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Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

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

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins made with Craisins

 

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

Hi friends!

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

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

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins on parchment paper and in muffin tin

Here’s what you need:

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

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

 

Here’s the recipe:

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Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

cranberry sweet potato muffins copy
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★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

This recipe for Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins makes a great breakfast or grab-and-go snack. Use fresh or dried cranberries or swap chocolate chips

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (increase to 2/3 cup for sweeter muffin)
  • 2/3 cup milk (cow or plant-based)
  • 1/4 cup oil (i use avocado)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1.5 cups flour (i used white whole wheat)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or 1/3 – 1/2 cup Craisins or chocolate chips)

Instructions

  1. Combine sweet potato, eggs, vanilla, brown sugar, milk, oil and cinnamon in a large bowl and mix until well mixed.
  2. Add flour and baking soda and stir until just combined.
  3. Mix in fresh cranberries or chocolate chips.
  4. Scoop into lined muffin tins and bake at 375 for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let cool completely.

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

This recipe for Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins makes a great breakfast or grab-and-go snack. You could also serve them as a dinner side dish.

Either way they’re delicious!

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Ways To Eat Beans For Breakfast

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

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

*Originally published July 2015. Updated April 2021.*

Hi friends!

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

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

Benefits of Beans for Breakfast

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

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

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

10 Ways To Eat Beans For Breakfast

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

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

sheet pan breakfast hash

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

Breakfast Quesadillas

Make Ahead Breakfast Quesadillas
Make a batch of these to stock your freezer with a quick breakfast option.

High protein avocado toast

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

Huevos Rancheros Tostadas

Huevos Rancheros Tostadas
These would be great for the next brunch you host!

White Bean Shakshuka

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

Vegan Breakfast Tacos

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

Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Sandwich

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

black bean breakfast enchiladas

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

breakfast burrito egg casserole

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

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

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg In The Microwave

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Microwave Egg Oatmeal- Pair eggs and oatmeal for an easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

Microwave Egg Oatmeal- An easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

*Originally published 12/2015. Updated 4/2021*

Hi Friends!

This recipe for microwave egg oatmeal is a must-try!  I’ve been making it for over six years. I’m a big fan of oatmeal in the morning. Oats + fruit + nut butter = a great start to my day.

I also focus a lot on making sure I get a good amount of protein at breakfast and oatmeal plus egg seemed like a great way to do that. Oats are a whole grain and full of fiber but I often get hungry quickly if I don’t add healthy fat to my oatmeal or pair it with protein.

Have you ever tried an egg in oatmeal? 

I’ve always been a microwave oatmeal kinda girl. I don’t have the patience for cooking it on the stovetop. And this is a quick easy way to add some extra protein to your oatmeal.

You can use egg white or a whole egg based on your preference. Oatmeal and eggs make the perfect pair. Even my kids think so. Watch this quick video to see me making their oatmeal. 

Microwave Egg Oatmeal

Microwave Egg Oatmeal- An easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

How To Make Oatmeal with Egg:

So here’s what you do:

  • Put oats, milk, chopped fruit and an egg/egg white in a bowl and mix it up.
  • Stick it in the microwave.
  • Stop and stir.
  • Cook a little more.
  • Stir in some nut butter.
  • Top with cinnamon and a few chocolate chips. 

And bam! Breakfast is ready in under 5 minutes.

Here’s the actual recipe I use. You can adjust the quantities of oats, milk and egg to your liking:

Print

How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg

Oatmeal with Egg 4
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★★★★★

4.4 from 5 reviews

Learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg – an easy way to add some extra protein to breakfast!

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: serves 1

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg white or egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped fruit (optional)
  • optional toppings: cinnamon, nut butter, seeds, chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Combine oats, milk, egg/egg white and fruit (if using) in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Microwave for 45 seconds.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Microwave another 30-60 seconds.
  5. Top as desired and serve warm.

Feel free to use the whole egg or just egg white(s). My kids find the whole egg to be more noticeable so just prefer egg white.

Microwave Egg Oatmeal- An easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

Let’s chat:
What are your favorite oatmeal toppings?!

If you want to make your life even easier, try my Freezer Preap Oatmeal Cups!

And if you’re looking for more recipes using oats, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

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

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

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

Hi friends!

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

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

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

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

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins with a mug of coffee

Here’s how you make them:

Print

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins with a mug of coffee
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

These Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins are packed with fruits and veggies and make a healthy, kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: makes 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup shredded zucchini (excess water removed)
  • 1/2 cup shredded apple (excess water removed)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot (excess water removed)
  • 4 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup applesauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1.5 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ginger, optional

Instructions

  1. Mix first 8 ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well combined.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir until just mixed. Batter will be very thick. Stir well to ensure all flour is mixed in.
  3. Scoop into greased or lined muffin tins.
  4. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Notes

Measure the zucchini, apple and carrots AFTER you squeeze the water out of them. I used 1 medium large zucchini, one large apple and 8-10 baby carrots.

To make the veggie less visable, I often make these in the food processor!

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

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

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

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

 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

 

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

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

curried tuna salad with apples

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

Hi Friends!

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

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

Here’s what you need:

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

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

overhead shot of curried tuna salad with apples

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

Here’s what you need:

Print

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

curried tuna salad with apples 2
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★★★★★

5 from 1 review

A quick and easy lunch idea that’s full of flavor!

  • Author: Author: Lindsay L
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans of tuna, drained
  • 1/2 cup hummus
  • 1/2 c apple, chopped or shredded
  • 1/3 cup green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 – 2 tsp curry powder (start with 1, taste and add more)
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • optional- diced red peppers

Instructions

  1. Combine tuna and hummus and mix well.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and str to combine.
  3. Serve with veggie slices or crackers or eat it on a sandwich!

Notes

You can swap hummus for mayo if you want, or adjust the amount to get your desired amount of creaminess. You can also use some mashed avocado.

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

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

 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

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

Chewy Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hi friends!

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

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

Chewy Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies

The best chewy gluten-free chocolate chip cookies

Here’s what you need:

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

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

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

Here’s the recipe:

Print

Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 review

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

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: 16-18 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup almond butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup almond flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup + 2 Tbsp King Arther Measure for Measure Gluten-free Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup chocolate chips
sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add butter and almond butter. Microwave 1 minute or until butter is melted.
  2. Stir in egg, brown sugar, almond flour and vanilla and mix well.
  3. Spoon measure for measure flour into a measuring cup and level across the top and add to the bowl along with 2 more tablespoons. Do not scoop into the container or you’ll end up with too much flour.
  4. Add baking soda and stir until combined. The dough may seem slightly dry but you should be able to mix just enough to get all the flour to mix in.
  5. Stir in chocolate chips then let the dough sit for 20 minutes.
  6. Scoop onto lined baking sheet, sprinkle with sea salt and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. You should be able to make 16-18 cookies.
  7. Let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

For a sweeter cookie, you can increase to 3/4 cup brown sugar.

You can sub peanut butter for almond butter if desired.

If you use a different brand of GF flour, make sure it contains xanthan gum.

Don’t they look delicious?!

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip

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

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip

*Originally published June 2012. Updated Mar 2021*

 

Hi Friends!

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

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

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this simple dip:

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

Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Bowl of spicy red pepper feta dip

Here’s how you make it:

Print

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip

Spicy Feta Dip with Roasted Red Peppers
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 6 cloves roasted garlic (I roast one small bulb)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 1 (4oz) container crumbled feta (approx 3/4 cup)

Instructions

  1. Place the red pepper on a baking sheet. Cut the top off the bulb of garlic, drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Place it on the baking sheet as well.
  2. Roast the pepper and garlic in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.
  3. Let pepper cool slightly, peel off the skin and remove stem, seeds and extra liquid.
  4. In a food processor, combine roasted pepper and garlic, crumbled feta, oil, cayenne pepper and beans. Process until well combined.
  5. Taste and add additional cayenne pepper if desired. Serve with crackers, veggies or pita or use as a topping in Greek bowls, on burgers etc.

Notes

The original recipe called for 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. I don’t use that anymore but you can certainly add to give it a boost of protein.

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

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

50 Packable Lunch Ideas

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

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

*Originally published Sept 2012*

Hi Friends!

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

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

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

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

Packable Lunch Ideas

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

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

Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work

collage of six packable lunch ideas

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

Hummus with Dippers
Greek Hummus Topping

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

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

Burgers
Avocado Chicken Burgers
Thai Peanut Salmon Burgers

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

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

Roasted Chickpeas
How To Roast Chickpeas 
Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix

six packable lunch ideas for kids and adults

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Popcorn
Sweet & Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix 
Healthy Microwave Popcorn

Pudding
Chocolate Avocado Pudding 
Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

Vegetables
Easy Spinach Balls
Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots

healthy lunch ideas for work

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

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

Seafood Cakes
Tuna Quinoa Cakes

Lettuce Wraps
Asian Lettuce Wraps

Egg Cups/Baked Eggs
Paleo Breakfast Casserole 
Egg Waffles

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

Roll-ups
Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos

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

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

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

Happy Packing!

–Lindsay–

Easy Banana Oat Bars

by 86 Comments

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

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

*Originaly published in Jan 2017. Updated Mar 2021*

Hi friends!

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are a kid favorite around here and they’re so darn easy. Plus they’re the perfect recipe for having the kids help! You guys know I’m a huge proponent of kids in the kitchen! I’ve got a whole roundup of Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes if you’re looking for a place to start. 

We make these Banana Oatmeal Bars fairly frequently because they’re pretty forgiving. They don’t require exact measurements and always taste good. Plus I always have ripe bananas on hand. Looking for other banana recipes? These Lentil Banana Muffins are another favorite.

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

  • Bananas – The riper the better because we don’t add a ton of added sugar to this recipe.
  • Oats – Rolled oats work best. Instant oat will change the texture.
  • Peanut Butter – Adds some healthy fats and boosts the protein content.
  • Maple syrup – Depending on how ripe your bananas are, you can adjust how much maple syrup you need.
  • Egg, Baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate chips

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

Banana Oat Bars

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

My hope is these posts and videos will encourage you guys to grab your kiddos, head to the kitchen to make these healthy banana oat breakfast bars and make some beautifully messy memories!

 

How To Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

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Easy Banana Oat Bars

Banana Oat Bars 1
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★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

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

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup ripe bananas
  • 1.5 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 2–4 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Mash bananas in a bowl.
  2. Add oats, peanut butter, maple syrup and egg and mix well.
  3. Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined.
  4. Pour into a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake at 375 for 18 minutes.
  6. Let cool, cut and serve.

Notes

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

Super easy. This recipe is very forgiving. I usually just use 2-3 bananas and don’t measure. Anywhere from 1.5-2 cups of oats is fine, it doesn’t have to be exact. You can leave out the maple syrup if your bananas are super ripe.

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

Let’s chat:

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Freezer Chicken Tenders

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

Freezer Chicken Tenders with steamed peas and mac and cheese for dinner

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

Hi Friends!

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

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

Freezer Chicken Tenders

Freezer Chicken Tenders that you can cook from frozen.

 

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

What ingredients do you need?

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

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

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

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders

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Freezer Chicken Tenders

Freezer Chicken Tenders that you can cook from frozen.
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

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

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (i use whole wheat)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne, optional
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tbsp flour

Instructions

  1. Place the flour on a small plate, the breadcrumbs and seasonings on another and the egg in a bowl (poke the yolk and stir it around until mixed).
  2. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in the egg and then coat with breadcrumbs.
  3. Line the tenders up on a plate or pan and freeze for at least 2 hours.
  4. Remove from pan and place in a large ziploc bag. Remove as much air as possible and store in the freezer.
  5. When ready to eat, place a cooling rack on a large baking sheet and place tenders on the rack (or just place on a greased or foil-lined cookie sheet)
  6. Bake from frozen at 375 degrees for approximately 25 minutes or until tenders reach 165 degrees F.

Notes

To make these gluten-free, toss in gluten-free cornstarch and roll in crushed Rice Chex!

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled and measurements don’t have to be exact.

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

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

 

 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Healthy Ways To Eat Apples For Breakfast

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

collage of apple breakfast recipes

*Originally published Oct 2015. Updated Feb 2021*

Hi friends!

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

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

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

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

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

Healthy Apple Breakfasts

almond flour apple cake

Almond Flour Apple Cake

Or try these Roasted Sweet Potato & Apple Yogurt Bowls

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

Apple Cinnamon Blender Muffins

Apple Pear Oatmeal Smoothie

Apple Pear Oatmeal Smoothie

Apple Peanut Butter Crunch Wraps

Apple Peanut Butter Crunch Wraps

apple cheddar omelet

Apple Cheddar Omelet

Apple Pie Breakfast Quinoa

Apple Pie Breakfast Quinoa 

Raw Apple Cinnamon Chia Breakfast Bowl

Raw Apple Cinnamon Chia Breakfast Bowl

baked breakfast apples

Baked Breakfast Apples

Paleo Butternut Squash N'Oatmeal

Paleo Slow Cooker Butternut Squash N’Oatmeal

Honey Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Honey Apple Oatmeal Muffins

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

Healthy Apple Breakfast Recipes

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

Let’s chat:
What’s your favorite apple recipe? Leave me a link.
Doesn’t have to be breakfast related 🙂

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Healthy Toddler Snacks

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

toddler snack ideas

*Originally published May 2015. Updated Feb 2021*

Hi Friends!

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

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

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

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

Here are some ideas:

Healthy Toddler Snacks

Healthy Toddler Snacks - cottage cheese, hummus, cereal, peanut butter with banana

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

Healthy Snacks For Toddlers

toddler snack ideas -smoothie, oatmeal, muffins, trail mix, kabobs

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

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

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

Need more snack ideas for toddlers?

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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

Healthy Toddler Snack Ideas

60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks For Kids

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This list of healthy packaged snacks for kids (and adults too!) is meant to provide inspiration for busy parents who are looking for some new ideas. Homemade snacks are great but there are also some good prepackaged store-bought options available!

This list of healthy packaged snacks for kids (and adults too!) is meant to provide inspiration for busy parents who are looking for some new ideas. Homemade snacks are great but there are also some good store-bought snacks available!

*Originally published March 2018. Updated February 2021*

Hi Friends!

You guys know I’m a huge fan of making homemade snacks for my kiddos, but there are definitely times when store-bought, prepackaged options are both handy and necessary. We all know there are times when we need some individually wrapped snacks.

I also recognize that not everyone enjoys or has time to make homemade snacks and I’ve had lots of requests for my thoughts on healthy packaged snack options and what healthy school snacks to buy. So, I visited Meijer, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Costco, Fresh Thyme, Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods to round up some ideas for you.

Note if you’re looking for store-specific snacks, I have you covered:

Need more snack ideas?

Granola Bars & Cereals

If you’re looking specifically for granola bars or cereals, I have separate posts just for those: Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids and Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids.

And remember that all of these snacks would be great for lunches as well. I have a guide: A Month of Easy Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids if you need more lunch box ideas!

A few notes:

  • This is not a sponsored post. None of these companies asked to be included or even knew I was putting this post together.
  • While I originally intended this round-up to be geared towards kids, there are a lot of things adults could enjoy as well.
  • We have not tried all of these. I repeat – I have not personally tried all of these, nor have my kids. I have no idea if my kids like them all and have no doubt there are some they would not eat.

I firmly believe everyone is entitled to their opinions about what makes a healthy snack. The products I’ve chosen are ones that I think are good choices both as a Registered Dietitian and as a mom of three young kids. I have no doubt there are people (even other dietitians) who will disagree with products on this list. That’s fine!

I’m not saying these are things you have to feed your kids. I’m not even saying these are the only healthy packaged snack options. I know there are tons more out there and I will continue to add to this post as I come across more! I’m simply sharing these ideas to inspire you and hopefully help you find a few new options for you to try with your kiddos.

Healthy Snacks For Kids To Buy

When I’m looking at packaged snacks, I try to find options that have at least a few grams of protein and fiber, and I try to choose options that are low in added sugar. I don’t have a set-in-stone rule, but generally, if there are at least 3 grams of protein and/or fiber and less than 5-6 grams of sugar (although some are higher due to natural sugars in fruit, milk, etc), I’m pretty happy.

I tried to link to the specific product I showed in the pictures so you can click the link and see the nutritional info. I took pictures of all the labels but they got blurry and hard to read when I tried to include them in the collages. If you visit my Instagram profile, I have most of these (and the labels) saved to my highlights so you can click through them there too.

So here are some ideas for you:

Healthy Packaged Snacks

wholly guacamole, sabra, love grown foods

  • Wholly Guacamole Minis – serve it with chips, crackers or veggies
  • Sabra Hummus Singles – perfect for dipping mini carrots, snap peas, red peppers strips or crackers!
  • Love Grown Foods Polar Puffs – bean-based cereals. Buy a big box to portion yourself or snag the cups. My kids also like the Fruity Sea Stars.
  • Lunchables – lots of different brands have something like this available. Remember that you could also easily make a week’s worth of these yourself by buying a box of Triscuits, a block of cheese and your favorite low-sodium turkey!
stonyfield, boom chicka pop, annies,
  • Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Pouches – love that these are whole milk and have some veggies. There’s also a Berry Beet flavor. They also have whole milk smoothies which are a bit high in sugar for me but great for an occasional quick, on the go protein option.
  • Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop – The sea salt flavor has no sugar. Just popcorn, oil and salt…and each serving has 3g protein, 4g fiber and it’s a whole grain! Buy a big bag and portion into small bags for snacks on the go.
  • Annie’s Whole Wheat Bunnies – love that they’re whole wheat and baked!
  • Fruit/veg, nut & cheese packs – Available in a lot of combos from different companies like Sargento, Horizon Organic etc. Again, you could easily make several of these yourself fairly quickly at home with a bag of nuts, a blog of cheese and a bag of baby carrots.
  • Skinny Pop Popcorn Cakes – Fun to eat, a good whole grain option. (not pictured)
lifeway, mama chia, made in nature
lifeway, enjoy life foods, triscuits, quaker
  • Lifeway ProBugs – No-spill pouches for on the go! Protein and probiotics.
  • Enjoy Life Grain Chewy Bars – They don’t make the grain and seed bars pictured above anymore but their chewy bars are a good, allergy-friendly option! You can also check out their Protein Bites
  • Triscuits – Staple cracker in our house. Pair with veggies, hummus, cheese, etc.
  • Quaker Breakfast Flats – not my first choice because they’re a bit high in sugar but a good occasional option and they do have whole grains and some protein and fiber.
puffins, kind, sun chips, crazy richards
  • Barbara’s Cinnamon Puffins – Another low sugar cereal that my toddler loves!
  • KIND Cinnamon Oat Bars – A good one to stash in your purse for snack emergencies.
  • Sun Chips – tend to be a hit with both adults and kids!
  • Crazy Richard’s Singles – spread it on bread or crackers, dip fruit slices in or eat it plain. Also check out their Wholly Rollies (protein balls)
siggis, kind, simple mills
  • Enjoy Life Foods Plentils – Crunchy, have some protein, come in a bunch of flavors!
  • Siggis 4% – low in added sugar, simple ingredients! They also have 4% tubes that my kids love, especially frozen! Chobani Less Sugar is another good option.
  • KIND Whole Fruit Bars – just a few ingredients, chia seeds to add fiber! (different packaging now- formerly called Pressed by KIND)
  • Simple Mills Crackers – gluten-free, almond flour crackers with minimal ingredients. Several different flavors!
enlightened, bare, quaker, enjoy life
  • Bada Bean, Bada Boom – Great source of protein & fiber. I love mixing the cinnamon and the sea salt ones. (New packaging than the photo above. Formerly called Enlightened Broad Bean Crisps)
  • Bare Apple Chips – Just apples. Super crunchy. Great for dipping in PB.
  • Quaker Overnight Oats – A bit high in added sugar for me, but I like the concept. You could easily prep 5-6 of something similar with oats, nuts and dried fruit in mason jars and just add your milk or yogurt the night before you want to eat!
  • Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Packs – Nut-free trail mix option.
half pops, superseeds, biena
  • Unique Sprouted Pretzel Shells – A fun way to change things up! They also make Pretzel Splits
  • Half Pops – A crunchier way to eat popcorn. Better for older kids and adults.
  • Cinnamon & Sugar SuperSeedz – Eat them plain or add to homemade trail mix. Other flavor options available! Nut-free!
  • Biena Chickpea Snacks – Another nut-free option for protein and fiber. Good by themselves or in a mix. Multiple flavor options.
lorissa's kitchen, rx bar, chomps, bambas
trader joes

The 4 snacks below are specific to Trader Joe’s. Want more Trader Joe’s? Here are the Best Trader Joe’s Snacks.

  • Cashew Apricot Date & Nut Bites
  • Granola Bars – 3g protein, 3g fiber, 6g sugar
  • Chia Bars – 3g protein, 3g fiber, 4g sugar
  • Oatmeal Cups – Only ingredients are oats, brown sugar, freeze-dried fruit and cinnamon. 9g protein, 6g fiber and 5g sugar.
organic valley, bitsy's brain food, somersaults
  • Trail Mix – I look for a good mix of nuts, seeds & dried fruit.
  • Organic Valley Stringles – I pair these with some crackers or fruit usually
  • Bitsy’s Smart Crackers – Nut-free and baked into shapes you can play with! Lots of flavors.
  • Somersaults – Nut-free with lots of protein and fiber.
rhythm, lesser evil, beanitos
the chia co, hippeas
  • Harvest Snaps Snapea Crisps – Another good protein source!
  • Chia Pod – Dairy-free with protein and fiber. Available in different flavors.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs – Lots of companies make them. Pair with a healthy carb!
  • Hippeas – kinda like an amped-up cheese puff! Lots of fun flavors.
terra, trail mix
healthy Aldi snacks

Above are a few I found specifically at Aldi.

A few more ideas:

Remember:

If you’re looking specifically for granola bars or cereals, I have separate posts just for those: Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids and Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids.

That’s it for now! I’ll keep adding as I find more! If you liked this post, be sure to share and pin it for later!

Healthy Packaged Snacks For Kids

This list of healthy packaged snacks for kids (and adults too!) is meant to provide inspiration for busy parents who are looking for some new ideas. Homemade snacks are great but there are also some good store-bought options available!

Let’s chat:

What’s your favorite healthy packaged snack for kids? Leave a comment so I can check it out!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

The Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip

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

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

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

Hi friends!

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

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

Hot Taco Layer Dip

hot taco layer dip on chips with guacamole

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Corn
  • Red onion
  • Tomatoes
  • Jalapeno
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice

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

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

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

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The Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip

hot taco dip 2 copy
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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!

Ingredients

Scale

1 Tbsp oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (16oz) cans Bush’s Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
Juice from one lime
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup hummus
1/2 cup jarred salsa
1–2 tsp taco seasoning (depending on your taste preference)
1 (4oz) can diced green chiles (optional- make sure they are well-drained as they will add a little moisture to the dish)

1 (16oz) can corn, drained
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
2 Tbsp minced cilantro
juice from one lime
1/4 tsp salt

1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. In a large cast-iron skillet, sauté garlic in oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  2. Add beans, lime juice, cumin, chili powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Sauté 5 minutes.
  3. Use a potato masher to mash to the desired consistency. If baking in a cast-iron skillet simply remove from heat and spread refried beans evenly over bottom of skillet. (If baking in a pan, you can make the beans in any skillet then transfer to a 9×9 pan or other baking dish.)
  4. In a bowl, mix hummus, salsa, taco seasoning and chiles (if using) and spread evenly over bean layer.
  5. In a bowl, mix corn, onion, tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Stir to combine and then layer over the hummus mixture.
  6. Top with shredded cheese.
  7. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes. Top with green onions after removing from the oven. Serve warm.

Notes

My cast-iron skillet is about 10 inches across the bottom.

Feel free to add other toppings like guacamole, salsa, diced avocado, olives, etc!

You can make this spicy by using jalapeno in the corn salsa and hot green chiles. You can also add cayenne pepper to the hummus mix or even use spicy hummus!

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

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

What’s your favorite game day appetizer?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

The Best One-Pot Comfort Meals

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

One Pot Comfort Meals collage of 6 recipe photos

Hi Friends!

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

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

One-Pot Comfort Meals

One Pot Comfort Meals

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

collage of easy one pot comfort meals

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

 

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

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

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Indoor Activities For Toddlers

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These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for pre-school aged kids.

These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for pre-school aged kids.

{Originally published Jan 2017}

Hi Friends!

Today we’re talking indoor toddler activities. I originally wrote this post when my oldest was a toddler. Now my youngest is 2 and the perfect age for a lot of these activities!  

When I was in middle school, I did a lot of babysitting. I had some sort of babysitting certification from The Red Cross and during that course, they gave us the idea of making an activity kit to bring with you when babysitting. Sure, kids like their own toys, but there’s something about new games and activities that is especially exciting and tends to hold their interest longer.

When I was in high school, I had a steady after-school nannying job for a two-year-old (who I realized has now graduated high school and I now feel very old). Anyways, she wasn’t allowed to watch any TV and I spent several hours with her every day….so I had to get creative with things to keep her busy.

When I graduated from college, I worked at a pre-school for 6 months. Although my classroom was 4-5-year-olds, I spent a lot of time in the 2-3-year-old classroom as well.

Now, I follow a lot of kid-focused pages on Facebook and Instagram, I browse Pinterest, I read family magazines and am constantly seeing new ideas I want to try.

Indoor Toddler Activities

This post is a roundup of some of my favorite indoor activities for toddlers that I’ve seen and tried over the years. I’ve tried them all with my kids over the past few years. Note- I took all these pictures on the same day, but I wouldn’t advise trying them all out on the same day!

Remember the new & exciting part? Save them up and try a couple at a time. We’ve got several more months of winter ahead of us!

I also included some ways to make them harder. As kids get older, some of the things they could do six months ago are getting too easy….but there are ways to add a bit of a challenge to most of them, to make them more developmentally appropriate for older toddlers and even preschoolers!

A few months ago I placed an Amazon order to stock up on supplies- you can find them all in my Amazon shop (aff link) but you could probably find a lot of these at the dollar store as well! 

If you need activities for slightly older kids, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten check out my Indoor Activities for Kids or At-Home Activities for Kids posts! And if you like baking, here are some Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes!

Indoor Activities for Toddlers

Balloon tennis

Balloon Hockey

I blow up a couple of balloons, we each grab a fly swatter and go to town hitting them around the room. I let him hit it around for a while and then we also work on hitting it to keep it up in the air.

Make it harder:

  • Set up a goal and let them try to score.
  • Have a contest to see how long they can keep it from touching the ground.
  • Let them try to keep two balloons in the air at once!

pom pom push

Pom Pom Push

Take a plastic container and cut holes in the top and let them push the pom poms through the holes.

Make it harder: 

  • Draw circles around the holes with a marker and let them push the blue pom poms through the blue hole, the green ones through the green holes, etc.
  • Set a timer and see how many they can get in the container in 30 seconds or a minute.

pom pom drop

Pom Pom Drop

Save your toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Tape them to a door or wall and let them drop the pom poms through.

Make it harder:

  • Give them tongs or a clothespin to make picking up the pom poms more challenging.
  • Let them tape the tubes up and see if they can get the angles right so the pom poms go through all the tubes on the way down.
  • You drop the pom poms from the top and see if they can catch them in the bottom in a small bowl.

pom pom sorting

Pom Pom Sorting

Have them sort the pom poms into different containers by size or color.

Make it harder: 

  • Divide the pom poms in half and have a race to see who can sort theirs the fastest!
  • Give them a clothespin to use to pickup and move the pom poms into the different containers.

threading

Straw Threading

Cut plastic straws into pieces. Let them thread the straw pieces onto the pipe cleaners.

Make it harder:

  • Have them thread the pieces on in a pattern of colors.

ring toss

Ring Toss

Twist some pipe cleaners together to make rings and toss them into bowls or buckets.

Make it harder:

  • Have them stand farther away.
  • Set up multiple buckets and tell them to throw them into a specific one.
  • See how many they can get in a row.

golf tee nails

Golf Tee Hammering

Poke golf tees into a cardboard box and let them hammer them in.

Make it harder:

  • Give them a smaller hammer.
  • Tell them which color nails to hammer.
  • Let them practice pulling them out and setting them back up again.

ziploc bag finger painting

Ziploc Bag Fingerpainting

Put a few blogs of paint into Ziploc bags. Seal them tightly and tape to a window or table. Let them fingerpaint just like they would on a piece of paper.

Make it harder:

  • Ask them to draw specific shapes or objects.
  • Talk about what colors mix together to make new colors.

card slot drop

Card Slot Drop

Cut a slot in the lid of a container and have them drop the cards in.

Make it harder:

  • Cut some holes as well and have them put q tips in.
  • See how fast they can get them all in.
  • Have them put them in by color or number.

cheerio threading

Cheerio Threading

Cut pipe cleaners in half and let them push them through the holes of a colander.

Make it harder:

  • Give them Cheerios to thread onto the pipe cleaners.

car ramp

Car Ramp

Draw lanes on a cardboard box to make a car ramp. Let them race their cars down it.

can stacking

Fun with Cans

See how high they can stack them up. Set them up like bowling pins and let them bowl with a wiffle ball or tennis ball.

Like the ideas in the post? Be sure to pin it and share with your friends!

clothespin painting

Clothespin Painting

Attached some cotton balls (or bunched up paper towels if you’re out of cotten balls like i was) to clothespins and let them paint! Work on colors, shapes, etc.

 

Cooking

I wrote a post all about Kitchen Tasks For Toddlers!

These Cheap Toddler Activities are perfect for keeping young kids entertained without spending a ton of money! Most can be done using things you probably already have around the house! Do them indoors in the winter or outside in the summer.

Whew! I think that’s enough indoor activities for toddlers for one post. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out this post filled with Cheap Toddler Activities!

Like the ideas in this post? Please pin it and share with your friends!

Rainy Day Activities For Toddlers

These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for pre-school aged kids.

Let’s chat:

What’s your favorite indoor activity for the kiddos? I’m always looking for new ideas!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

15 Non-Traditional Salads

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

Non-Traditional Salads that are not boring

Hi Friends!

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

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

Non-Traditional Salads

collage of non-traditional salads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

six non-traditional salads

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

See any you like?

Let’s chat:

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

14 Bite-Sized Valentine’s Day Desserts

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

Round-up of bite-sized Valentine's day desserts

Hi Friends!

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

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

collage of bite-sized Valentine's day desserts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

collage of valentine's day desserts

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make your celebration special with these Bite-Sized Valentine's Day Desserts! These tasty treats are an easy way to show someone how much you love them!

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

 

Roasted Chick Pea Snack Mix

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

Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix

Hi friends!

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

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

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

Roasted Chick Pea Snack Mix

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

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

Let’s talk about what’s included:

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

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

Print

Roasted Chick Pea Snack Mix

roasted chickpea snack mix
Print Recipe

★

1 from 1 review

This sweet and spicy roasted chick pea snack mix is packed with fiber and protein and perfect when you’re looking for a healthy, crunchy snack!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 can Bush’s® Garbanzo Beans
4 cups popcorn
1 cup plantain chips
1/2 cup peanuts
Optional mix ins- dried fruit, chocolate chips
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper
2–3 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Drain Bush’s® Garbanzo Beansand pour onto a paper towel. Rub gently to dry.
  2. Put chick peas in the basket of an air fryer and spray with oil. Roast plain or sprinkle with a little salt and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper if desired.
  3. Set air fryer to 400 degrees and cook 15 min, stopping to toss every 5 min. Check every min or so after 10 min until you figure out how quickly they cook in your air fryer. (See note below if you don’t have an air fryer.)
  4. Put 1/4 cup popcorn kernels in a brown paper lunch sack. Fold the top down and use the popcorn button in the microwave. (See note below)
  5. Combine roasted chick peas and popcorn in a large bowl with plantain chips and peanuts.
  6. Melt 2 Tbsp butter and mix in brown sugar and cayenne. Stir to combine then pour over snack mixture. Stir well.
  7. Pour onto a baking sheet and bake at 250 for 45 min, stirring once. Let cool completely before eating.

Notes

  1. If you don’t have an air fryer you can roast the chickpeas in the oven.
  2. Feel free to cook the popcorn however you like or use store bought.
  3. You can sub banana chips or crunchy cereal for the plantain chips.
  4. For a savory mix, skip the brown sugar and add garlic powder or paprika. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to fit your taste.
  5. Mix in any optional additions like dried fruit or chocolate chips after it’s completely cooled.

What do you think?! Will you try it?

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

 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

15 Casseroles For Sunday Dinner

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

healthy casseroles for sunday dinner

Hi Friends!

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

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

Healthy Casseroles

casseroles for sunday dinner

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

healthy casseroles for sunday dinner

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

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

What’s your family’s favorite casserole?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–