20 Low Calorie Snacks That Are Easy to Make
1. Cucumber Slices with Hummus
Refreshing chilled cucumber slices provide lasting crunch making them the perfect vehicle for scooping up smooth, protein-rich hummus for the perfect low effort healthy snack or appetizer. Using a veggie peeler, slice cucumbers lengthwise into ribbons before chilling. Make or use store-bought hummus for dipping. The cooling crisp cukes contrast nicely with the nutty, savory hummus for flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- Cucumbers
- Hummus
Recipe
2. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Sweet apple wedges get even more crave-worthy when paired with nutty, creamy peanut butter for the perfect hunger-fighting balance of flavors, textures, protein and fiber. Core and thinly slice apples horizontally before topping each circular piece generously with peanut butter, arranging on plate or in portable container if taking with you to work or school for a convenient nutritious snack.
Ingredients:
- Apples, sliced
- Peanut butter
Recipe
3. Greek Yogurt with Berries
Thick and creamy Greek yogurt builds the perfect high protein foundation that gets freshly sweetened and crowned with the addition of mixed berries in each scoop. Try pairing regular plain Greek yogurt for maximum protein, though any milk variety works, dolloping heaping spoonfuls neatly into bowls. Top yogurt domes generously with antioxidant vitamin packed mixed berry blends before digging in. Granola makes a nice optional touching, adding crunch too.
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Mixed berries
- Granola (optional)
Recipe
4. Carrot Sticks with Ranch Dip
Fresh cold crisp carrot sticks get even tastier when paired with homemade protein-rich Greek yogurt based ranch dip for convenient mindless healthy snacking. Simply peel and cut large carrots into uniform sticks before chilling until very cold – this is the key! The cold carrots contrast the creamy cool ranch dip for perfect flavor and texture harmony likely making this classic veggie combo vanish fast.
Ingredients:
- Carrots, prepped into sticks
- Greek yogurt
- Ranch seasoning
Recipe
5. Rice Cakes with Avocado
Nutty brown rice cakes provide the perfect crunchy, subtly sweet canvas for smoothing on creamy fresh avocado whip making the ultimate snack for afternoon cravings with hunger-fighting healthy fats and carbs. Simply mash up Hass avocados with some lime and salt before generously schmearing over multi-grain or lightly salted rice cakes. Add red pepper flakes or tomato for extra flavor and nutrition if desired taking this combination over the top.
Ingredients:
- Brown rice cakes
- Avocados, mashed
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Tomato or red pepper flakes (optional)
Recipe
6. Air Popped Popcorn
Covered popcorn kernels heated by hot air transform into lighter fluffy versions of everyone’s favorite snackworthy treat perfect for noshing endlessly by the bowlful thanks to fiber, whole grains and stealth health perks. Simply pour plain kernels into air popper before shaking occasionally allowing steam heat to puff kernels into popped corn. Sprinkle lightly with preferred seasonings. Keep oil and butter minimal to retain its low calorie status while boosting flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- Popcorn kernels
- Desired seasonings
Recipe
7. Cottage Cheese Bowl
Mild and creamy cottage cheese makes the perfect base to customize into quick, protein-packed sweet or savory snacks craveable any time of day thanks to its versatility. Top cottage cheese dollops with items ranging from tomatoes with cracked pepper, basil and balsamic for caprese twist. Fruit options like berries, pineapple, mango lend sweetness. Scoop up using sturdy crackers, cucumber slices or bell peppers for lasting fuel to power you through the rest of your day.
Ingredients:
- Low fat cottage cheese
- Tomatoes, fruit, nuts, granola, etc.
Recipe
8. Hard Boiled Eggs
Simply cooked hard boiled eggs require minimal prep while lending maximum nutrition including 6 grams of hunger fighting protein per large egg making for the perfect easy healthy snack on the go. Place eggs gently in a saucepan with cool water covering before bringing to a boil, covering and removing from heat letting stand 12 minutes. Cool before peeling. Salt and pepper or top halves with anything from bean dip to hot sauce catering to preferences.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Desired seasonings/toppings
Recipe
9. Kale Chips
Crispy baked super food kale leaves transform into the perfect crunchy salty snack you won’t want stop reaching for with way fewer calories than regular potato chips thanks to clever cooking enhancing natural flavors. Rinse and dry kale leaves before massaging oil, salt, any other seasoning deep into leaves. Arrange in single layer on sheets baking 300F, 20 minutes until perfectly crisp becoming irresistible edible green vessels ready anytime.
Ingredients:
- Kale leaves
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Other seasonings (cayenne, pepper, garlic powder)
Recipe
10. Fruit Salad
Fresh mixed fruits tosses together simply by chopping into bite-sized pieces lends the perfect quick, healthy sweet snack or dessert ready in minutes. Dice strawberries, pineapple, grapes, oranges, kiwi, banana – any fruits on hand before tossing everything together in one container. The natural sugars satisfy without added anything. Prepare double batches to store half keeping chilled fresh fruit salad on hand all week long.
Ingredients:
- Assorted fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, banana, grapes
Recipe
11. Chickpea Salad Celery Sticks
Protein-packed chickpeas pair perfectly with crunch cool celery stalks acting as edible vessels for creamy flavorful salad filling made from items likely stocked in the pantry already. Blend one can drained and rinsed chickpeas with lemon juice, minced red onion, Italian dressing plus any additional mix-ins creating easy no-cook snackboosted by fiber and plant-based protein.
Ingredients:
- Can chickpeas, drained
- Lemon juice
- Red onion
- Celery stalks
- Italian dressing
Recipe
12. Edamame Pods
Boiled then lightly salted whole soybean pods called edamame make for fun finger food snacking with over 10 grams plant-based protein per half-cup serving. Simply boil frozen pods for 5 minutes before draining and tossing with sea salt. Cool slightly before popping directly into mouth and sliding out tender green beans within using teeth making for satisfying guilt-free snacking coming together with only one cooking step. Store boiled pods chilled to grab daily.
Ingredients:
- Frozen edamame pods
- Sea salt
Recipe
13. Blended Smoothies
Fruit and veggie loaded smoothies whipped together fast provide perfect portable nutrition convenient for breakfasts, snacks and sweet endings any time thanks to the incredible versatility offered by the almighty blender including protein powder plus super foods as desired. Simply blend preferred frozen and fresh produce with almond milk quickly achieving ideal texture before pouring into portable cups. Top with seeds, coconut, cacao nibs for extra crunch nutrition and curb appeal.
Ingredients:
- Fruit and veggies
- Almond milk
- Protein powder
- Chia seeds
- Coconut
Recipe
14. Rollups with Crackers
Simple rollups of savory lean meats enveloping mild cheeses rolled tightly then sliced offer easy high protein bites ideal for serving atop multi grain crackers lending some satisfying crunch to every bite for the ultimate snack time balance of flavors and textures conveniently no cooking required. Simply layer deli meats over cheese before rolling uniformly tight. Chill slightly to firm before slicing into pinwheels and arranging crackers for serving.
Ingredients:
- Lean deli meat
- Cheese slices
- Multi grain crackers
Recipe
15. Bell Peppers with Guacamole
Fresh crisp bell pepper halves scooped out and cleaned provide edible vessels conveniently ready for stuffing with chunky protein-rich guacamole or savory hummus dips transforming ordinary raw veggies into craveable snack party bites perfect for pairing with afternoon relaxation as delicious low commitment mini meals. Use store bought or homemade versions of dips before piling generously into peppers. Garnish with any toppings.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Store bought hummus or guacamole
Recipe
16. Protein Bars
Homemade no-bake high protein nutrient bars come together easily thanks simply mixing together nuts, seeds, nut butters , protein powder and just enough sweetness for the perfect gym or office snack to power you through the day. Start by pulsing nuts and seeds before mixing everything together thoroughly. Shape into bars or small bites before chilling to set textures. Wrap individually for easy grab and go snacks all week long.
Ingredients:
- Nuts and seeds
- Nut butter
- Protein powder
- Honey, maple syrup etc.
Recipe
17. Energy Bites
These no bake creamy cashew chia oat protein bites lend lasting energy perfect for snacks, treats or quick breakfasts on the run thanks to a combo of complex carbs, healthy fats and metabolism boosting spices. Simply mix oats, cashew butter cinnamon, honey and chia seeds binding it all together before rolling into uniform bite balls. Chill briefly allowing chia to gel binding insides ready anytime for a quick plant-based protein lift.
Ingredients:
- Old fashioned oats
- Cashew butter
- Honey
- Chia seeds
- Cinnamon
Recipe
18. Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy roasted chickpeas lend wonderful crunch and nutty depth transforming canned legumes into irresistibly high protein snacks and salad toppers ready after quick roasting enhancing natural flavors without pesky deep frying. Drain and rinse chickpeas before patting thoroughly dry. Toss with oil, spices roasting at 400F for 35-40 minutes until browned and shrunken shaking halfway through for even cooking until completely dry and crispy.
Ingredients:
- Canned chickpeas, drained and patted dry
- Oil
- Salt
- Garlic powder
Recipe
19. Zucchini Chips
Oven baked crispy zucchini coins get coated minimally in olive oil and savory Parmesan before roasting on high heat transforming into irresistibly addicting salty, nutty chip-like bites perfect for guilt-free noshing. Simply slice raw zucchini into thin round pieces before arranging in single layer atop parchment lined sheet pans. Brush zucchini lightly with oil first then sprinkle generously with shredded parmesan before baking 20 minutes until browned and slightly shrunken becoming wonderfully crisp.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Shredded Parmesan
Recipe
20. Pickle Roll Ups
Lean shaved deli meats like turkey easily envelop crunchy pickled vegetables like bright quickles or sauerkraut sprouts transforming into high protein, probiotic-rich roll ups made conveniently in minutes without requiring any cooking perfect for school or work snacks. Simply smooth meats before topping with pickled ingredients leaving room for tightly rolling away into portable protein bites perfect served cold. Slice rolls into pinwheels for stunning presentation.
Ingredients:
- Lean deli meats (turkey, chicken, roast beef)
- Pickles (sauerkraut, pickles)
