We’ve all been there before: your stomach starts to growl but whatever task you’re currently doing doesn’t allow you to make a meal that will take ages to prepare. You really don’t want to give in to your cravings for something sweet or savory. On the other hand, it’s getting really hard to push through and concentrate on what you’re doing. The takeout menu drawer is calling your name and your resolve is weakening. But what if you had easy snacks to make in 5 minutes? Thanks to this post, now you can.
You’ll be surprised by just how easy and simple these snacks are to make. In fact, they will not only save you time but they’re sure to alleviate your hunger. In addition, they come in handy when you need some quick lunch ideas, something for the kids to munch on after school, or as last-minute appetizers for unexpected guests. When you can whip up something delicious and healthy in just minutes, there really is no excuse to let yourself go hungry (or resort to ordering takeout!).
WHY WE LOVE THESE RECIPES
- Enjoy any time of the day. These easy snacks to make in 5 minutes are big on both taste and nutrition—perfect for morning, noon, or nighttime munchies.
- Simple to make. Healthy snacks don’t come simpler than these no-fuss recipes. They are so easy that the kids can help make them.
- Packed with nutrients. These recipes are loaded with yummy, nutritious ingredients that will keep you full in between meals!
- Healthy alternatives to processed foods. Not only are these recipes yummy and easy to prepare, but they are made from healthy ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for easy snacks to make in 5 minutes:
- Frozen strawberries
- Ripe avocado
- Pure maple syrup
- Mandarin orange
- Pure vanilla extract
- Bread
- Olive oil
- Hummus
- Lettuce
- Carrots
- Avocado
- Cooked beets
- Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Sea salt
- Scallions
- Water
- Olive oil
- Garnishes: sea salt flakes, za’atar, pistachios, parsley
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Strawberries: Either fresh or frozen strawberries can be used in this sorbet. Unfortunately, although the strawberries you buy at the local grocery store look beautiful, all shiny and red, they can lack sweetness and flavor. If you do not have access to a farmer's market, your best bet is to use frozen unsweetened strawberries.
- Hummus: Use your favorite hummus brand, or even better: make a batch of homemade! The flavor varies widely in store-bought brands, so choose wisely.
- Beets: Cooked beets are needed for the hummus recipe. Instead of making them yourself, you can buy cooked ones that are vacuum-packed. They are found in the refrigerated aisle in grocery stores.
- Tahini: It gives a wonderful nutty taste to the beet hummus. But more than flavor, it makes the texture silkier and smoother.
- Olive oil: It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and has several health benefits, making it a healthy addition to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
QUICK AND EASY SNACKS THAT TAKE 5 MINUTES OR LESS
These healthy, easy snacks to make in 5 minutes are perfect to beat your cravings.
1. STRAWBERRY AVOCADO SORBET
A cold, fruity treat that makes the perfect refreshing snack. With no refined sugar, this easy-to-make sorbet will keep your dessert cravings satisfied.
Snack tip: You can replace the frozen strawberries with almost any fruit of your choosing: mango, watermelon, pineapple, raspberry, lemon…I think you get the idea!
2. HUMMUS SANDWICHES
Hummus sandwiches are not only a great lunch option, but can also make a satisfying snack when hunger strikes between meals. Use sandwich cutters to make them into shapes that kids and grownups will enjoy.
Snack tip: Go for sourdough bread instead of white or whole wheat bread. Sourdough bread contains higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than other breads. In addition, it contains lower levels of phytate and therefore allows your body to absorb the nutrients it contains more easily than those in regular bread.
3. BEET HUMMUS
This quick recipe is earthy, sweet, savory, and packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s delicious as a dip, healthy spread for an appetizer, or on sandwiches.
Snack tip: Homemade beet hummus will stay fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge. Freezing this dip may alter its flavor and texture, so it’s better eaten fresh.
EXPERT TIPS
- The trick is in the planning. Create a list of your favorite snacks. It can be in your planner, hand-written on pretty printables, or it can simply be a list on your phone somewhere. Shop for ingredients for 3-5 snacks you love that you can alternate throughout the week.
- Meal prep is key. Set aside a few hours each week to do meal prep for your snacks. Chop veggies and wash fruit. Prep your smoothies by portioning out the ingredients and storing them in the freezer.
- Go for wholesome ingredients. As much as possible, make your snacks from whole foods i.e. anything that is not processed at all or is minimally processed. For example, whole grains, legumes, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts are all good options.
- Use a blender if you don’t have a food processor. If a snack recipe requires a food processor and you don’t have one, you can use a blender. Blend your dry and wet ingredients separately and then mix them by hand.
- Don’t buy unhealthy, processed snacks. If your kitchen is full of unhealthy snacking options, no matter how good-willed you are, you’ll fall into the temptation when you are hungry and unprepared. To prevent this, stop buying processed snacks altogether.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can be made in 5 minutes?
It’s possible to eat in 5 minutes without having to turn to takeout menus, processed snacks, or microwavable meals. If you do a little meal prep at the beginning of the week and have simple cooking staples on hand that correspond with your meal prep, cooking becomes so much quicker and easier.
What is a good, quick snack?
Essentially, a good, quick snack should be fast to prepare and include protein, fiber and healthy fats, which help keep you full throughout the day. For example, mixed nuts, red bell peppers with guacamole, protein smoothies, or apple slices with nut butter make delicious, nutrient-dense snacks.
What are 5 smart snacks?
Smart snacking means eating foods that provide sustained energy for getting through your busy day. In order to do this, combine foods that contain carbohydrates for quick energy, and protein which helps you maintain energy levels and keeps you feeling full longer. Here are 5 smart snack ideas: nut butter sandwich + apple, Edamame beans or roasted chickpeas + carrots, whole grain crackers + non-dairy milk, fruit + vegan cheese, trail mix (a mix of higher-fiber cereal, a handful of nuts, and a handful of dried fruit).
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PrintStrawberry Avocado Sorbet
Description
A delicious, simple 6-ingredient recipe for a luscious fruit-forward sorbet that celebrates strawberry flavors.
Ingredients
1 10-ounce bag frozen strawberries
½ ripe avocado
1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup OR stevia to taste
Juice of 1 mandarin orange or 1 lime
Optional: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until creamy. Serve as is or topped with your favorite toppings such as chocolate chips and fresh sliced strawberries.
2. Store leftovers in the freezer. Before serving, let the strawberry sorbet at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to help it soften. It becomes very hard when frozen!
Hummus Sandwich
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Description
A hummus sandwich is an easy yet healthy snack idea! This plant-based recipe takes just a few minutes to make with colorful veggies.
Ingredients
4 slices your favorite bread
Optional: Olive oil to brush the bread slices
6 tablespoons hummus
1 cup lettuce
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup sliced avocado
Instructions
1. Lightly toast or grill the bread slices. If using a grill pan you can brush with olive oil.
2. Cut the grilled bread into heart shapes using a sandwich cutter: Line up the sandwich cutter in the center of a slice of bread. Press down firmly, until it cuts through completely, leaving you with a heart-shaped piece of bread.
3. Spread one slice of the prepared bread with 3 tablespoons of the hummus. Layer on top half of the lettuce, carrots and avocado. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Beet Hummus
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A slightly sweet and deliciously healthy beet hummus that goes well with raw veggies.
Ingredients
-
3 medium-size cooked beets, chopped
-
¼ cup tahini
-
2 tablespoons lemon juice
-
½ teaspoon sea salt
-
1 teaspoon chopped scallions (only the white bottom part)
-
2 tablespoons water
-
Olive oil for drizzling
-
Optional garnishes for serving: Chopped parsley, chopped pistachios, fresh lemon zest, za’atar, flaked sea salt
Instructions
1. Place the cooked beets in a food processor.
2. Add the tahini, lemon juice, sea salt and scallions. Blend until smooth, adding just enough of the water to reach desired consistency.
3. Serve drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with any garnishes you like, such as chopped parsley, chopped pistachios, fresh lemon zest, za’atar, and/or flaked sea salt.
TRY THESE HEALTHY SNACK RECIPES NEXT:
- First, try my fruit salsa with cinnamon pita chips recipe. The sweet and warm flavors of the cinnamon pita chips and colorful fruit salsa will make this your new favorite version of chips and salsa.
- Next, try my chia pudding recipe that makes the perfect healthy breakfast as well as a snack. I’ve got three variations of the recipe that are creamy, satisfying, and loaded with protein, fiber, and good carbs.
- Finally, don’t snooze on my homemade guacamole recipe served with a big bowl of crudités. Not only is it super yummy and filling, it’s AIP-compliant for those with autoimmune disorders.
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