Snacks are an important part of healthy eating, but instead of tearing open a bag of empty calories, reach for our list of 48 healthy snack recipes that are nutrient-dense, balanced with protein, fiber and healthy fats, and that are actually so delicious, you’ll wonder how healthy eating ever got a reputation for being unsatisfying. Healthy snack ideas picked by a registered dietitian (Toby Amidor, M.S, R.D, C.D.N.) and developed by superstars (including registered dietician Ellie Krieger) guarantee that these easy, wholesome bites lead with deliciousness but deliver with ideal nutrition profiles.

Many of these dietitian-approved healthy snacks pair protein with fiber. It’s a simple strategy that can help you stay fuller, longer. When you need a super satisfying snack, Greek yogurt with berry chia jam, hummus with raw vegetables or a handful of trail mix all fit the bill. 

There’s something for every craving here, too. You’ll find sweet, salty, spicy, creamy and crunch options. You’ll love high-protein snacks like an ideal tuna salad on butter crackers or even a homemade protein bar that tastes just like a brownie. Nutrient-dense energy balls, that you just roll and chill, like pistachio-cherry chocolate balls and almond coconut and date bites, are perfect when you want a bite of something sweet that still pick you up during that afternoon slump. The list goes on and on.

Best of all, many of these snacks keep well in the fridge or freezer — and list full nutrition information, so it’s easy to snack with the numbers in view, even when you’re on the go. Try some of our grab-and-go greatest hits like almond-cherry pepita bars or trail mix, along with appetizer-worthy dishes, like figs with ricotta, pistachio and honey, mini quiches or pan con tomate with Serrano ham. Or, opt for travel-friendly hummus and baba ghanouj.

You’ll even find better-for-you versions of VIPs, like healthy cheese crackers, puppy chow (aka muddy buddies) and potato chips with onion dip (really!). And, don’t forget those that are dessert-worthy, like individually portioned carrot cake, chocolate chia pudding, berry snack cake and a plethora of cookies.

If you don’t know where to begin, may we suggest you start with Whipped Tofu Dip. This simple method of pureeing firm tofu results in a silky smooth and airy dip or spread with an exceptionally creamy texture, similar to hummus. The addition of nutty garlic confit — slowly roasted garlic in a bath of olive oil — kicks the flavor up a notch with a nutty sweetness, while a generous squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkling of lemon zest provide some brightness. Serve with crudités.

A sweet and savory mix of pistachios and pistachio butter, dried cherries and rolled oats come together in these satisfying and wholesome no-bake treats. A melted chocolate coating and sprinkle of crushed pistachios give these healthy chocolate balls an indulgent “truffle” flair.

This better-for-you DIY version of boxed cheese crackers are simple to make and perfect for the whole family. Make it a fun activity for everyone, from measuring the ingredients to rolling out the dough.

Edamame is tossed with chili powder, red pepper flakes, oregano and salt for a simple twist on the popular Japanese snack. Munch on this whenever you need an extra pop of protein; This snack packs 14g of protein per 1-cup serving.

Baba ganoush is a classic Levantine eggplant and tahini dip that is beloved throughout the Middle East. The main variations are whether yogurt is included (it’s generally added to smooth out the flavor of the garlic) and how the eggplant is cooked. Our version calls for grilling the eggplant and skipping the yogurt to allow the charred smoky flavor to really shine.

This completely plant-based fruit-and-nut snack has a light and chewy texture that comes from brown rice cereal and syrup. Dried cherries give it a burst of sweet-tart flavor that’s balanced by flaky sea salt, almonds and pepitas. Wrap them individually for a satisfying snack that can be made ahead and taken on the go.

This vibrant snack pairs tangy Greek yogurt with a naturally sweet mixed berry chia jam. The result? A protein-packed treat that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying.

One more reason to celebrate guacamole: Avocados are rich in just the kind of “good” fats health experts encourage us to eat. In Ellie Krieger’s version, diced red onion is key — it gives a great bite to chunks of creamy avocado.

This Pan con Tomate with Serrano Ham is a simple yet bold Spanish-inspired snack, featuring toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and topped with delicate slices of cured ham.

For peach pie lovers: A drinkable, easy-to-make, healthier version of a dessert favorite with 10 grams of protein, calcium and vitamin C.

Curly kale is excellent for roasting. The tender leaves become crisp and crunchy when dressed in a light mixture of olive oil and kosher salt. Be sure to place the kale in one layer on the sheet tray — overcrowding will steam the kale rather than crisp it.

Who says healthy snacks can't be indulgent? These bites are packed with fiber and heart-healthy fats, but they’re also sweet, crunchy and delicious. Whip up a batch and pop them in the fridge so you’ll be ready the next time you're in need of a snack-time boost.

These baked potato chips have a satisfying crunch and less fat than store-bought. And, once you try the easy, homemade onion dip, you’ll never buy it at the store again.

Honey not only pairs beautifully with citrus and berries, but it also is hygroscopic, which means that it pulls moisture from the air. This property helps create the cake’s moist, dense, almost-pound-cake-like texture and will continue to improve the texture in the days after baking.

Chia seeds give this super-chocolaty pudding a satisfyingly rich texture. As an added bonus, they also add protein and fiber; You'll get 9g of protein and 6g of fiber from each serving of this deliciously sweet treat.

Instead of tortilla chips, this recipe stuffs pieces of bell pepper with your favorite nacho toppings — it’s a fun, vitamin C- and fiber-filled version of nachos.

This four-ingredient recipe takes 12 minutes to make. Plus, it provides a variety of good-for-you nutrients for about 150 calories per serving.

We left the oats out of this low-carb, low-sugar granola. Our taste testers were split on the level of toastiness: Some liked the granola golden brown, while others liked a deeper, more robust version. Just follow the recipe’s visual cues (and your nose) for your preferred doneness.

Chinese egg tarts come in a few varieties: these tarts hail from Hong Kong and consist of a puff pastry crust with a slightly less sweet and richer filling than other versions. They are enjoyed throughout the year for breakfast or as an after-school or mid-afternoon snack.

This hummus couldn’t be easier. Simply add a handful of ingredients to the food processor and puree until smooth. Better yet, it’s filled with fiber and healthy fat — and the perfect dip for raw vegetables.

Whole-wheat flour and Greek yogurt keep these cakes flavorful and moist while adding fiber and protein. Each cake gets one teaspoon of sweet cream cheese glaze — far fewer calories than the multiple tablespoons of frosting piled onto your typical cupcake.

Sweet, hollowed-out cherry tomatoes make perfect, tiny bowls for a chicken-apple salad filling.

This chia pudding is like no other! With flavors of rosewater and cardamom, this lightly sweetened dessert has floral notes that are subtle and very pleasing. And the fiber in the chia seeds helps fill you up.

This healthy version of puppy chow is just as satisfying as the original sweet snack but has less added sugar. The chocolatey coating includes almond butter instead of the traditional peanut butter, and we toss the coated cereal with unsweetened coconut instead of confectioners’ sugar to finish. It just may become your new go-to quick snack.

Daifuku are a popular wagashi (Japanese confection) consisting of the chewy rice-flour dough known as mochi wrapped around a sweet filling. Anko (sweet red bean paste) is one of the most common fillings, here paired with strawberries (ichigo). Enjoy this sweet with a cup of green tea. And remember that the mochi coating is very chewy, so savor your daifuku in small bites.

When you’re craving a salty, protein- and omega-3 packed snack, this is the one to turn to. This tuna salad is dressed up with olives, capers, celery and walnuts for a wholesome bite that’s full of flavor.

Use Greek yogurt for a healthier spin on beloved onion dip which adds calcium and tummy-pleasing probiotics. This version incorporates shallots and chives, and it can be served with sliced vegetables or low-salt pretzels or pita chips.

Nidhi Jalan writes, “Bhel or bhel puri is a chaat (street food snack) that is all at once crunchy, tart, spicy and a little sweet. This dish is ubiquitous in Mumbai and is often made to order with puffed rice and other ingredients, then served in paper cones (typically made from newspapers) by sidewalk vendors. While you won’t find bhutta (“corn”) bhel sold on the streets, it’s popular among home cooks. Here I use fresh summer corn as the base and add cornflakes instead of the usual puffed rice, for crunch. The tangy lime dressing makes it absolutely irresistible!”

These quick and easy no-bake energy bites are made with ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. They’re an ideal healthy snack or treat thanks to the healthy fats in the peanut butter and the fiber in the dried fruit, oats and flaxseed. Feel free to swap out the peanut butter for a different nut butter — just make sure to taste and adjust the amount of added salt if needed. The mix-ins are also endlessly customizable: swap out the dried cranberries for chocolate chips, nuts or seeds for a more granola-inspired take; or roll the balls in crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

This savory snack combines kimchi and soft tofu with eggs. Piled high on skillet-toasted rustic bread, you can indulge for fewer than 200 calories per serving.

The sweet earthiness of beets in this hummus is tempered by hummus tahini and creamy labneh. If you can’t find labneh, just substitute full-fat Greek yogurt for the same rich dairy tang. Black sesame seeds and cilantro make a striking garnish on this beautiful dish that comes together easily.

Molasses-heavy muscovado sugar and intense bittersweet chocolate create an insanely fudgy texture in these craveworthy cookies. The secrets to perfecting these cookies are: Avoid overmixing the dough; and, to avoid overcooking, bake it straight from frozen and pull the cookies from the oven when they’re almost underdone.

You only need three ingredients and five minutes to make a healthy snack that you can eat by the handful. Nutritional yeast has a nutty, cheese-like flavor, making this snack perfect for anyone who loves cheese popcorn.

These crunchy little cookies are a satisfying alternative to regular peanut butter cookies. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids — look for them in specialty health food stores if you don’t see them in the regular grocery store.

How can something so tiny have so much flavor? Thanks to fresh fruit and Greek yogurt these little frozen treats are packed with sweet and tang. A serving of ten has 50 calories and three grams of sugar.

This granola is easily broken into big, chunky pieces — making it perfect for snacking. Crunch on it in place of potato chips or dunk pieces into your favorite Greek yogurt dip.

There are only six grams of sugar in each of these little muffins and all of it comes from the fruit and milk — there’s no added or refined sugar!

Can’t decide whether you’re craving something sweet or spicy? This chaat offers the perfect balance of both — plus a boatload of the antioxidant vitamin C.

By making homemade muffins, you control the ingredients and portion size — no oversized muffins here! Each muffin also provides 220 calories and three grams of fiber per serving.

These date cookies with a base of oatmeal are perfectly sweet and delicious. The addition of walnuts gives them a nice crunch and the hint of cinnamon complements the flavor of the dates. You can make the dough ahead of time and bake the cookies later if you prefer. This recipe produces cookies that are crispy on the edges and soft and chewy on the inside – a winning combination. Each cookie clocks in at less than 130 calories.

This five-minute trail mix features nuts, raw seeds and two kinds of dried fruit (apricots and Goji berries) providing protein, fiber and healthy fat to keep you satisfied. Stir spoonfuls into Greek yogurt or have the snack on its own.

These mini quiches are individually sized without a crust for great portion control. In addition, the combination of half egg whites and half whole eggs beaten with some skim milk and topped with a sprinkle of crumbled turkey bacon makes for a tasty snack.

This quick mango salsa is made with mango, black beans, red onion and jalapeños; spooned into bite-size tortilla scoops. You’ll get a burst of flavor and nutrients in every bite.

Tamari is a dark soybean sauce that is like a thicker version of soy sauce. Its mellow flavor gets amped up by cayenne pepper as the coating for these fiery pecans.

This savory snack stuffs sheets of roasted seaweed with mashed avocado and omega-3 filled smoked salmon. It packs protien, fiber and heart-healthy fat for a small bite that's guaranteed to satisfy.

This crunchy baked snack will help everyone in the family get their vegetable fill. Pair with salsa or ketchup — doesn’t everyone love to dunk?

These five-ingredient protein bars are made with dates, unsweetened cocoa powder, peanuts, salt and egg whites. Each bar provides 145 calories, four grams of protein and three grams of fiber. As an added bonus, each bite tastes just like a rich, fudgy brownie!