The Lean Green Bean

30+ Easy Protein Snacks

Lindsay — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:09:10 +0000

This list of easy protein snacks is full of lots of 5-minute options for busy families! Everything from make-ahead protein options to quick protein snacks for busy parents!

Hi friends!

As an RD, I frequently get asked for high-protein snack ideas since getting enough protein is curently all the rage! I recently shared some Cottage Cheese Protein Snacks and now I’m back today to share more high-protein ideas!

Easy Healthy Snacks To Make

So if you’re looking for some high-protein snacks to make that taste good and require minimal time and effort, scroll down! I’ve got lots of ideas for you.

All of these snacks are quick and easy, selected with busy families in mind and many can be prepped ahead of time so they’re easy to grab during a busy week!

5 Minute Protein Snacks (No Cooking Required)

If you have big protein goals, there are lots of quick and easy 5-minute protein snacks out there that don’t require any cooking! Here are a few ideas

Tuna Salad – Easy to whip up and can easily be customized to include more veggies, your favorite seasonings, etc. If you don’t like mayo, try using hummus or plain yogurt to make it creamy. Enjoy with crackers, put it in a wrap or sandwich, or serve with veggies like mini bell peppers for scooping!
Protein Energy Bites – Can easily be whipped up with a food processor and just a few ingredients like oats, protein powder and nut butter. Add more nuts and seeds like pepitas, hemp hearts, etc for extra protein!
Yogurt Parfait – Start with Greek yogurt and add your favorite toppings like fruit, chopped nuts and seeds, protein granola, etc to boost the protein content
Turkey and Cheese Rollups – Grab some thinly sliced turkey or ham and add to a wrap with sliced veggies and cheese, plus cream cheese, hummus and/or guacamole. Or skip the wrap and wrap the deli meat around the cheese and veggies.
Protein Smoothie – Endless flavor combination are possible. Use Greek yogurt or milk to add protein, plus a scoop or two of protein powder to increase the protein even more, plus your favorite frozen fruit and some hemp or seeds!

Easy Protein Snack Ideas Kids Will Love

It can be tricky to get enough protein into your kids when all they seem to want are carbs and fruit, but here are a simple, kid-friendly ideas:

Chocolate milk – Pair a glass of chocolate milk with a high fiber muffin for a quick snack! If they’re not a fan of chocolate milk, swap for a container of lower sugar yogurt like Chobani or Siggis.
String cheese – String cheese typically has 7g protein per stick. Pair it with a handful of crackers or trail mix!
Protein pasta – Several different brand options out there- Barilla, Banza, etc and many taste just like regular pasta! Just add sauce if desired and serve!
Cereal and milk – Choose a low sugar cereal and top with milk. Add some fresh blueberries for sweetness! Here are some Low Sugar Cereals for Kids.
Frozen waffles – Look for a brand low in added sugar and sodium and high in protein. Top with nut butter! Here are some of the Best Healthy Frozen Waffles. Or make your own and freeze them.

Other ideas include energy bites, Lentil Banana Muffins, ham and cheese pinwheels, and even chicken nuggets! Here’s a great post from my friend and fellow RD Sally on Protein Snacks for Kids.

Simple Make-Ahead Protein Options

The easiest way to make sure you’re eating enough protein during the week is to prep it ahead of time. Lean protein like chicken and steak can be prepped ahead of time in large batches along with pancakes and patties that can be reheated during the week. And things like chia pudding and overnight oats are best made ahead of time as well!

Chia pudding – Make it with milk, add yogurt for more protein, sweeten with fruit and add fun mix-ins! If you’re not a fan of chia, try overnight oats instead!
Egg wraps – Eat these warm or cold, by themselves, or filled with your favorites like turkey, avocado and cheese. If you don’t want wraps, you could also make egg muffins or egg waffles.
Protein Pancakes – Lots of different options out there using oats, almond flour, protein powder, etc so you can find one that fits your needs!
Air fryer steak bites – quick and easy to cook and have on hand for meals and snacks. Or try meatballs if you don’t like steak.
Tuna Patties – An easy way to transform canned tuna into a portable snack.
Greek yogurt bark – Start with Greek yogurt and add whatever mix-ins you like – pepitas, hemp seeds, chopped nuts, fruit, granola, etc. You can also mix in some peanut butter! Spread it on parchment paper to freeze and then break into pieces. If you prefer, you can also spoon the mixture into popsicle molds so kids can eat it that way!

Easy Protein Snacks with 3 Ingredients or Less

Sometimes you just don’t have time for a complicated snack and you need something super simple with minimal ingredients. These ideas can be boiled down to 3 simple ingredients but can also easily be jazzed up with a few simple tweaks!

Cottage Cheese Bowl – Make them sweet or savory, Keep it simple with something like cottage cheese, fruit, pumpkin seeds or add extra ingredients if you want!
Homemade Lunchable – Keep it simple with turkey, cheese and crackers or add extra protein with hard boiled eggs and some fruit or veggies! Don’t like turkey? Use thinly sliced chicken breast! Here are some Healthy Crackers for Kids and Adults.
Avocado toast– Add smoked salmon or egg (or both!) for extra protein and seasonings of your choice!
Ground turkey taco – All you really need is a tortilla or taco shell, turkey taco meat and cheese. But you can easily take it up a level with a spoonful of guacamole or salsa!
Roasted chickpea trail mix – Popcorn, roasted chickpeas and peanuts make a great simple combo. Jazz it up a little more by adding plantain chips or dried fruit like raisins!

Quick Protein Snacks for Busy Parents

If you’re a parent, you know how tough it is to find time to eat healthy snacks on a busy day. Here are some quick ideas that will still pack a protein punch!

Steamed edamame with salt – Cook in a skillet or look for the steamable bag to cook in the microwave!
Greek yogurt bagel with peanut butter – or skip the peanut butter and add a fried egg with a slice of cheese!
High protein dip with veggies – Use cottage cheese as the base and pick your favorite flavor combination!
No-Bake Protein Bars – If you’re not a fan of store-bought protein bars, try making your own!

Grab and Go Easy Protein Ideas

Need more ideas? Here are some Healthy High protein Snack Ideas I recommend. Some of my favorite grab and go options include:

Greek yogurt cups
Cottage cheese cups
Beef Stick
Protein Bar
Roasted Edamame or broad beans

FAQs About Easy Protein Snacks

What are the easiest protein snacks to make?

The easiest protein snacks to make require minimal ingredients and can be prepped in large batches. Simply cooking a big batch of chicken that you can throw in a wrap or taco, mixing up a dip made with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese that you can scoop with some high-protein crackers, or blending a smoothie with milk or yogurt, protein powder and fruit are great options.

What easy protein snacks require no cooking? I need quick 5-minute protein snacks?

You can still get your protein in even if you don’t have time to cook. Try simple, high protein snacks like tuna salad, protein energy bites, yogurt parfaits, turkey and cheese rollups or a simple protein smoothie.

What easy protein snacks to do kids actually eat?

There are lots of easy protein options out there that kids will eat! Try things like string cheese with crackers, a glass of chocolate milk and a high fiber muffin, a bowl of cereal and milk, frozen waffles or protein pasta with sauce!

What are simple 3-ingredient protein snacks?

Many snacks can be pared down to just 3 simple ingredients as a starting point if you’re really in a rush, but then can easily be expanded on or jazzed up if you have a couple extra minutes! Try a cottage cheese or yogurt bowl with fruit and nuts, homemade lunchables, avocado toast with smoked salmon or a fried egg, tacos or trail mix with popcorn, chickpeas and nuts.

How do you make protein snacks ahead of time?

Investing even just an hour of your time doing food prep can make a huge difference in your ability to eat well during the week ahead. Take my Food Prep Masterclass to learn everything you need to know to get started!

What easy protein snacks travel well for work?

Grab and go options like protein bars, beef sticks, trail mix and roasted edamame can be great options to throw in a bag for work and don’t need to be refrigerated.

What are the easiest protein snacks for meal prep?

Some of my favorite high-protein meal prep ideas include egg wraps or egg muffins, smoothies to keep in the freezer, energy bites or protein bars, tuna salad and lean protein in the air fryer like chicken and steak.

What easy protein snacks help with hunger during meals?

While protein is great, if you really want to stay full between meals, try to make sure you snacks include protein, fiber and/or healthy fats. Both fiber and fat will help with satiety. Things like whole grain avocado toast with a fried egg, a smoothie with high fiber muffin and anything made with beans, lentils and other legumes will help increase the fiber content of your snacks. I have lots of healthy muffins and bars made with beans and lentils.

What are budget-friendly easy protein snacks?

Beans and lentils are budget-friendly and can be a good source of both protein and fiber. Also canned tuna and chicken, edamame and plain Greek yogurt can be good options!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Lindsay — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:30:00 +0000

These healthy blueberry muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with flavor. They’re kid-friendly and make a great breakfast or snack! Plus they freeze well!

*Originally published 6/2014. Updated 5/2025*

Hi Friends!

I’ve been making these healthy blueberry muffins for 10+ years now and they’re still a favorite of mine. This particular recipe was originally a small-batch recipe that made about 7 muffins and I recently re-tested it to make a full batch of 12 muffins with just a few little tweaks.

So if you haven’t tried them yet, now is the perfect time, especially since blueberry season is almost here.

Blueberry Muffins – Easy & Quick!

When it comes to baking, muffin recipes like this are the absolute best for beginners. You just need one bowl, do a little pouring, a little mixing and stick them in the muffin.

You can do it ahead of time so you have them ready for the week or they’re quick enough and easy enough to whip up a batch on a weekday morning.

Are these low sugar blueberry muffins?

Yes! Compared to most muffins, these are relatively low in sugar. I use white sugar but you could substitute maple syrup if you’d like.

I like to rely on the natural sweetness of the blueberries with just a small amount of added sugar. Plus adding a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking really helps carry the sweetness into each bite, allowing you to use less sugar in the recipe.

One Bowl Blueberry Muffins Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these muffins. In fact, you likely have almost everything you need already in your pantry including:

Oil – I use avocado oil
Egg
Yogurt – I use plain Greek yogurt but plain regular yogurt or even vanilla yogurt will work
Vanilla extract
Maple syrup – you can swap white sugar if you prefer
Milk
Baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
Blueberries – fresh or frozen

How To Make Moist and Fluffy Blueberry Muffins

To make these muffins just follow a few simple steps:

Mix the yogurt, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla and sugar.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and stir to just combine.
Toss the blueberries in 1 -2 tsp flour to coat, then add and mix gently to combine.
Scoop into muffin tins, sprinkle the tops with blueberries and a pinch of sugar and bake!

Blueberry Muffins Variations

Blueberry Muffins Made with Buttermilk

I’ve found that a lot of people are looking for muffin recipes made specifically with buttermilk. While this recipe doesn’t call for buttermilk, it uses plain Greek yogurt which is similar. If you don’t have yogurt, you can swap in one cup of buttermilk.

Don’t have buttermilk? It’s so easy to make your own – just add a splash of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Streusel For Blueberry Muffins

Let’s talk about them. They’re big & fluffy, packed with blueberries and not overly sweet. In these blueberry muffins, yogurt is used to keep the blueberry muffins moist. And I always add a sprinkle of sugar on top because it’s a quick and easy way to add a little sweetness in every bite. However, you could also add a streusel topping. It’s a little bit more work but mixing some cold butter, brown sugar and oats together and sprinkling on top would be delightful!

Blueberry Muffins with Frozen Blueberries – Should I thaw frozen blueberries before baking?

If you don’t have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen. Be sure to always toss blueberries in about a teaspoon of flour before mixing into the batter. If you pick blueberries in the summer, or even when you see them on sale at the store, stock up and freeze them. They’re great for baking!

Blueberry Muffins Protein – Can I add protein powder to blueberry muffins?

These muffins do get a boost of protein from the Greek yogurt but if you wanted to add some additional protein, you could add a scoop or two of protein powder to the batter before mixing in the flour. Adding protein powder can dry out the muffins so I would start with one scoop and if it’s not noticeable, add another scoop the next time.

Best Fluffy Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

These Blueberry Muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with flavor. They’re kid-friendly and make a great breakfast or snack!

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

1/3 cup oil
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup sugar + 2 tsp for sprinkling
1.5 cups white whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1.25 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen) + 1 tsp flour

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large bowl, mix together oil, milk, eggs, yogurt, vanilla and sugar until well combined.
Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt and stir until just combined.
Toss 1 cup berries in 1 tsp flour to coat, then gently mix in berries.
Scoop in greased or lined muffin tins.
Lightly press remaining 1/4 cup berries into the top of the muffins and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Notes

Feel free to use frozen blueberries instead – no need to thaw before baking!

You can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.

Saving a few blueberries to press into the top of each one makes them look extra fancy…and sprinkling with just a pinch of sugar on top is crucial, in my opinion!

Healthy Blueberry Muffins FAQs

What makes blueberry muffins moist and fluffy?

Including yogurt and baking soda helps make these muffins light and fluffy. The acid in the yogurt, especially Greek yogurt reacts with baking soda and creates carbon dioxide which helps the muffins rise.

What’s the difference between using milk and buttermilk in muffins?

Buttermilk (and Greek yogurt) are more acidic and will help make muffins taller and fluffier than just using regular milk.

Are blueberry muffins healthy?

As always, it depends on the ingredients but I consider this muffin recipe to be fairly healthy. It uses Greek yogurt and hemp hearts which add protein, plus white whole wheat flour to add some fiber. It’s also fairly low in added sugar.

How do I make blueberry muffins vegan without eggs?

You can try replacing eggs in muffin recipes with flax eggs. Here’s how to make a flax egg.

What type of flour is best for blueberry muffins?

I like white whole wheat flour. It has the benefits of wheat flour but it’s lighter and has a more mild flavor. You could also try replacing some of the flour with almond flour.

Can I freeze blueberry muffins for later?

Yes, just cool completely and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw on the counter or in the microwave when ready to eat.

Can I make these blueberry muffins gluten-free?

Yes! To make these muffins gluten-free swap the white whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

How to store blueberry muffins?

Store in an airtight container on the counter for a couple of days. If keeping longer than that I would store in the fridge to prevent spoilage.

Healthy Muffin Recipes

Looking for more muffins? You can find all my healthy muffins and bars recipes here.

If you’re looking specifically for cornbread muffins with blueberries, you can use my Cranberry Corn Muffins and swap blueberries and bam! Corn muffins with blueberries!
If you want paleo blueberry muffins, try these Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins from my friend Ashley at Fit Mitten Kitchen.
Want vegan blueberry muffins? Try The Best Vegan Blueberry Muffins from Jessica in the Kitchen or these Vegan Blueberry Muffins from Eating Bird Food.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Chocolate Muffins

Lindsay — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:25:50 +0000

These healthy chocolate muffins are perfect for breakfast or snack time. Made with Greek yogurt, they’re lower in added sugar and full of flavor.

Hi friends!

If you’ve been around a while, you know that we eat a lot of muffins. These Healthy Chocolate Muffins are the newest addition to our lineup and a favorite of my youngest kiddo.

He’s recently decided he no longer likes bananas so that knocks out a lot of muffin choices. Luckily, he is still a fan of chocolate and he loves my Healthy Black Bean Bars and my Chocolate Pea Cookies.

But he’s a growing boy and in my quest to always have healthy snacks on hand, I did some testing to make a banana-free chocolate muffin he will eat.

Healthy Banana Muffin Recipes

If you’re new here, the rest of the family enjoys bananas. Here are some of our other favorite muffins that do include bananas:

Healthy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

And if you happen to be in the mood for pumpkin instead of chocolate, check out these favorites:

Easy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips (can be made as muffins)
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars with Quinoa
Pumpkin Yogurt Bars

Healthy Chocolate Muffin Ingredients

The ingredients for these muffins are super simple and you probably have most of them on hand already! You’ll need:

Plain Greek yogurt – adds protein and helps keep the muffins moist
Eggs – for structure
Applesauce and sugar – to add sweetness
Oil – I use avocado oil but any mild oil is fine
Milk – Dairy or non-dairy will work
Flour – I like to use white whole wheat flour, but all-purpose is fine
Cocoa powder- look for unsweetened!
Baking powder and baking soda – to help them rise!
Chocolate chips – mix them in or just add them to the top. Or skip them all together.

How To Make Healthy Chocolate Muffins

These muffins can be made in one bowl for easy cleanup:

In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, eggs, applesauce, sugar and milk and mix well.
Add dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Scoop into silicone or lined muffin tins and bake!

Healthy Chocolate Muffin Recipe

Healthy Chocolate Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

These healthy chocolate muffins are perfect for breakfast or snack time. Made with Greek yogurt, they’re lower in added sugar and full of flavor.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup applesauce
1/3 cup sugar
1.5 cups flour (i use white whole wheat flour)
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1/3 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Mix yogurt, eggs, oil, milk, applesauce and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combined.
Spoon into silicone or lined muffin tins and bake for 16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Healthy Chocolate Muffins FAQs

How to store healthy chocolate muffins?

Store in a container or bag on the counter for 2-3 days. If you have any left, move them to the fridge to help them last longer.

Can you freeze chocolate muffins?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the microwave or on the counter.

Can I use regular yogurt?

Yes. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt will work just fine. You can also sub in vanilla yogurt.

Can I make gluten-free healthy chocolate muffins?

To make these gluten-free, swap a 1:1 gf flour mix for the flour. I like King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure.

Healthy Chocolate Muffins

Healthy Muffin Recipes

Need more muffins and bars to try?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Low Sugar Yogurt | 7g Added Sugar or Less!

Lindsay — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 18:46:00 +0000

Here are 5 of the best low sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

*Originally published 7/2022. Updated 12/2024.*

Hi friends!

I have been working on a new snack series! Today we’re talking about yogurt. Yogurt is kid-friendly, an easy protein source and can be a great addition to a balanced diet. However, if you’re not careful, it can easily fall into the dessert category based on the large amounts of sugar that is often added to it.

If you want more store-bought snack ideas, check out these posts:

Snacks from certain stores:

Types of snacks:

Best Low Sugar Yogurts – Top Brands

How to choose low sugar yogurt?

So what low-sugar yogurts are best? I went to Meijer and Kroger to find some options for you!

There is no official definition for low-sugar so opinions will vary person to person. As a Registered Dietitian, I tried to look for options that were relatively low in sugar but would still taste good.

Low Sugar Yogurt Recipes

For options lowest in added sugar, try using plain yogurt and sweetening with your own fruit like this – How To Make Naturally Sweetened Greek Yogurt – No added Sugar. You could also try making your own yogurt – How To Make Homemade Vanilla Yogurt.

Best Flavored Yogurt Options

If you don’t like those options , you’ll need to choose from flavored store-bought options and the level of added sugar varies widely by brand.

Best yogurt without artificial sweetener

Many people, including myself, don’t like the aftertaste that comes with stevia and may have digestive issues with sweeteners like monk fruit, etc. If you want to learn more about sugar substitutes, check out my post – The Ultimate Guide to Sugar Substitutes.

For this roundup, I’ve chosen to go with yogurts sweetened with traditional sugar, not sugar substitutes.

Here are five options that have 7 grams of added sugar or less. Watch the video for an overview, or scroll down to see the options:

What is the healthiest low sugar yogurt?

The healthiest low sugar yogurt for you is one that you’ll eat! You can’t get the protein and other nutrient benefits if you’re not willing to consume it!

Lowest Sugar Yogurt Brands

Here are the five options I found that are lower in sugar and still taste good.

Oikos Blended – Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

7 grams added sugar
13 grams protein
0 grams fat

Ingredients in the strawberry flavor: cultured non fat milk, strawberries, cane sugar, water, contains less than 1% of: pectin, natural flavors, fruit and vegetable juice concentrate and beta carotene (for color, vitamin D3.

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

5 grams added sugar
12 grams protein
3 grams fat

Ingredients in Vanilla: Cultured lowfat milk, water, cane sugar, natural flavors, fruit pectin, guar gum, cinnamon, locust bean gum, vanilla extract, lemon juice concentrate.

Fage Total Split Cup – Low Sugar Yogurt

7 grams added sugar
12 grams protein
2.5 grams fat

Ingredients: STRAINED YOGURT: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk and Cream, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei).

STRAWBERRY FRUIT PREPARATION: Strawberries, Cane Sugar, Water, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Fruit Pectin.

Siggi’s Yogurt With Low Sugar

6 grams added sugar
15 grams protein
2.5 grams fat (there’s also a whole milk version)

Ingredients in black cherry: Pasteurized Skim Milk, Pasteurized Cream, Cherries, Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Live Active Cultures

Icelandic Provisions Low Sugar Yogurt

7 grams added sugar
15 grams protein
2 grams fat

Ingredients in strawberry: Skyr (Pasteurized Low-Fat Milk, Live and Active Cultures), Fruit (Strawberries, Lingonberries), Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Pectin, Carob Bean Gum, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate (For Color)

Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

What’s the difference between greek yogurt and regular yogurt? Greek yogurt is strained after it’s fermented to remove the whey and make it thicker. Skyr is similar to Greek yogurt in that it’s strained, often longer than Greek yogurt, making it even thicker. Greek yogurt can have fewer carbs and less sugar, while also having more protein than regular yogurt. For all varieties there are whole milk and lower fat options. Skyr is usually made with skim milk and can have even more protein than Greek yogurt.

Kids Taste Test Yogurt with Low Sugar

Low Sugar Yogurts for Kids

While low sugar options are great, we still need kids to enjoy them! I did a little taste test with my kids where they tasted the 5 options listed above, plus a higher sugar option and one sweetened with stevia. Watch to see which were their favorites:

Best Sugar-Free Yogurt

Is sugar-free yogurt good for you?

So what about sugar-free yogurt that use artifical sweeteners and yogurts sweetened with stevia and monkfruit? Personally and as an RD they’re not my favorite. Stevia and other sweeteners like it can cause GI distress- gas, bloating etc for some people. Some people also don’t like the taste or aftertaste. They’re also much much sweeter than regular yogurts and kids can get used to that level of sweetness. Like most things, they’re probably fine in moderation but for this post I chose ones sweetened with regular sugar because that’s my preference. If you’re looking for other options there are definitely some out there!

For Special Diets

Low Sugar Yogurts for Diatbetics

If you’re diabetic and looking for options that are specifically good for diabetics, check out this article from my friend and fellow RD who is a Type 1 Diabetic – How To Choose The Best Yogurt For Diabetes.

Low Sugar Vegan Yogurt

If you’re looking for some healthy dairy-free yogurt options check out this post – Healthy Dairy-free Yogurt That Actually Tastes Good.

Additional healthy yogurt options:

Two other easy ways to reduce the added sugar in yogurt is to choose plain yogurt and mix in smashed fruit or drizzle with a little honey.

Or you can buy a flavored variety that might have a bit more added sugar and mix it half and half with plain yogurt!

Hope this post was helpful! Want some recipes that use yogurt, both flavored and plain?

–Lindsay–

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Lindsay — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

This Fresh Green Bean Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and pancetta, it’s full of flavor and easy to make!

*Originally published 11/2013. Updated 10/2024*

Hi friend!
It’s hard to believe it’s almost Thanksgiving time again! I’m excited to share this Fresh Green Bean Casserole recipe with you guys because it’s the one that actually converted me into a green bean casserole eater!

Despite the vegetable being in the name of my blog, I’m very picky about my green beans I can’t stand canned green beans and often I actually like eating them better cold than warm. But my husband is a fan of green bean casserole so this year I set out to make a version we both would enjoy and I think I hit the nail on the head with this recipe.

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Is this a healthy green bean casserole? I think so! It’s packed with fresh green beans and mushrooms and the cream of mushroom soup is homemade so you can easily control the amount of sodium, unlike in the canned version.

The pancetta adds great flavor and there’s just a few breadcrumbs and crispy onions on top to balance everything out! Most importantly it tastes good! And food is meant to be enjoyed

Dairy and Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole Recipe

It’s super easy to make this a dairy and/or gluten-free green bean casserole recipe. To make the casserole gluten-free just use a gluten-free flour mix in the cream of mushroom sauce. I like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure. And use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and french fried onions. You can find them at the store or try making your own with a recipe like these Easy Gluten-free Fried Onions. Or skip the fried onions and try crispy shallots instead like this Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole.

To make the recipe dairy-free, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk in the cream of mushroom soup.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Soup Ingredients

This recipe has two parts. First you make the cream of mushroom soup and then you make the casserole. For the soup you need:

Garlic
Mushrooms – i like mini portabello mushrooms but you can use whatever kind you like
Pancetta – takes the flavor to the next level
Roux ingredients- butter, flour, broth and milk – the flour and butter combine with the liquids to help thicken the soup.

For the casserole you need:

Fresh green beans
Butter, garlic and salt – for flavor
Mushrooms – more of whatever kind you used in the cream of mushroom soup. You can adjust the amount depending how many you want in your casserole.
Panko and crispy onions – to add a little crunch to the top.

How To Make Fresh Green Bean Casserole

You can make this casserole in two parts – one right after the other, or if you need to make the cream of mushroom soup ahead of time, that’s fine too.

To make the cream of mushroom soup:

Saute the mushrooms, garlic and pancetta and set aside.
Melt the butter, add the flour and whisk in the broth and milk, simmering until it thickens.
Add the mushroom mixture back in and voila!

To make the casserole:

Blanche the green beans.
Saute more mushrooms and garlic.
Mix the beans, mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup together, top with breadcrumbs and bake.
Add the crispy fried onions just before serving.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This Fresh Green Bean Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and pancetta, it’s full of flavor and easy to make!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 9×9 pan

Ingredients

For the cream of mushroom soup:

1 Tbsp oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 oz mushrooms, finely diced
4 oz pancetta, finely cubed
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup milk (I use 2%)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the casserole:

2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed, cut into roughly 1 inch pieces
2 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 to 8 oz mushrooms sliced (amount depending on your preference)
1/4 tsp salt
1 batch of cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
French fried onions, to taste

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Instructions

To make the Cream of Mushroom Soup:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic, mushrooms and pancetta and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Remove from pan and set aside.
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in the skillet.
Add flour and whisk to combine.
Slowly add broth and then milk and salt, whisking constantly to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
Add mushroom mixture back in, stir to combine, then remove from pan and set aside.

For the casserole:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and boil for 5 minutes.
Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp butter in a skillet.
Add sliced mushrooms, garlic and salt and saute for 5 minutes.
In a 9×9 pan, combine green beans, sauteed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup.
Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake 20 minutes F.
Sprinkle with French fried onions just before serving.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole FAQs

Can I use canned green beans?

If you prefer to use canned green beans, I would skip the blanching the beans and just combine 2 (drained) cans of beans with the sauteed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup mixture!

Can I use frozen green beans?

I wouldn’t recommend putting the green beans in frozen because it will be too watery. If you need to use frozen, you could try cooking them first and draining the water before mixing them with the mushrooms and soup.

Can I make this fresh green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Feel free to assemble this casserole ahead of time. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking and then add the French fried onions right after baking!

You can also make the cream of mushroom soup ahead of time and/or blanch the green beans ahead of time so assembly goes more quickly when you’re ready to make the casserole.

How to store fresh green bean casserole?

Store this container in an airtight container in the fridge. Add fresh crispy onions after reheating!

Can I make fresh green bean casserole without mushrooms?

Yes! You’re more than welcome to leave the mushrooms out of this recipe. I add about 4 oz of sliced mushrooms to the casserole. You can add up to 8 oz or none at all!

Can I make fresh green bean casserole with store-bought cream of mushroom soup?

Yes. In a pinch you could sub one can of store-bought cream of mushroom soup but i highly recommend giving the homemade version a try!

Can I leave out the pancetta?

Yes! If you can’t find it or don’t want to use it you can leave out the pancetta. But I really love the flavor it adds. You could also substitute a few pieces of diced up bacon for the pancetta.

Can you make fresh green bean casserole in the slow cooker?

Yes! Here are a couple of recipes to try:

These would be a great option if you really need to free up some oven space for the holidays!

Other healthy green bean casserole recipes

Here are a few more recipes to try:

Need more Thanksgiving recipes to pair with this Fresh Green Bean Casserole? Try:

Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble

This Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner. Make it for a quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish or pop it in the oven while eating and serve it with ice cream for dessert!

Grab the recipe!

Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a new meal. Or make it with chicken any time of year!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip

This Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip is the perfect kid-friendly side dish for your next holiday gathering or weeknight dinner!

Grab the recipe!

Bisquick Cornbread

A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

Grab the recipe!

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing

This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing makes the perfect holiday side dish but is also hearty enough to enjoy as a meal on its own.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade {with a kick!}

Lindsay — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

This spicy Greek yogurt chicken marinade is so moist and flavorful. Prep it ahead of time and then throw it on a sheet pan in the oven or toss it on the grill for a quick, healthy dinner.

*Originally published May 2019. Updated Sept 2024*

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing a recipe for Spicy Yogurt Marinated Chicken! If it’s been a while since you marinated anything, you may be surprised just how much flavor it can add. This is one of those recipes that’s perfect for food prep because you can just toss everything into a Ziploc bag and then move it to the grill for an easy dinner.

I used chicken thighs when I made it but you could also use chicken breasts. When I want a sheet pan meal, I cooked them in the oven with some green beans on one pan and roast some sweet potato slices on another.

In the summer months, this recipe is perfect for grilling. Put the chicken on the grill with some quick veggie kabobs and boom! Dinner is served.

How To Make Greek Chicken Marinade with Yogurt

To make this marinade, just grab a large Ziploc bag. You could also use a bowl or Tupperware container if you prefer.

Combine the yogurt, spices, lime juice and garlic in the bag, then place the chicken in yogurt mixture. Seal tightly and mix until well combined and coated.

Let marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours then cook as desired!

Greek Chicken with Tzatziki

Someone asked me if you could substitute tzatziki sauce for the Greek yogurt in this marinade and I think you could! I would leave out the lime juice and give it a try.

How To Cook Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade

There are tons of ways to cook this chicken!

On the grill – remove from the marinade and grill.
In the oven – place on a baking sheet with some veggies and bake!
In the air fryer – place in the air fryer at 400 for 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness
On the stove top – cook in a cast iron skillet on the stove.

If you’re using a sheet pan, you may want to use some foil for a divider. The chicken is juicy and will release some liquid. I covered half my pan with foil to contain the chicken and then tossed my green beans on the other half of the pan.

If you’re not a fan of roasting two pans in the oven at once, toss a few sweet potatoes in the microwave while the chicken and beans are cooking in the oven!

Marinated Greek Chicken Thighs Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinde Recipe

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5 from 1 review

This Spicy Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade is so moist and flavorful. Prep it ahead of time and then throw it on a sheet pan in the oven or toss it on the grill for a quick, healthy dinner.

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: serves 4-6

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3/4 cup plain greek yogurt (regular works too)
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
juice from one lime
pinch of salt and pepper

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Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large Ziploc bag.
Close tightly and use your hands to mix everything around and make sure the chicken is well coated.
Marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours. (24 hours is best!)
Remove the chicken and cook as desired, discarding the remaining marinade. I cooked mine on a sheet pan with green beans at 400 for 15-25 minutes. Time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. Check internal temperature until it reaches 165. You may need to remove the green beans before your chicken is done!

Notes

To cook the sweet potatoes, thinly slice, spray with oil, season as desired and bake at 400 or 425 for 20-25 min flipping once.

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade is so easy and full of spice. You can dial back the cayenne if you don’t want it as spicy. You could also try a different combo of spices. Add some turmeric, swap the lime juice for lemon juice, try chili powder instead of cumin etc!

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade FAQs

Can you marinate meat in Greek yogurt? Is it safe to marinate chicken in yogurt?

Yes! Yogurt makes a great marinade. Yogurt is acidic, which you want in a marinade. Some marinades use lemon, citrus, vinegar etc but in this case yogurt adds acid as well.

Is Greek yogurt good for marinating? What are the benefits of a yogurt marinade?

Marinating in yogurt adds acid which helps tenderize the meat and make it nice and juicy when you cook it instead of dry and rubbery.

Is marinating chicken healthy?

Yes! Marinating is a super easy way to infuse flavor into the chicken before cooking it.

Is Greek yogurt or regular yogurt better for marinade?

It doesn’t matter. Either works great!

How long should you marinate chicken? How long can you keep yogurt-marinated chicken in the fridge?

Most Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinades are suggested for 4-24 hours. Marinating any longer than 24 hours can cause the meat to start to break down, resulting in a less desirable texture.

How long do you cook marinated chicken?

This will depend on your cooking method. Be sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the meat and the juices run clear.

Do you rinse off yogurt marinade? When baking do you leave it in all the marinade?

You do not need to rinse off the marinade before cooking but you can discard any marinade left in the bag after you remove the chicken.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt? I wonder if sour cream could be subbed for Greek yogurt in the marinade?

Yes, if you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream makes a great substitute. You could also use buttermilk or tzatziki sauce!

What are some of the best Greek chicken recipes?

If you don’t care about yogurt and are just looking for some Greek-inspired chicken recipes, try one of these:

Greek chicken thigh marinade/Greek chicken thigh recipes

Have chicken thighs to use up? Here are some great recipes to try:

Greek Yogurt Chicken

Healthy Chicken Marinades

Looking for other chicken marinades? Try these:

Easy Chicken Marinade (only 4 ingredients!)

For this easy chicken marinade, combine oil, red wine vinegar, honey and garlic for perfectly juicy chicken every time. Cook it any way you want – on the grill, in the air fryer or in the oven!

Grab the recipe!

Simple Chicken Marinade for Meal Prep

This simple chicken marinade for meal prep will quickly become a favorite. Easy and flavorful, perfect for batch-cooking chicken to enjoy all week long.

Grab the recipe!

Honey Bourbon Chicken (Marinade and Glaze)

This Honey Bourbon Chicken Marinade is packed with flavor! Let it sit overnight, then turn the marinade into a sauce while you cook the chicken.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Lindsay — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:12:57 +0000

This Mexican Street Corn Dip is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. Spicy, flavorful and easy to make it’s perfect for dipping with chips!

Hi friends!

If you’re looking for an easy dip to serve at a party or something to bring to the next summer potluck, this dip is it! It’s super easy to make, requires just a few ingredients and is bursting with flavor!

My husband is a huge fan of sweet corn but I like my corn on the cob plain. However, if you cut that plain corn off the cob, add some seasonings and Greek yogurt to make it creamy and give me some chips for scooping, I will eat the whole bowl!

Mexican Street Corn Dip Ingredients

You just need a few basic ingredients to make this dip:

Corn – If you’re using corn on the cob, cook it however you’d like- on the stove, in the microwave, on the grill etc and then cut it off the cob. You could also try this recipe with canned or frozen corn.
Butter – To add a little richness
Garlic – For flavor.
Jalapeno- This is optional, but I think this dip tastes best with a little kick to it!
Lime juice – Fresh is best!
Seasonings – Just a simple mix of paprika, chili powder and salt
Green onion – Thinly sliced
Feta – If you can find cojita cheese you can use that but I find feta to be more readily available
Plain Greek yogurt – Many recipes will use sour cream or mayo to add creaminess but I prefer Greek yogurt to add a little extra protein!

How To Make Mexican Street Corn Dip

Here’s how you make it:

Cook the corn and cut it off the cob.
In a saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add in the garlic, jalapeno, lime juice and seasonings.
After sauteing for a few minutes, add the corn and green onions and saute a few minutes more.
Remove from heat, stir in the feta and yogurt and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Top with green onions and feta and serve with chips.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

You may be wondering what the difference is between this dip and Mexican Street Corn Salad and the answer is probably the chips! Serve this dip by itself in a big bowl and people can eat it as a side dish salad, or put it in a bowl next to some chips and people will eat it as a dip!

More Easy Appetizers

Need more easy party appetizer ideas? Try one of these:

Homemade Pepperoni Bread
Crispy Pulled Pork Potato Skins
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
Spicy Shrimp Tacos – make them street taco sized!

Street Corn Dip Recipe

Here’s the exact Mexican Street Corn Dip recipe:

Mexican Street Corn Dip

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This Mexican Street Corn Dip is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. Spicy, flavorful and easy to make it’s perfect for dipping with chips!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

4 ears of corn, cooked and cut off the cob (approx 3 cups)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 jalapeno, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
juice from one lime
1 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 – 1 tsp salt
1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
extra green onion and feta for topping, optional

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Instructions

Cook corn as desired (stovetop, grill, microwave, etc) and cut off the cob if needed.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add jalapeno, garlic, lime juice and spices and saute 3-4 minutes.
Add corn and green onions and saute another 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in yogurt and feta until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings, top with more green onions and feta and serve warm with chips for scooping.

Notes

For a less spicy dip, omit the jalapeno or cut back on the chili powder!

Mexican Street Corn Dip FAQs

What is the best street corn seasoning?

For this Mexican Street Corn Dip, we stick to just chili powder, paprika and salt and uses fresh garlic but you could try garlic powder, cumin or even add fresh cilantro. Or try making your own DIY Elote (Street Corn) seasoning.

Can you make Mexican street corn on the grill?

You can definitely use the grill whether you’re making this dip or regular Mexican street corn. Here’s directions for How To Grill Corn. Just follow those directions and cut it off the cob to use it in this dip. OR here are a couple of recipes for Grilled Mexican Street Corn. (Or try this one for Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes).

Other Mexican street corn salad recipes?

My recipe uses plain Greek yogurt but a lot of recipes out there use mayo or sour cream to make it creamy. Try this Mexican Street Corn Salad with mayo. Or this Mexican Street Corn Dip with cream cheese.

Can you make Mexican street corn casserole?

This recipe is pretty much a casserole as well. When I think of casseroles, I think baked in the oven so you could try mixing everything together and baking in a baking dish in the oven until warm and bubbly if desired!

What are some other easy Mexican street corn recipes?

If you happen to have extra street corn dip/salad and are looking for ways to use it up, here are some ideas:

Need more Mexican recipe ideas?

The Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip

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!

Grab the recipe!

Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos

These Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos are a quick and easy, kid-friendly option for lunch or dinner and a great way to use up leftover chicken. Make a double batch and freeze some for a busy week!

Grab the recipe!

Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken

This Crockpot Mexican Chicken makes a quick, easy dinner or freezer recipe. Made with simple ingredients but full of flavor, it’s great on its own or served over rice, farro or cauliflower rice.

Grab the recipe!

Mexican Burgers

These Mexican Burgers are perfect for your summer cookout or party. Topped with grilled corn salsa, pepper jack cheese and lots of guacamole, each bite is packed with flavor!

Grab the recipe!

Cilantro Lime Chicken {Slow Cooker or Instant Pot}

This Cilantro Lime Chicken is the perfect healthy dinner recipe and can be made in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. Serve it over rice or as a filling for tacos. You can even prep it ahead of time and freeze until you need it.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Lindsay — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +0000

These No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a healthy twist on carrot cake- no oven required! Guaranteed to please a crowd at your next party or gathering.

*originally published 4/2017. Updated 1/2024*

Hi Friends!

As far as dessert goes, carrot cake can be a bit of a polarizing topic, am I right? First of all, are you willing to eat a dessert with vegetables in it? Do you like nuts? How do you feel about raisins? What about coconut?

There’s a lot to unpack there and everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but it’s MY opinion that you should give these no bake carrot cake cream cheese bars a try!

Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s be clear that these bars are not a replacement for actual carrot cake. If that’s what you want, try this incredibly moist carrot cake or this carrot cake recipe. But if you’re looking for an alternative, these bars may be the answer.

They’re made with a simple crust of nuts, dates, carrots and spices and then topped with a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for an easy frosting. If you’re feeling wild, you can add some shredded coconut on top!

I’m not a fan so I opted for a sprinkle of cinnamon and some shredded carrots. You could also put some chopped nuts on top or mix them into the frosting.

Healthy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

Here’s exactly what you need to make these bars:

Nuts– I use a mix of pecans and walnuts. You could also try adding almonds to the mix.
Dates– Soft medjool dates with the pits removed.
Shredded carrots – You’ll shred them first and then add them to the food processor so they get chopped up even smaller
Spices- A simple mix of cinnamon and ginger
Greek yogurt- plain greek yogurt makes up the majority of the frosting
Cream cheese – we add some cream cheese for flavor and to help it thicken
Maple syrup – to sweeten the frosting
Vanilla extract

How To Make Easy No-Bake Carrot Cake Bars

To make these bars, just follow these simple steps:

Add nuts and dates to the food processor and process until well chopped. (Cuisinart food processors are my favorite – aff link)
Add carrots and spices and pulse again.
Press the mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan (I like this one from Wilton– aff link)
To make the frosting, mix softened cream cheese with yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla.
Spread on top of the bars and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Easy Carrot Recipes

Want more easy carrot recipes and don’t mind turning on the oven? Try one of these:

No Oven Carrot Cake Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Kylie @ Yeah Imma Eat That who guest-posted and shared this recipe on my blog years ago!

No-Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

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These No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are a fun twist on carrot cake, no oven required! Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Author: Lindsay L
Yield: 8 bars
Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Bottom Layer

½ cup walnuts
½ cup pecans (or almonds)
1 cup dates, pitted (~8 dates)
¼ teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup carrots, grated
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger

Frosting

½ cup 2% or full fat Greek yogurt, plain
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

shredded coconut
chopped walnuts or pecans
cinnamon and shredded carrots

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Instructions

Add nuts and dates to a food processor and process until well chopped.
Add shredded carrots and spices and process until a ball of dough forms.***
Press dough into a parchment paper lined 9×5 loaf pan.
In a bowl, use an electric mixer to combine Greek yogurt, cream cheese, maple syrup and vanilla. Mix on high speed until smooth.
Spread frosting over pressed-out dough. Sprinkle with toppings if desired.
Allow bars to set in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing into 8 bars.
These are best eaten off a plate with a fork vs trying to hold them in your hands because the crust isn’t super firm.

Notes

***You may want to put the shredded carrots in a paper towel and give them a quick squeeze first to remove excess moisture. If your dough doesn’t form a ball, add 1 Tbsp of water.

Are you drooling yet?

No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars FAQs

What are some alternative nuts that can be used as the base layer of No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?

I really like the combination of pecans and walnuts. You could also try replacing half the nuts with almonds. Using all almonds will make a bit of a firmer crust. Using all walnuts will make the crust even softer. I would not recommend using peanuts as it will change the flavor of the recipe.

Will No Bake Cheesecake melt?

These bars need to be stored in the fridge. The cream cheese helps thicken the frosting as it sets but if you take them out and let them sit at room temperature the frosting will begin to get a little runny.

Can I substitute dates with another dried fruit in this recipe?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Dates really are the best option for the crust of these bars.

How long do the No Bake Carrot Cake bars need to set in the fridge before serving?

Let the bars set in the fridge for at least an hour. The cream cheese in the frosting needs time to thicken again after being softened to keep the frosting from sliding off the bars.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup in the frosting?

You could try substituting honey but it might alter the flavor a little bit.

What additional toppings can I add to these bars for variety?

The original recipe called for shredded coconut. I prefer mine with an extra sprinkle of shredded carrots plus some cinnamon. If you like nuts, try mixing some chopped walnuts into the frosting before spreading or sprinkling some on top.

What are the best ways to store these No Bake Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars?

These bars need to be stored in the fridge. I like to cut them and place them in a flat single layer in a glass storage container with a lid and keep them in the fridge until I’m ready to eat.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese in this recipe? How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

You could try using a dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese to make this frosting. Try this Kite Hill dairy-free cream cheese. Here are some Vegan Greek yogurt options.

Could these be considered healthy no-bake carrot cake breakfast bars?

I would absolutely serve these for breakfast! You can always decrease the maple syrup in the frosting a little bit!

Need more no-bake carrot cake recipes?

Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Pumpkin Yogurt Dip

Lindsay — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This recipe for Pumpkin Yogurt Dip is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect afternoon snack! Try it paired with cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips or graham crackers.

*Originally published 9/2015. Updated Aug 2023*

Hi Friends!

Pumpkin season is here again and lately we’ve been loving this Pumpkin Yogurt Dip, especially for an afternoon snack. It’s so easy to whip up and my kids love helping me make the cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips to go along with it. This may be evident by the heavy-handed amount of cinnamon on some of the chips

Recipe for Pumpkin Yogurt Dip

Easy Pumpkin with Yogurt Idea

This Pumpkin Yogurt Dip recipe is SUPER easy! But if you’re pressed for time, you can make it even easier by pretty much just combining vanilla yogurt and pumpkin puree, topping with a little cinnamon and serve it with graham crackers.

To jazz things up a little, I made myself some cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips because they’re equally as easy and fun for dipping but you could also take a lesson from my two-year-old and just eat it straight out of the bowl with a spoon.

Here’s how you make it:

Pumpkin Yogurt Dip Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This Pumpkin Yogurt Dip recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect afternoon snack! Try it paired with cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips or graham crackers.

Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 – 1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 – 1/2 tsp ginger (ground,dried)
1 – 2 Tbsp maple syrup

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Instructions

Combine ingredients in a small bowl.
Stir to combine.
Taste and adjust spices and sweetener if needed.

Notes

To make the Cinnamon and Sugar tortilla chips, cut whole wheat tortillas into triangles. Spray with oil or brush lightly with oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake at 350 for 12 min, flipping once.

To make this even easier, start with vanilla yogurt and skip the vanilla extract and maple syrup.

Be sure to use two baking sheets if necessary for the chips so you don’t crowd the pan. I only put the cinnamon and sugar on one side but you could certainly repeat the process once you flip them over if desired.

Pumpkin Yogurt Dip FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie spice in this yogurt dip? What is a substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! Pumpkin pie spice is typically a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. If you like those flavors, you could definitely swap the cinnamon and ginger for pumpkin pie spice!

To make your own pumpkin pie spice, try a ratio of 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ginger and nutmeg.

Can I make this a Greek yogurt pumpkin dip?

Yes! You can use whatever yogurt you want, whether that’s regular yogurt, Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative yogurt.

Can I use vanilla yogurt? Can I substitute cool whip?

Yes! My kids love when I swap plain yogurt for vanilla to add a little extra sweetness. If you do use vanilla, you can reduce or eliminate the maple syrup to cut back on the added sugar if you want to.

You could also try thawing coolwhip in the fridge and using that in place of yogurt!

If I use vanilla yogurt, do I still add vanilla?

It’s up to you! I love vanilla so I do still add vanilla extract when I use vanilla yogurt but you could try leaving it out, tasting it and then adding a little if you want to.

How to make this without the yogurt or cool whip?

If yogurt and cool whip are not available, you could try cream cheese. You could also blending in silken tofu.

Or you could go a different direction and try a mix of pumpkin puree, peanut butter and a chickpea base like this Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dip.

Do you use pumpkin puree? Is it pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling?

This recipe uses 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has spices and sugar already mixed in. For a shortcut, you could try just mixing

Can you freeze pumpkin dip?

I would not recommend freezing this dip since it’s yogurt-based and then yogurt might crystalize and get watery when thawing.

Got leftover pumpkin?

Pumpkin Bread with Yogurt

If you’re looking for a great pumpkin bread recipe, try my Easy Pumpkin Bread. To make it pumpkin yogurt bread, try replacing half the butter with yogurt.

Or if you want gluten-free pumpkin bread, try my Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bean Bread.

Pumpkin Yogurt Muffins

While I don’t have a recipe for pumpkin muffins with yogurt, I do have these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars which are one of my absolute favs. You could probably try them as muffins if you wanted!

I also love these Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins. The perfect transition from Fall to Winter.

Healthy Canned Pumpkin Recipes

Way back when I first wrote this post, I teamed up with some food blogger friends who also created some delicious canned pumpkin recipes you should check out:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip

Lindsay — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0000

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!

*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

Here’s how you make it:

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip

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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!

Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

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)

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Instructions

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.
Roast the pepper and garlic in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.
Let pepper cool slightly, peel off the skin and remove stem, seeds and extra liquid.
In a food processor, combine roasted pepper and garlic, crumbled feta, oil, cayenne pepper and beans. Process until well combined.
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!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–