Elevated Grab-n-Go Snacks

Sometimes you just need a quick clean snack.

Call on these sweet and savory recipes the next time you’re in a crunch.

Taste Profile: Sweet

Chia Watermelon Cooler
From The Clean Plate
Serves 2
A quick pull-together blender recipe that’s chock-full of summer. 

NOTE: This is not a huge protein snack, but a light refreshing drink filled with plant-based do-gooders, vitamins, minerals and some healthy fat and fiber. A healthful sweet treat.

1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup coconut water (I like Vita Coco)
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 pound seedless watermelon, cubed
zest and juice from 1 lime

Add watermelon cubes, 1/4 cup coconut water and lime zest and juice to the blender and blend until smooth. Add the rest (1/2 cup) of coconut water and chia seeds to the blender and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Pulse to combine. Serve over ice.

Cookie Dough Energy Balls
Modified from Oh She Glows, Everyday
Makes a dozen balls
Decadent, easy and clean. This is a good protein + healthy fat snack. I love love love them.

4 pitted dates, soaked for a couple of minutes
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp peanut butter (natural, no additives)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp sea salt
3 tbsp seed trio (chia, flax + hemp) or (3 tbsp of one of them would work fine, too)
2 tbsp chocolate chips
1-2 tablespoons nut milk as needed to thin

Mix together using a food processor until all ingredients are well incorporated. Roll into balls. These should be stored in the fridge or freezer.

Taste Profile: Savory

Walnut Garlic Dip
Modified from Giada De Laurentiis, Eat Better, Feel Better
Serves 4
A tasty dip with great flavor.

1 1/2 cup tasted walnuts (dry toasted in skillet)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup canned whited beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp chopped mint (or other fresh herb)
Chopped veggies for dipping.

In a food processor, combine all ingredients except fresh herbs. Add 1/4 cup water and puree until nice and smooth with a dipp-able consistency. Mix in herbs at the end. Drizzle with a little bit more olive oil and serve with lots of colorful veggies.

Hard Boiled Eggs Topped with Olive Spread
Modified from Oh She Glows, Everyday
An up-leveled snack. These are SO good, you’ll surely want to eat more. A balancing snack that’s filling and satisfying.

8 large pastured eggs, hard boiled (boil in water for 12 minutes (at altitude, in Denver)

For Olive Spread (the magic)
1/2 cup mixed pitted olives, small chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, slivered
2 tbsp small chopped nuts (I like pistachios, but pine nuts or almonds would work well)
1/2 tsp grated orange zest
2 tsp juice from orange
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Split the hardboiled eggs into halves, keeping the yolks in place. Top with the chopped olive spread.

For more healthy tips and recipes, visit healthynestnutrition.com/blog/. Need a hand finding your personalized nutrition plan? Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation with Healthy Nest Nutrition owner Robin Hutchinson to see if our programs are right for you.