Thursday, January 16, 2024

6 Healthy After School Snacks

6 Healthy After School Snacks

Are you trying to find a way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your child’s life? Are you looking for some healthy, time-conscious snacks to whip up for an after-school treat? If so, these six recipes are sure to fit the bill!

1.)    Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits

Put some plain yogurt in the bottom of a parfait glass, dessert glass, or bowl. Top it with some blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Sprinkle some granola on top (my family’s favorite is the Bear Naked vanilla almond, but you can use whatever you want.) Repeat the layers. Serve immediately. This snack is not only incredibly healthy, but it’s ready in mere minutes!

 

 

 image source
2.)    Baked Zucchini Sticks

My kids have always loved zucchini sticks, but I’ve tried to serve them sparingly because they’re fried. After a bit of research, however, I found a recipe for baked zucchini sticks. Now I can make them without feeling guilty. 

Baked Zucchini Sticks

Ingredients

  • 3 large zucchini
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs - my famiy loves the Panko brand
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Spray Olive Oil
  • Optional: marinara sauce or ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. preheat oven to425F.
  2. Peel cucumbers and slice them in half length-wise, and then continue halving them to make sticks.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk 2 eggs together.
  4. Set aside.
  5. In a large shallow bowl, combine ½ cup plain bread crumbs (my family loves the Panko brand), ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
  6. Bread the sticks by dunking them in the egg mixture and then completely covering them with the breadcrumb mixture.
  7. Place breaded zucchini sticks on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with olive oil.
  8. Continue this process until all the zucchini sticks are breaded.
  9. Spray each zucchini stick with olive oil.
  10. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown.
  11. Using a spatula, flip each zucchini stick and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
  12. These sticks are great served with either marinara sauce or Ranch dressing.
https://www.in-our-kitchen.com/snacks/6-healthy-after-school-snacks/6-healthy-after-school-snacks/

 License: Creative Commons image source
3.)    Mozzarella Basil Bruschetta

For a simple and healthy snack, chop 1 large tomato into tiny pieces. Combine it in a bowl with 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cut 6 slices of Italian or French bread in half so that there are 12 pieces of bread. Spoon 1 tablespoonful of the tomato mixture over the bread; top each with a slice of mozzarella cheese and remaining tomato mixture. Bake at 375F for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. These snacks are great, either as an after-school treat or as an appetizer during an Italian night.

 

 

4.)    Tomato Guacamole Dip

In a small bowl, mash 2 medium ripe avocados with 1 tablespoon lime juice. Stir in 1 chopped tomato, 3 tablespoons sour cream, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon minced garlic. Cover and refrigerate for a few minutes. Serve with tortilla chips. To make this tasty dip even more nutritious, serve it with blue tortilla chips. Your kids are sure to enjoy this tasty guac!

 

 

5.)    Fruit Salsa

In a bowl, combine 2 cups chopped strawberries, 2 medium chopped, peeled apples, and 2 medium peeled and chopped kiwi. In another bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple jelly, and ¼ cup orange juice. Drizzle over the fruit and toss lightly to coat. You can serve this with graham crackers or cinnamon chips.
 License: Creative Commons image source
6.)    Nutella Banana Treats

Last but not least, this recipe from Real Simple is sure to delight! Spread 2 tablespoons of Nutella over a graham cracker. Top with banana slices. For more healthy, simple recipes like that one, check out Real Simple’s link.

 

 

 

Andrea Smith is a wife and mother of three. She enjoys finding creative ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into her kids’ lives.