Simple, No Cook Recipes
Recipes & Photos by Laura Miner
Is there anything to snack on?”
It’s a question you’ve likely heard time and time again—or even thought for yourself. You find yourself raiding the fridge or pantry in between meals, hoping for something to tide you over until mealtime. You don’t want a snack that’s too heavy, you don’t want to mindlessly munch on potato chips, so what do you do? Enter these three simple no cook recipes that can be prepped in advance, so you always have something healthy on-hand.
Salami & Cheese Bites (photo above)
This no-cook, 4 ingredient snack is wonderful when you’re craving something special but only have a few minutes to prep. Creamy, smokey gouda is stacked on a toothpick with savory salami, marinated artichoke hearts, and just a bit of fresh, herbaceous basil. This recipe is great sharing with friends, or for an impromptu cocktail hour served with your favorite fancy drink!
Makes: 12 bites
Ingredients
8 oz. smoked gouda cheese
6 oz. (about 1/2 cup) quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained
12 slices thinly sliced salami
Fresh basil leaves
Black pepper
Instructions
Cut away any wax rind on the cheese, and cut the block into bite-sized cubes, about 1/2 inch each.
Skewer a basil leaf and artichoke heart on a toothpick. Fold a piece of salami twice, then skewer the salami onto the toothpick. Last, skewer the cheese on the toothpick. Repeat until all the ingredients are used.
Sprinkle lightly with black pepper and serve.
Notes:
For even more flavor in each bite, add a small slice of sun-dried tomato. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Goat Cheese & Pistachio Stuffed Dates
Elevate your snacking game with these little bites of heaven! Sweet dates are stuffed with creamy, tangy goat cheese, then topped with crunchy pistachios and a drizzle of spicy honey. The combination of flavors and textures in every bite is simply incredible!
Makes: 15-18 dates
Ingredients
2 oz. goat cheese
1/3 cup shelled pistachios
15-18 medjool or noor dates
2 tbsp. spicy honey
Instructions
Remove the pits from the dates. Roughly chop the pistachios.
Use a small spoon to add a few pieces of chopped pistachios to the cavity of each date, then fill each one with about 1/2 teaspoon of goat cheese.
Drizzle the stuffed dates with the spicy honey and sprinkle with more chopped pistachios.
Notes:
Make your own hot honey by stirring the honey and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper together in a small bowl. Microwave for 30-40 seconds, until it begins to simmer. Allow it to cool.
To save time, buy pre-pitted dates!
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
5 Minute Sweet & Salty Snack Mix
This delicious and nutritious snack mix is made with lots of different, ultra-satisfying, crunchy, chewy, salty, and sweet goodies. It’s great by the handful for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or movie nights at home, and it’s perfectly portable for snacking on the go. To make this recipe, simply toss nuts, seeds, dried fruit, popcorn, and chocolate together in a bowl. It doesn’t get any easier than that! Serves: 6
Ingredients
1 cup total mixed nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, & pistachios are great choices)
1/2 cup dried coconut flakes
1/4 cup pepitas
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 cups popcorn, cooled
1/2 cup chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chips
Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a large bowl. Mix well and serve immediately!
Notes:
Use unsalted nuts, seeds, and popcorn for a lower sodium snack.
Use unsweetened dried fruit and dark chocolate for a lower sugar option.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the popcorn from becoming stale.
