Whether you plan to play board games, watch the latest action-adventure film or jam out to your favorite karaoke tunes, healthy, flavorful snacks are a must for any family fun night.
We’ve rounded up a variety of tasty eats, guaranteed to please even the pickiest members of your brood. Best of all, each takes just a few minutes to prepare, so you won’t have to miss a moment of the family bonding.
1. Trail mix
Nuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. They’re also a good source of healthy fats. Plus, there’s no denying their delicious flavor. Simply combine your favorites (think almonds, cashews, walnuts and macadamias) with dried cranberries, coconut flakes and chocolate chips to create a simple, healthful trail mix that your relatives won’t be able to resist.
2. Veggies and hummus dip
A veggie tray is always popular among those trying to watch their waistlines. But take your sliced carrots, cucumbers, celery, broccoli and red and green peppers to the next level with this all-natural, gluten-free, garlicky hummus dip. It doesn’t get any easier—or tastier! And did we mention the dip has just 35 calories and two grams of fat per serving?
3. Caprese kebabs
Impress your loved ones with the classic flavor of caprese salad served on skewers—it’s nutritious, convenient and fun! Just gather basil, cherry tomatoes (which contain vitamins C and K, folate, potassium and the antioxidant lycopene), fresh mozzarella balls, balsamic glaze and heart-healthy olive oil. Then thread the basil, tomatoes and mozzarella onto the skewers and drizzle with the olive oil and glaze.
4. Chips and guac
Follow these simple steps for a fresh, flavorful guac that is guaranteed to tempt their taste buds. Chop up two ripe avocados (rich in vitamins, beta-carotene, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids) and place half the “flesh” in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle it with half the juice from one lemon. Add the rest of the flesh to the bowl and coat it with the remainder of the lemon juice. Mash it with a potato masher and stir in half a teaspoon of sea salt, half a teaspoon of powdered chipotle chile peppers and three cloves of finely chopped garlic as well as the rind from the lemon. Serve with healthy chips, like these, which are low in sodium, gluten free and made with avocado oil.
5. Turkey or chicken nachos
Forget the fried and fatty nacho recipes that are sure to leave your fam feeling too sluggish to concentrate on the game or television. Instead, top some healthy tortilla chips, like these grain- and gluten free ones, with browned extra-lean turkey, black beans (packed with protein!), sliced jalapenos and reduced-fat shredded cheese and bake for approximately 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
6. Baked buffalo wings
Who can resist buffalo wings? But instead of frying your chicken, opt for a healthier baked version. To achieve the crispiness your family members crave, first coat the wings with baking powder. Then add a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of each of the following: pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and place the wings directly on the rack in a single layer. Bake them until they're crispy and golden brown (approximately 45 minutes). Then whisk together a tablespoon of honey, 4 tablespoons of melted butter and half a cup of buffalo wing sauce in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the wings and enjoy with carrot and celery sticks—don’t forget the ranch dressing! Prefer plant-based bites? Try our recipe for spicy air fryer cauliflower "wings" instead!
7. Rice cereal treats
Your relatives are sure to love this healthier spin on a classic dessert, which uses organic, gluten-free brown rice crisp cereal containing 35 impressive whole grains per serving. Simply melt 3 tablespoons of butter and a package of marshmallows on the stovetop or in the microwave. Then stir in 6 cups of rice cereal. Next, coat a 13" x 9" pan with cooking spray and use a buttered spatula to evenly press the mixture into the pan. Allow the mixture to cool and cut it into squares. Tip: You may want to double the recipe because these sticky squares of sweetness tend to go quickly!
