classic flavor. I tried this recipe using curly parsley and it just wasn’t the same. I’ve seen people recommend trying arugula instead of basil but I haven’t tried it myself.

This post has ideas for The Best Substitutes for Basil in Pesto.

broccoli pesto pasta recipe

Can you make this vegan broccoli pesto?

To make this recipe vegan you would need to replace the Parmesan cheese. You could try replacing the Parmesan in this recipe with nutritional yeast or try this Easy Vegan Pesto recipe.

Could you use this to make broccoli pesto pizza?

Yes! This would be the perfect addition to a white pizza. Pair it with fresh mozzarella slices, blistered tomatoes and even some chicken!

Could you make roasted broccoli pesto?

Yes. If you wanted to kick the flavor up a bit, roasted broccoli would be great in this recipe!

Can you use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a big too watery and changes the consistency of the pesto.

Could you serve this as broccoli pesto pasta salad?

Yes! This would be good hot or cold. Feel free to use shells or another type of pasta and add raw veggies for a little crunch and toss with pesto.

Or try this Pesto Pasta Salad or this Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad.

This Broccoli Pesto Pasta is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Pair with chicken for extra protein and customize with your favorite veggies.

Need more broccoli recipes?

Check out these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Kale and White Bean Salad

by 1 Comment

This Kale and White Bean Salad is packed with nutrients and the flavor just gets better as it sits in the fridge. The perfect meal prep lunch recipe.

kale and white bean salad

Hi friends!

It’s been a while since I shared a kale recipe. I seem to go in cycles with kale, loving it for a while and then switching back to regular lettuce as my greens of choice.

Right now I’m in a kale-loving era and this kale and white bean salad is my favorite way to eat it. Kale is great for meal prep because if you mix it with a dressing, it breaks down a bit and softens as it sits in the fridge, making it much more delicious than when it’s just plain raw kale.

If you’re looking for another salad that makes a great lunch, try this Mediterranean Chopped Salad or this Crunchy Kale Salad with Couscous. Or pair this salad with my Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta for an amazing dinner!

How to de-stem kale

If you haven’t used kale much in your kitchen, it’s important to note that before you just go chopping it up like lettuce, you need to remove the tough middle stem. Here are a couple ways to do that:

Once the stem is removed, you can wash and chop to your desired size. I prefer smaller pieces vs large chunks.

Why Do You Have To Massage Kale

You may have also heard that you need to massage kale. This is true! Actually massaging it, with your hands, with a bit of oil and lemon juice will help break down the tough fibers and make it easier to chew and digest.

Here are directions for How To Massage Kale if you need them!

kale and white bean salad ingredients

Ingredients for Kale and White Bean Salad

So what ingredients do we need for this salad? Nothing fancy required! And it’s a flexible salad so you can add/sub veggies to your liking. You’ll need:

  • Kale – I typically use curly kale but you could use lacinato kale if preferred.
  • Cherry tomatoes– These are easy to quarter and hold their shape well in salads
  • Red onion– If you don’t prefer these because of their strong flavor, feel free to swap green onions
  • Bell pepper – I use red but yellow or orange would work too
  • Corn – I prefer grabbing a couple ears of corn and steaming them, then cutting off the kernals but frozen or canned work too
  • White beans– I love Great Northern Beans but you could use cannellini or even a mix of beans and chickpeas
  • Feta– Crumbled feta adds lots of flavor
  • Strawberries – I love fresh fruit to add a little sweetness. Nectarines/peaches also work well
  • Avocado and pumpkin seeds– Toppings that make great additions but don’t hold up well in the dressing so add them just before serving!
  • Homemade dressing – A simple maple mustard vinaigrette takes this to the next level
kale and cannellini salad

How To Make Kale and Cannellini Salad

Like I mentioned – we’re flexible with what kind of white beans we use so just grab your favorite. Even navy beans would work.

To make this salad:

  • De-stem and chop the kale.
  • Massage the kale with oil and lemon juice in a large bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients (minus avocado and pumpkin seeds and stir to combine.
  • Make a homemade dressing by combining oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup and mustard in a jar and shaking it up.
  • Pour over salad, tossing to coat and voila!
  • Feel free to add chicken or chicken sausage or even steak for some extra protein.

Kale and White Bean Salad Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe I use:

White Bean Salad FAQs

How do you store this kale and white bean salad?

Store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor will develop as it sits. Remember to only add the avocado and pumpkin seeds right before serving or they might get brown and/or soggy.

How can I add more protein to my kale and white bean salad?

This is the perfect salad to use up some leftover chicken or add some sliced chicken sausage for extra protein. You could also add diced steak to the mix. Feel free to mix those right in with the other ingredients and let them marinate and absorb the flavor.

What can I substitute for kale in this recipe?

If you don’t like kale, sub your favorite leafy lettuce or baby spinach. Just know that these will not hold up as well as kale in the fridge once mixed with dressing so I would leave them out, mix the remaining ingredients with the dressing and then scoop over lettuce right before serving.

What other beans can I use in white bean salad?

I prefer Great Northern beans because of their size and mild flavor. You could substitute cannellini beans or navy beans.

You could also try black-eyed peas or lentils if you prefer.

white bean salad

What are the best vegetables for kale and white bean salad?

I like the veggie mix I use in the recipe but you could easily add things like chopped broccoli, carrots, shredded brussels sprouts or even green beans to the mix if you wanted to.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup you can sub honey in equal quantities in this recipe.

What’s the best dressing for kale and cannellini bean salad?

I love the maple mustard dressing because it compliments the veggies as well as the fruit but if you’re not a fan you could use Italian dressing or even a balsamic vinaigrette.

What other white bean salad recipes could I try?

Here are a few ideas:

This Kale and White Bean Salad is packed with nutrients and the flavor just gets better as it sits in the fridge. The perfect meal prep lunch recipe.

More kale and white bean recipes

Looking for ways to use up the rest of your bundle of kale or and extra can of white beans?

leftover turkey and white bean soup

Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a new meal. Or make it with chicken any time of year!

Grab the recipe!
bowtie pasta with sausage, white beans and kale

Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, White Beans and Kale

A one-pot meal that requires minimal prep work and clean up, it’s an excellent source of calcium and iron and is packed with vitamins and nutrients.

Grab the recipe!
spicy sausage lentil and kale soup

Spicy Sausage Lentil & Kale Soup

This Spicy Sausage Lentil and Kale Soup is protein-packed and full of vegetables. Make a batch to enjoy for dinner or pack it for lunch all week!   *Photo updated 9/2016* Hi Friends! I have a soup recipe to share with you today. The title is a bit misleading because I actually didn’t use spicy

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white chicken chili

White Chicken Chili

This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect lunch or dinner soup and a nice change from traditional tomato-based chili.

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sweet potato white bean bars

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

These Sweet Potato White Bean Bars are perfect for breakfast or snack time. They’re kid-friendly, nut-free and full of fiber! 

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Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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:

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!

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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:

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:

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!}

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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:

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.

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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. 

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Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Curried Sweet Potato Soup

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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:

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 8/2025*

These Healthy Costco Snacks are healthy, affordable and perfect for snacks and lunches. They are kid-friendly and easy to prep and eat – great for busy families trying to eat healthy.

Best Costco Snacks 2025

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!

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Costco Snacks

  • Kid-friendly
  • High in protein and fiber
  • Good for school snacks
  • Can be packed in lunch boxes for healthy packed lunches
  • A mix of pantry staples, fresh ingredients and freezer-friendly options

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 7-8 grams).

RD mom tip- Snacks with 9+ grams of added sugar or more should be treated more like treats/desserts than snacks.

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.

RD mom tip – Remember that 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.

RD mom tip – 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 in large quantities.

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)

RD mom tip – Always pair things like crackers with a protein, fiber or healthy fat source. It will help make the snack as a whole more filling and keep you feeling full longer.

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)

RD mom tip – 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.

These healthy Costco snacks are affordable and nutritious, perfect for at-home and on the go snacking for busy families looking for healthy and nutritious snack options.

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!

Have extra corn to use up? Try this Healthy Corn Chowder.

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:

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:

For more adult snacks ideas check out:

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). Or try these Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars for a non-lemon option.

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:

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–

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–