Snack Smarter With These High-Protein Picks kate sears
Building a healthier lifestyle takes some work, but it is possible! Ree Drummond knows that all too well, admitting that her own personal journey has had its fair share of ups and downs. But there are a few simple rules she tries to follow, and one of them is to make sure she gets enough protein. It’s essential for both muscle growth and bone health, and also helps fill you up so you feel satisfied. That’s why planning high protein dinners (and breakfasts and lunches!) is so important.
Also, there’s nothing wrong with snacking! In fact, if you find a healthy snack, it will keep you satisfied during those in-between hours so you don’t snack on the unhealthier stuff. And that’s where these high protein snacks come in: They’ll keep you full and fueled long enough to make it to your next healthy lunch or healthy dinner. You’ll certainly find no shortage of animal proteins like chicken, beef, and pork, but you’ll also find hearty beans and heart-healthy nuts, too.
Some of these border more on the healthy-ish side (like Ree’s cocktail party-favorite little smokies), but they’re great if you feel like indulging a bit or if you’ve got company coming over and want everyone to enjoy it regardless of heath goals. You’ll also find good-for-you dips, healthier appetizers, and a few after-school snacks that the whole family can munch on. They’re all filling and flavorful―a win-win no matter the time of day!
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken threaded onto skewers and cooked until juicy makes it easy to grab a couple for a filling, protein-packed bite. Serve them plain or with your favorite dipping sauces for a flavorful snack that keeps you satisfied between meals.
Get Ree’s Grilled Chicken Skewers recipe.
Gordon Sawyer
Frozen Yogurt Bark
Cool, crunchy, and naturally protein-rich, here’s a fun snack that hits the sweet spot without sacrificing substance. Made with creamy Greek yogurt and studded with fruit and mix-ins, it’s easy to portion and perfect for busy days.
Get Ree’s Frozen Yogurt Bark recipe.
C.W. Newell
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
With creamy filling, tender eggs, and smoky salmon in every bite, these deviled eggs are an easy way to enjoy a protein boost that feels a little special—whether you’re snacking solo or setting out a crowd-pleasing plate.
Get Ree’s Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs recipe.
David Malosh
Smoky Mixed Nuts with Crispy Chickpeas
The combination of roasted nuts and chickpeas delivers satisfying texture and flavor while keeping you fueled between meals. The addition of chipotle chile powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of brown sugar makes it irresistible.
Get Ree’s Smoky Mixed Nuts with Crispy Chickpeas recipe.
kate sears
Make-Ahead Sandwich Rolls
Bake a batch, then fill them throughout the week with layers of turkey, ham, lettuce, and cheese (or whatever you want) for grab-and-go bites that keep you full and fueled. They’re versatile and ideal for snacking any time of day.
Get Ree’s Make-Ahead Sandwich Rolls recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Individual Sausage Casseroles
Since these are just as good when reheated from the freezer as they are freshly baked, they’re great for meal prep! The mini casseroles are made with sausage, eggs, and hearty add-ins, then baked into personal servings for grab-and-go portions.
Get Ree’s Individual Sausage Casseroles recipe.
Danielle Daly
Egg Salad
It hardly gets more classic than a creamy egg salad flavored with tangy dill pickles, mayonnaise, red onion, and plenty of fresh herbs. Spoon it onto whole-grain crackers, mini toasts, or fresh veggies for a satisfying, protein-packed bite.
Get the Egg Salad recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Smoked Salmon Dip
Thanks to the protein-rich salmon folded into every creamy bite, this simple dip is a satisfying option that still feels elevated! Serve it alongside bagels, bagel chips, crudite, crackers, or even crostini.
Get Ree’s Smoked Salmon Dip recipe.
Brian Woodcock
Chickpea Salad
Bursting with hearty chickpeas, chopped vegetables, avocado, feta, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, this chickpea salad is bright, fresh, and so refreshing. Spoon it into lettuce cups, scoop it with crackers, or enjoy it straight from the bowl between meals.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Chicken wing recipes are always a satisfying snack come game day (or any day for that matter). But if you make them in the air fryer with a dry rub, you cut down on the excess fat and still keep the flavor.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.
Will Dickey
White Bean Dip
Think of this dip as a creamy, garlicky cousin to hummus. It’s made with protein-packed cannellini beans and it takes just 20 minutes to whip up. Serve it with veggies for the ultimate healthy snack.
Get Ree’s White Bean Dip recipe.
C.W. Newell
Cowboy Caviar
This classic is chock full of veggies and two types of protein-filled beans. Spice up both black eyed peas and black beans for an endlessly scoopable dip. Serve with baked tortilla chips to keep it on the lighter side.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Air Fryer Falafel
Falafel is one of those secretly healthy snacks, especially if you make it in the oil-free air fryer. They’re basically spiced chickpea fritters. Plus, the tahini yogurt dipping sauce adds even more protein to each bite.
Get the Air Fryer Falafel recipe.
C.W. Newell
Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
Aren’t you happy to know that cheese is a great source of protein? Feta is tangy and salty, too, so it really doesn’t take much to turn it into a dip. You just need five minutes!
Get the Creamy Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Spicy Air Fryer Chickpeas
These sweet and spicy chickpeas make the perfect midday snack. They’re not only packed with protein, but they also have such a satisfying crunch. Move over, potato chips!
Get the Spicy Air Fryer Chickpeas recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Everything Cucumber-Smoked Salmon Bites
If you’re looking for low carb and high protein, these cucumber bites will give you the best of both worlds. Cream cheese and smoked salmon are a match made in protein heaven.
Get Ree’s Everything Cucumber-Smoked Salmon Bites recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Beet Hummus
You really can’t go wrong with hummus! And this version makes it even more fun to eat, because the beets give it such a pretty color and earthy flavor, too. Pair with pita or fresh veggies.
Get the Beet Hummus recipe here.
Caitlin Bensel
Zannie’s Black-Eyed Pea Dip
Come for the protein, fiber, and antioxidants in the black eyed peas. Stay for the pickled jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese mixed in. Scoop it up with celery for a healthier option.
Get Zannie’s Black-Eyed Pea Dip recipe.
Gordon Sawyer
Pepitas (Roasted Pumpkin Seeds)
Who knew pumpkin guts could be so snackable? But it’s true! When you dry, roast, and season pumpkin seeds after you carve your jack-o’-lantern, you end up with a irresistible, protein-filled snack.
Get Ree’s Pepitas recipe.
Gordon Sawyer
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Practically any meatball recipe can be turned into a snack when served with some toothpicks, and there’s something so crowd-pleasing about buffalo chicken. Because they start with a base of ground meat, they’re naturally high in protein.
Get Ree’s Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Fancy Roasted Cocktail Nuts
Nuts are an easy grab-and-go snack any time of day. But if you’ve got company coming over or want to make snack time a little more special, make ’em fancy with some spices.
Get the Fancy Roasted Cocktail Nuts recipe.
Joanne Ozug
Sausage Balls
If you want to splurge a little, fry up a batch of sausage balls. While they aren’t super healthy, they do have a lot of protein thanks to the pork sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese mixed in.
Get the Sausage Balls recipe.
Danielle Daly
Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt is both packed with protein and gut-healthy probiotics, helping you stay full and keep your digestion on track. But it needs a little help, and that’s where granola and berries come in to play!
Get the Yogurt Parfait recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Little Smokies
Though cocktail franks do have sodium and fat in them, they also happen to be high in protein. So if you’ve got a special occasion, why not pop a batch in your slow cooker?
Get Ree’s Little Smokies recipe.
C.W. Newell
Beef Jerky
The ultimate in low carb, high protein snack is jerky. And yes, you can make your own! The key is to cook it low and slow for hours after seasoning it for the perfect texture.
Get the Beef Jerky recipe.
Sommer Collier
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