With the fall season in full swing, things are starting to get hectic again. I know I wouldn’t manage these busy workdays nearly as well without a selection of quick, healthy snacks at my fingertips. (You really don’t want to be around me when I am hangry.)
What do I look for in a snack? It needs to be either made-ahead and instantly grabable, or quickly pulled together. It should satisfy whatever I am craving, whether it is, say, something sweet and cake-y, cool and creamy, or salty and crunchy. And it should have primarily healthful, whole ingredients that give me longer lasting energy to keep me well fueled. Bonus points if it contains a vegetable. Here are three snack recipes that do all of that, totally deliciously. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Zucchini Oat Muffins
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg for The Washington Post
These tender, fragrant muffins are sweetened mostly with dates, which, besides sweetness, provide deep flavor and valuable nutrients. Made with whole grains, healthful oil and lots of freshly grated zucchini, the muffins have a wholesome sensibility and hearty texture that steps away from the dessert realm into the daily sustenance category, in a good way. They not only taste great, they are an energizing way to fuel your morning or afternoon.
Green Smoothie with Yogurt, Pear, and Ginger
Photo by Scott Suchman and food styling by Carolyn Robb; for The Washington Post
This nourishing smoothie is cool, creamy, and gently tangy with a base of plain yogurt softly sweetened with whole fruit — a very ripe pear and few dates — and with a refreshing zing of ginger. A handful of almonds adds texture, protein and fiber, and spinach leaves provide gorgeous green color and nutritional benefits without any detectable flavor, making it an ideal way to stealthily incorporate leafy vegetables.
3-Ingredient Sweet and Spicy Chickpeas
Photo by Sreal Boruchin for Ellie’s Real Good Food
These skillet-crisped chickpeas take 10 minutes to make and are full of amazing flavor, with both sweetness from a touch of brown sugar and a savory-spicy kick from chili powder. Chickpeas are rich in fiber and protein making these the perfect sweet and salty energizing snack to munch on anytime of day. You can also use them as a crunchy topping for salads or soups.