Dry-Roasted Edamame with Cranberries
Gotta run? Take these healthy snacks with you. These make-ahead and no-cook recipes travel well and are perfect for the office fridge or your desk drawer.
A nice break from nuts, edamame give this unconventional trail mix a satisfying crunch. For a shortcut, substitute 3/4 cup store-bought roasted edamame for the homemade.
Chocolate-Apricot Nut Bars
Making your own bars is surprisingly easy; this version requires less than 10 minutes of prep. Experiment with your favorite dried fruits and nuts. For snacking on the run, wrap bars individually in parchment.
Kale Dip with Snap Peas
Go beyond the usual salads, stir-fries, and smoothies and try this supercharged leafy green blended into a dip.
Peanut Butter-Stuffed Apple
Sandwich the stuffed apple halves together and wait to slice them into wedges at work; this will help keep the peanut butter on the apple — rather than all over your storage container.
Basic Healthy Granola
Rich in fiber and heart-healthy omega-3s, this recipe has 20 to 30 percent fewer calories and 30 to 60 percent less fat than most store-bought brands. Makes 2 cups (194 calories per serving).
Flaxseed and Onion Crackers
These crackers go well with all kinds of cheeses; try them with Brie or manchego. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Makes about 5 dozen crackers (132 calories each).
Split Pea Crisps
Make this crunchy snack at home over the weekend, pack it in an airtight container, and munch on a handful whenever cravings strike.
Soak 1 cup dried yellow split peas in 3 cups water for 4 1/2 hours. Drain and pat dry. Over medium-high heat, coat a large skillet with oil. Add half the peas; cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crunchy, 6 to 10 minutes. Season with salt. Repeat with remaining peas. Makes 12 servings (55 calories each).
Double Dark-Chocolate and Ginger Biscotti
Pack two of these sweet treats with your lunch and the vending machine won’t seem so tempting. Makes 30 cookies (84 calories each).
Eggplant Spread
If you have access to a refrigerator at work, pack fresh dips or spreads, whole-grain crackers, and raw veggies for a nutritious, satisfying snack. Makes 10 servings (95 calories each).
Peanut Butter and Pretzel Sticks
Pair 1/2 ounce mini whole-grain pretzel sticks — approximately 11 sticks (65 calories) — with 1 teaspoon peanut butter (30 calories).
Fruit and Nut Granola
Another variation on healthy granola, this recipe allows you to choose your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners. You can also modify the ingredients for a vegan version. (About 190 calories per serving.)
