Dairy Power Snacks
It’s 3pm and you’re hungry. A bag of chips or candy bar is calling you. Either might fill you up, but neither provides lasting satiety or important nutrients. What you need is a satisfying snack that powers you through until mealtime and contributes to a nutritious diet.
Dairy foods are the answer. They’re great sources of protein, calcium, Vitamins A and B12. And pairing them with healthy fruits and/or vegetables creates snacks that keep you sharp, focused and rocking until dinner.
Quick Fix Power Snacks
Cheese and crackers are the classic quick-fix snack. But why not power up that cheese? Instead of stacking it on a cracker, combine a semi-soft or firm cheese with fruits or veggies. Some suggestions include:
- Sliced Swiss cheese between slices of cucumber
- Gorgonzola or blue cheese spooned onto endive leaves
- Sliced Havarti cheese between chunks of red bell pepper
- Sliced cheddar cheese with a bit of ham or prosciutto between slices of pear or apple
- Cotija or feta cheese stuffed into dates
- Sliced Monterey Jack cheese with a dab of mustard between chunks of green bell pepper
Yogurt is another starting point for dairy-powered, healthful snacks. You can eat humdrum yogurt out of the container but jazzing it up adds more deliciousness and more nutrients. For something savory, stir a dollop of pesto, salsa or siracha into plain Greek yogurt and munch it with raw vegetable sticks. For a sweet snack, add a little maple syrup and a bit of vanilla extract to plain Greek yogurt and serve it with fresh fruit dippers.
Simple Power Snack Recipes
Looking for something more? Try an easy recipe like Mini Swiss Cheese Tostadas. Street taco-size tortillas are quickly crisped under the broiler, then topped with mustard, green chiles, luscious fruit and savory Swiss cheese. A quick return to the broiler melts the cheese, making an ooey, gooey, fruity snack that staves off hunger pangs.
Your sweet tooth and your body will thank you for Creamy Fruit-Topped Dip with Pita Chips. It packs in protein with cottage cheese, Greek yogurt and peanuts. A bit of honey, orange juice and ground nutmeg punch up the flavor, while fresh fruits add vitamin C and fiber. For crunch, scoop the dip up with baked pita chips.
Listed below are more easy recipes for nourishing and energizing snacks. They all combine the power of dairy foods with fruits and/or vegetables:
- Strawberry Jalapeño Bites
- Veggie Garden Tarts
- Jalapeño Yogurt Dip
- Roasted Grape and Ricotta Crostini
- Elote Dip
- Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip
- Frozen Banana Pops
Whether you try one of our quick ideas or simple recipes, you’ll love the combination of crunchy, creamy, chewy and crispy in these power snacks that keep hunger at bay.
