Going vegan doesn’t mean you have to give up on snacking. In fact, being vegan might actually increase your snack game. With a little creativity and a few basic ingredients, you can whip up several quick and easy vegan snacks to satisfy your midday cravings. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
1. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and protein-packed snack that can easily replace your favorite bag of chips. Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas and dry them with a paper towel. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil, add some salt, and roast them in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy. You can also add some spices like cumin or chili powder to customize the flavor.
2. Hummus and Veggies
Hummus is a delicious and versatile dip that pairs well with various vegetables. You can make hummus at home using canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Simply blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth, and serve with sliced carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
3. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a refreshing and nutritious snack that doesn’t require much preparation. Cut up your favorite fruits, such as apples, bananas, grapes, and berries, and mix them together in a bowl. You can also add some nuts or seeds for a crunch.
4. Energy Balls
Energy balls are a sweet and satisfying snack that can give you an energy boost. In a food processor, blend dates, nuts, and seeds until the mixture sticks together. Then roll the mixture into balls and coat them in cocoa powder or shredded coconut. You can also add some cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
5. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a trendy snack that is easy to make and customizable. Toast a slice of bread and spread mashed avocado on top. You can add some salt, pepper, and lemon juice to enhance the flavor. You can also add other toppings such as tomato slices, onion, or hummus.
6. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a convenient and satisfying snack that you can bring with you on-the-go. Mix together a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and seeds in a ziplock bag or a container. You can add some dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes for sweetness.
7. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries are a healthy alternative to regular fries that can satisfy your cravings. Slice a sweet potato into thin wedges and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the sweet potato fries in the oven at 425°F for 25 minutes until crispy. You can also add some paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
8. Vegan Cheese and Crackers
Vegan cheese and crackers is a classic snack that can be made with plant-based ingredients. You can make vegan cheese at home using cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth and spreadable. Serve the vegan cheese with whole-grain crackers or rice cakes.
9. Edamame
Edamame is a protein-packed snack that is easy to prepare. Boil the edamame pods in salted water for 5 minutes until tender. Drain and serve the edamame pods with some soy sauce or sesame oil for dipping.
10. Smoothie
Smoothies are a quick and nutritious snack that can satisfy your sweet tooth. Blend your favorite fruits, such as bananas, berries, and mangoes, with some plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk. You can also add some spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
In conclusion, being vegan doesn’t mean you have to give up on snacks. With some creativity and a few simple ingredients, you can make quick and easy vegan snacks to satisfy your midday cravings. Whether you prefer sweet or savory snacks, there is a vegan option for everyone. Try these suggestions and experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients to find your perfect vegan snack.