15 healthy, balanced meal prep snacks! Perfect to prep ahead and save you time and sanity throughout the week, this post includes everything from energy balls, high protein dips, nutrition packed muffins, and my favorite sweet and savory snacks (all packed with nutrition to keep you fueled throughout the day!)
Someone commented on a recipe the other day “Snacks save lives!” I had a good little laugh at this, but I am in absolute agreement. Having snacks ready is a game changer for the week ahead!
In this post I’ve included 15 meal prep snacks that are perfect to prep ahead. The energy balls in pretty much any form are my little guy, Wylder’s, favorites!
A lot of the recipes freeze well so you might want to consider doubling up the recipe and freezing some of them too— your future self will most definitely thank you for it!
The foodie in me loves the opportunity to make snacks flavorful and fun. As a dietitian I love that snacks fill that hunger gap between meals and help keep blood sugars stable, which can improve your energy throughout the day, lend to better mood (hanger is a recipe for irritation and annoyance. haha), and prevent you from getting overly hungry so you’re not ripping the cupboards apart as you get dinner prepped!
I hope you enjoy these balanced, nourishing and DELICIOUS meal prep snacks! I’d love to know which one’s your favorite! If you end up making any of them, share a pic and tag me on Instagram so I can see!
Energy Balls
Energy Balls are one of my absolute favorite snacks. They’re the perfect balanced bite with protein and healthy fats from the nuts and nut butters plus fiber, vitamins, and minerals from additional ingredients like oats or dates (which also add the perfect touch of natural sweetness!
Salted Caramel Energy Balls
These soft and gooey salted caramel energy balls are made with just 4 simple ingredients and naturally sweetened with dates and vanilla. They are the perfect snack to satisfy that sweet tooth without the crash!
One Bowl Lemon Coconut Bliss Balls
They may be small, but they pack a punch. With the ultimate combo of complex carbs from oats and dates + protein and healthy fats from the nuts and coconut, these Lemon Coconut Bliss Balls will give you long lasting energy and are so satisfying!
Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Naturally sweetened and packed with Omega-3 rich seeds, these little gems are perfect for a grab and go snack to keep you energized throughout the day.
Muffins & Sweet Treats
Muffins are the perfect grab and go snack! I love using oat flour for many of my recipes to up the fiber and nutrients. Adding veggies to your muffins is another great trick to help you eat the rainbow!
In this category you’ll also find some of my favorite sweet treats like Chocolate Avocado Pudding, Lemon Coconut Chia Pudding and 4 Ingredient Strawberry Cheesecake bites! As a bonus, all of these are also balanced snacks including fiber, fat and protein so that you don’t get that blood sugar spike!
Meal Prep Chocolate Chip Banana Zucchini Muffins (Gluten-free)
These Chocolate Chip Banana Zucchini Muffins are the perfect afternoon snack and bonus – an extra dose of veggies!
Oat Flour Pumpkin Muffins (Gluten-Free)
These one bowl pumpkin muffins are made with oat flour (making them gluten-free), pumpkin puree and creamy natural peanut butter for a protein boost while keeping them soft and fluffy! With a touch of sweetness from maple syrup these hit the spot.
4 Ingredient Lemon Coconut Chia Pudding
This four ingredient Lemon Coconut Chia Pudding is a perfect prep ahead breakfast for busy mornings— it tastes like dessert in a jar! Packed with protein, fiber and heart and brain supporting Omega-3 fatty acids, it’s one of the best ways to start the day!
No Bake Pumpkin Salted Caramels (Vegan)
These quick and easy vegan salted caramels make for a great snack that delivers a good source of healthy fats, plant based protein, and fiber.
3 Ingredient High Protein Lemon Cheesecake Smoothie Pops
These 3 ingredient high protein smoothie pops make the perfect prep-ahead breakfast, snack or dessert for all ages!
Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
A little cheesecake explosion in your mouth! Keep these on hand for a quick snack during the week or save them for an impressive dessert in minutes!
Creamy Chocolate Avocado Pudding
This creamy chocolate pudding can be whipped up in minutes and makes for a great midday snack or delicious breakfast option with some fruit and coconut on top. The avocado base adds fiber, healthy plant-based fats, and antioxidant Vitamin E.
Dips
I loooove a good dip! These ones are protein-rich from ingredients like edamame beans and chickpeas. I’ve also included a twist on classic guacamole that will sneak in an extra serving of anti-oxidant rich broccoli!
Roasted Beet Hummus
I love all of the variations you can make with this chickpea based dip, but the color of beet hummus is impossible to beat! Enjoy with crackers or cut up veggies for a flavor and nutrition packed snack!
5 Ingredient Edamame Dip
This Creamy Edamame Dip was inspired by a lazy afternoon, sitting in the Hawaiian sun, sipping a beer and watching the sunset. A nice little visual you can take with you while you snack! Edamame beans pack protein and fiber which help keep blood sugars stable and energy up between meals!
Savory Snacks
This is my category. I’m a total savory gal. You’ve got to try the popcorn combos here! I also like to toss popcorn into trail mix as a little fiber boost!
Baked Curried Chickpeas
These baked chickpeas make a great crunchy and salty snack alternative to nuts for a school-friendly snack. They can be seasoned to taste with your favorite herbs and spices.
Broccomole
A little twist on classic guacamole. With the addition of anti-oxidant and fiber rich broccoli it’s a tasty way to get an extra serving of veggies in…the fun way.
Popcorn 3 Ways
Popcorn gets an upgrade with three easy and flavorful toppings. Make them vegan by using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter!
If you enjoy any of the recipes, it would make my day if you would leave a comment and/or star rating below— I love hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @lindsaypleskot so I can see your versions! It makes me so happy to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens! xo
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15 Quick and Easy Meal Prep Snacks: Salted Caramel Energy Balls
Description
These soft and gooey salted caramel energy balls are the perfect snack to satisfy that sweet tooth! Packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats from almonds and cashews and naturally sweetened with dates and vanilla there ‘s not blood sugar spikes here.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, raw
- ½ cup almonds, raw
- 1 cup dates (soak in boiling if not super fresh/soft)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Sprinkle of coarse salt to taste
- ¼ – ⅓ cup warm or boiling water if needed for smoother consistency if using food processor
- Optional- shredded unsweetened coconut and/or raw cacao or cocoa powder to roll them in at the end
Instructions
- In a Vitamix or high powered blender, combine all ingredients and blend on high. Use your wand as you blend to keep ingredients moving. Alternatively use a food processor. You will need to stop as you go and use a spatula to push down the sides of your mixture. You will also likely need to add warm water to thin out the paste a bit.
- Keep blending until ingredients form a smooth paste, adding water as needed.
- Use your hands to form into 18 evenly sized balls (Note: Mixture will be a bit oily, this is normal, it is just those healthy fats from the nuts releasing!)
- Add an extra sprinkle of sea salt and roll in coconut and/0r raw cacao powder if desired.
- Keep in an airtight container to snack on during the week or store in the freezer to eat as you please!
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