18 Make-Ahead High-Protein Snacks for an Easier, Healthier Afternoon

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a recipe photo of the Cucumber-Dill Ricotta Snack Jar
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Photography: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

It’s no secret that protein can keep you satisfied and fueled throughout your day, and these snacks pack in at least 7 grams per serving for a little extra boost. You can make these snacks ahead so they’re ready when you want to eat them, whether that means whipping up an easy dip, toasting some nuts or making yourself a little snack pack. Options like our Cucumber-Dill Ricotta Snack Jar or Peanut Butter Yogurt Cup with Magic Shell Topping are simple bites that will help get you from one meal to the next.

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01 of 18

Banana–Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait

an image of the Banana–Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl

This yogurt parfait features a tasty combination of banana and peanut butter. It’s a classic pairing that also provides healthy fats and a boost of protein.

02 of 18

Cucumber-Dill Ricotta Snack Jar

a recipe photo of the Cucumber-Dill Ricotta Snack Jar

Photography: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

This simple snack jar features herbaceous ricotta cheese alongside cucumber and bell pepper for dipping. Use any color mini bell pepper you have on hand.

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Peanut Butter Yogurt Cup with Magic Shell Topping

a recipe photo of the Peanut Butter Yogurt Cup with Magic Shell Topping

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

This easy, high-protein snack tastes just like a Reese’s peanut butter cup. You can conveniently make it in the yogurt container for quick cleanup.

04 of 18

Cottage Cheese Snack Jar with Fruit

a recipe photo of the Cottage Cheese Snack Jar with Fruit

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Sue Mitchell, Prop stylist: Skylar Myers,

Combining protein-packed cottage cheese with sweet chopped peaches makes for a delicious on-the-go snack. Elevate the flavor profile by adding a hint of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the cottage cheese.

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Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars

a recipe photo of the Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bars

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Made with a blend of shredded carrots, oats and a hint of brown sugar, these easy bars capture the essence of carrot cake, while offering a boost of fiber and less sugar than cake.

06 of 18

Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

multiple pumpkin spice energy balls on an orange surface
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Catherine Jessee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

These pumpkin pie spice energy balls are everything you could want in a snack: classic pumpkin spice flavor with a satisfyingly chewy texture with bits of crunch from seeds and nuts throughout.

07 of 18

Cottage Cheese Snack Jar

Side view of a clear glass jar of Cottage Cheese Snack Jar recipe

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This creamy, crunchy snack packs 20 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber in one small Mason jar. Adding the chickpeas right before serving will keep them crunchy. If you want to store everything in one jar, opt for ¼ cup rinsed canned chickpeas instead.

08 of 18

Everything-Seasoned Almonds

everything seasoned almonds
JENNIFER CAUSEY

Grinding up the everything bagel seasoning in a spice grinder will help it adhere to the almonds.

09 of 18

Tahini-Yogurt Dip

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Serve this creamy yogurt dip with baby carrots, sliced radishes or whole-wheat pita triangles.

10 of 18

High-Protein Lemon-Blueberry Muffins

cooked blueberry muffins on a serving board and a muffin tin in the background

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Julia Levy

These lemon-blueberry muffins are so good, you’ll think they came straight from a bakery. A sprinkle of sugar creates a nice crunch on the outside, while strained yogurt ensures the muffins stay moist on the inside.

11 of 18

Peanut Butter & Date Granola Bars

Overhead view of sliced Peanut Butter & Date Granola Bars recipe on a cooling rack

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

These homemade granola bars could not be easier to make. Dates, peanut butter and agave syrup create the glue that keeps everything sticking together.

12 of 18

Pizza Pistachios

Pizza Pistachios
Jennifer Causey

Nutritional yeast mimics the flavor of cheese, lending a pizza-like flavor to these playful spiced pistachios.

13 of 18

Apple-Pie Baked Oats

High-Protein Apple Pie Baked Oats
Casey Barber

Slices of these baked oats make a great snack or midday pick-me-up, with an added energy boost coming from vanilla protein powder.

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Roasted Spaghetti Squash Seeds

overhead view of a bowl with spaghetti squash seeds and a spoon with seasoning

Alexandra Shytsman

When you prepare spaghetti squash, don’t throw away the seeds! You can turn them into a crunchy, healthy snack to enjoy on their own or sprinkled over a salad.

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Easy Black Bean Dip

Easy Black Bean Dip

Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor to this creamy black bean dip.

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Coconut-Cashew Breakfast Bites

Coconut-Cashew Breakfast Bites

Keep these coconut-and-date breakfast bites in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll always have a grab-and-go option for busy mornings or whenever you need a quick bite.

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Ricotta & Yogurt Parfait

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Reminiscent of a lemon cheesecake, this healthy dish is easy to throw together. Or stir together the filling in a jar the night before and top with the fruit, nuts and seeds before eating.

18 of 18

Sweet and Salty Roasted Nuts

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Spicy seasonings add a bit of zing to roasted nuts for an snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

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