Tag

almonds

Browsing
30 Minutes or Less

4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

By
overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.

I recently shared a 4 ingredient healthy snickers recipe, and since those were such a huge hit, I thought… what candy bar can I recreate next?! So I took a quick peek into my pantry and found two giant bags of shredded coconut (bought one forgetting I had the other) and just like that the light bulb went off – ALMOND JOY! I continued my brainstorming and realized the easiest way to recreate this delicious candy bar would be in cookie form. So here ya have it, 4 ingredient almond joy cookies!

And if the few-ingredient healthier dessert thing sparks your interest, I have to recommend you also give my 5 ingredient gluten-free cookie dough a try! Yup, just 5 ingredients, NO baking, and healthier than most other cookie dough recipes out there.

close-up image of a 4 ingredient almond joy cookies with shredded coconut on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make 4-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

Unsweetened Coconut – Opt for a brand like Bob’s Red Mill, which offers high-quality unsweetened shredded coconut. Unsweetened shredded coconut adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the cookies without added sugar!

Chocolate Chips – I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best balance of sweetness and flavor.

Almonds – Choose roasted and salted almonds for a savory crunch. Chopping the almonds roughly ensures that each bite has a nice crunch and balances the chewy texture of the coconut.

Sweetened Condensed Milk – I used Nature’s Charm sweetened condensed coconut milk to make these vegan cookies, but regular sweetened condensed milk will work just as well. Both options give the cookies their rich, gooey texture and perfect amount of sweetness!

ingredients needed to make 4 ingredient almond joy cookies.

How to Make This Recipe

  1. Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
  3. Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet, spacing each mound about 4 inches apart.
  4. Wet the palm of your hand, then use it to gently flatten each mound into the size and shape of a cookie.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.

Variations

Get creative with these add-ins for your Almond Joy Cookies:

  • Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1/4-1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second intervals, then drizzle over the top of the baked and cooled cookies.
  • Different Nuts: Swap out almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Cherry Addition: Add dried cherries to the cookie batter for a fruity twist!
  • Almond Extract: Enhance the almond flavor by adding a little bit of almond or vanilla extract.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. I used Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk and my cookies turned out great!

overhead image of 4 ingredient almond joy cookies on a baking sheet.
3.87 from 15 votes

4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies

These delicious 4 ingredient almond joy cookies are one of the easiest cookies you could ever make! Filled with flaked coconut, chocolate chips, and crunchy almonds, this cookie recipe is totally gluten-free, and includes a vegan option too. Plus, all ingredients can be stored in your pantry, making it super convenient to bake these cookies anytime those sweet cravings hit!
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

  • 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (for added texture, use 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut PLUS 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes)
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, or 1 (11.25 ounce) can sweetened condensed coconut milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until fully combined.
  • Use a large cookie scoop to scoop out mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet. Spacing each mound about 4 inches apart.
  • Wet the palm of your hand, then use it to gently flatten each mound into the size and shape of a cookie.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove the cookie from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

High Protein Snack Boxes (4 ways!)

By
Back to basics high protein snack box with fresh strawberries, boiled eggs, cheese, and almonds.

I’ve been itching to develop more high protein snack recipes. So when I set out to create these snack boxes, I knew just who to call! My friend Natalia (find her on Instagram as @nutritionbynarlie) is the protein QUEEN. She’s also the most knowledgable person I know when it comes to nutrition. She helped me build the most well-rounded, nutrient dense, and high protein snack boxes possible. Each of these boxes contain a whopping 25 grams of protein! And don’t worry, we personally taste-tested every single box, and can vouch for their deliciousness. I really think you’re going to LOVE these high protein snack boxes that we put together!

overhead image of all four high protein snack boxes, each containing 25 grams of protein.

I purchased these meal prep glass containers on Amazon, linked HERE!

Which High Protein Snack Box is Right For You?

Back to Basics: This classic combination is simple yet effective. Boiled eggs provide a substantial protein boost, while almonds and cheddar cheese add extra protein and healthy fats. The berries offer a refreshing burst of antioxidants and natural sweetness.

Greek: Inspired by Greek cuisine, this box features salami and feta cheese for a savory protein punch. Greek yogurt pairs perfectly with cucumber and dill for a refreshing snack, while pistachios and figs add a delightful mix of crunch and sweetness.

American: This American-themed box combines turkey, Swiss cheese, and a pickle for a flavorful and protein-packed roll-up. The kettle corn popcorn and peanuts bring a nostalgic Crackerjack vibe, while the orange slices add a citrusy zing!

Dairy-Free: For those avoiding dairy, this box offers a delicious mix of hummus with gluten-free crackers, salami, turkey, almonds, and apple slices. It’s a well-rounded option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition!

back to basics high protein snack box
greek themed high protein snack box
american themed high protein snack box
dairy-free high protein snack box

Tips and Tricks

  • Save time during the week by preparing your high-protein snacks in advance. Boil eggs, slice veggies, and portion out nuts and cheese on the weekend so you can easily assemble your snack boxes each morning.
  • Keep things interesting by rotating different protein sources and accompaniments. This prevents snack fatigue and ensures you’re getting a range of nutrients.
  • Use small containers or silicone muffin cups to portion out your snacks. This helps you keep track of serving sizes and prevents overeating.
hand holding up Greek themed high protein snack box

Additional High Protein Snack Ideas

Looking to switch things up? Here are some other high-protein snacks that can be swapped into your boxes:

Cottage Cheese: A ½ cup serving contains about 14 grams of protein.
Protein Bars: Choose bars with at least 10 grams of protein and minimal added sugars.
Jerky: Beef, turkey, or chicken jerky provides a portable protein punch, with about 10 grams of protein per ounce.
Edamame: One cup of edamame contains about 17 grams of protein, making it a fantastic plant-based option.
Tuna Packs: A single serving tuna pack can offer up to 20 grams of protein, perfect for a quick and easy addition.

overhead image of the dairy-free high protein snack box
5 from 1 vote

High Protein Snack Boxes (4 ways!)

These high-protein snack boxes are perfectly balanced with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs, making them an ideal choice for anyone on the go. Each box contains a whopping 25 grams of protein, ensuring you stay fuller and more satisfied for longer. Whether you’re heading to work, school, or the gym, these snack boxes will keep you energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

Back to Basics Snack Box

  • 2 boiled eggs
  • 1 ounce almonds
  • 1 ounce cheddar cheese, cubed
  • small handful fresh berries

Greek Snack Box

  • 3 slices salami, or Loza
  • 1 ounce feta cheese, cubed
  • 3 ounces Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
  • 1 ounce shelled pistachios
  • 2 figs, sliced in half

American Snack Box

  • 1 pickle
  • 1 ounce sliced turkey
  • 1 slice Swiss cheese
  • 1 ounce kettle corn popcorn
  • 1 ounce shelled peanuts
  • 1/2 orange, sliced

Dairy-Free Snack Box

  • 3 ounces hummus
  • 6-8 gluten-free crackers
  • 3 slices salami
  • 1 ounce sliced turkey
  • 1 ounce almonds
  • 1/2 apple, sliced

Instructions

  • Choose which snack box you’d like to make and prepare all ingredients.
  • Then, place ingredients into snack containers.
  • Seal the containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

5-Ingredient Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

By
Homemade granola being scooped off a baking sheet with a measuring scoop.

This homemade granola recipe has been a staple in my home for over 3 years! In fact, it’s one of the first recipes I ever developed as a food blogger, along with my vegan pesto and gluten-free blueberry muffins. I also can’t stress enough how incredibly EASY this recipe is to make. I was on TikTok last week and I watched a fellow food blogger make a homemade granola with like 12 ingredients and I was like… NO no, no need for that. So I finally carved out the time to share this 5-ingredient granola recipe with you!

I should also note that this is one of those recipes that is super easy to customize. Need to make it nut-free? Replace the chopped nuts with additional oats and unsalted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (also, check out the nut-free section on my blog for more nut-free recipes!). Craving something more chocolate-y? Toss in some dark chocolate chunks once the granola has cooled. Or, if you need a sugar-free granola recipe, replace the maple syrup with your favorite sugar-free liquid sweetener – it’s that simple!

Happy homemade granola making, friends! And if you give this recipe a try, I’d really love it if you left a comment and a 5 STAR review on this post. Your support means the world to me!

Homemade granola on a baking sheet with a serving spoon.

What You’ll Need to Make this Homemade Granola Recipe

Peanut Butter: For a personalized touch, opt for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut or seed butter of your choice. To keep it health-conscious, go for a natural, unsweetened variety.

Melted Coconut Oil: Customize your granola with melted butter, olive oil, or any vegetable oil as alternatives to coconut oil.

Maple Syrup or Honey: Tailor the sweetness to your liking by choosing between agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or a sugar-free syrup for a low-sugar twist. The decision between maple syrup and honey is entirely based on your flavor preference.

Rolled Oats: For a gluten-free recipe, ensure the oats you buy are entirely gluten-free, like these ones from Bob’s Red Mill! Opt for old-fashioned oats to achieve a hearty and satisfying texture in your granola.

Chopped Unsalted Nuts: Make your granola uniquely yours by selecting nuts that align with your taste or dietary preferences. I used almonds and cashews in my granola, but really any unsalted nuts will do! For a nut-free alternative, consider using seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Homemade granola served with yogurt and fresh raspberries in a bowl.

Is this Homemade Granola Recipe Healthy?

Yes, this homemade granola recipe is relatively healthy. It incorporates nutrient-rich ingredients like oats, nuts, and coconut oil, providing a good balance of essential fats, fiber, and protein. Additionally, the recipe allows for customization, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences and ensuring a wholesome breakfast or snack!

Homemade granola pouring out of a glass jar.

Tips and Tricks

  • Mix It Up: Experiment with different nut and seed combinations to tailor the granola to your taste buds.
  • Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the granola during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
  • More Clusters: For delightfully big granola chunks, press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking.
5 from 1 vote

5-Ingredient Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

Elevate your breakfast with this super easy homemade granola recipe! It comes together with just 5-ingredients, one bowl, and in under 30 minutes. This healthy granola recipe is sweetened with maple syrup, and a delicious addition to yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, or smoothie bowls!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped unsalted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, and/or cashews)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup or honey.
  • Add in the rolled oats and chopped nuts, then mix to combine.
  • Transfer the granola mixture to your prepared baking sheet and spread the granola into an even layer across the baking sheet.
  • Bake the granola for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and use a spatula to flip and toss the granola. Put it back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the granola in the turned-off oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove granola from the oven and let it cool completely before serving or storing.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal
View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

Spring Mix Salad with Blueberries, Almonds, Feta, and Honey Vinaigrette

By
Close-up overhead image of spring mix salad in a bowl.

Fresh and seasonal spring mix salad with blueberries, almonds, feta cheese, and a simple honey vinaigrette! The perfect warm-weather lunch or side dish, loaded with healthy ingredients.

Overhead image of spring mix salad in a bowl with water on the side.

What You’ll Need To Make Spring Mix Salad

Spring Mix Lettuce – Spring mix is a simple assortment of dark leafy greens. Each brand makes theirs a little differently, but every batch of spring mix is flavorful and super healthy. If you can’t find any spring mix, you can certainly turn this into a spinach salad instead, with 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach.

Sliced Almonds – Every salad needs a little crunch! I love buttery, lightly toasted sliced almonds in my spring mix salad. However, if you don’t have any almonds, any chopped nut will go great in this recipe. Or for a nut-free version, add in some roasted sunflower seeds instead!

Feta Cheese – Some salty feta cheese takes this spring mix salad over the top! Add as much to your salad as your heart desires. Or, if you don’t have any feta, a nice soft goat cheese also tastes great here. And for a vegan or dairy-free option, simply leave the cheese out of the salad – still super tasty!

Honey – A touch of honey balances out the otherwise extremely savory vinaigrette. With plenty of balsamic vinegar, the vinaigrette needs a little sweetness to help mellow it out. And for a vegan version, replace the honey with two tablespoons of maple syrup.

Honey vinaigrette being poured over spring mix salad.

Tips and Tricks

  • Dress the salad right before serving! Avoid storing this salad already dressed, since the vinaigrette will cause the spring mix to wilt. So if prepping ahead of time, keep the honey vinaigrette on the side until ready to eat.
  • Have fun with this healthy salad recipe! This simple lunch or side dish is a great way to use up any fresh veggies or berries you might have on-hand. Strawberries taste delicious in place of the blueberries, and a yellow onion can be subbed in for the red onion.

Add Protein

For a heartier meal, add any of the following:

Spring Mix Salad with Blueberries, Almonds, Feta Cheese, and Honey Vinaigrette
Pin
Print

Spring Mix Salad with Blueberries, Almonds, Feta Cheese, and Honey Vinaigrette

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: Sides, LunchDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

side servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Fresh and seasonal spring mix salad with blueberries, almonds, feta, and a simple honey vinaigrette! The perfect warm-weather lunch or side dish, loaded with healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 5-ounce package spring mix lettuce

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

  • 1/2 English cucumber, chopped

  • 1/2 red onion, chopped

  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds

  • 1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese

  • For the honey vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Assemble all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Make the dressing by adding all ingredients to a jar with a lid, secure the lid then shake until combined. Drizzle over spring mix salad and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Did you make this recipe?

Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

Like this recipe?

Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

Harvest Bowl (easy to meal prep!)

By
overhead image of a meal prep harvest bowl with sliced almonds on the side.

This fully loaded harvest bowl is packed with seasonal ingredients, fresh flavor, and finished off with a dreamy maple dijon vinaigrette! Perfect to meal prep ahead of a busy week, or quickly throw together as an easy meal in under 30 minutes.

maple dijon dressing being poured over a harvest bowl

What You’ll Need to Make a Harvest Bowl

Sweet Potato – Peel and cube two sweet potatoes before roasting. Or, if you’d like, replace the sweet potato with your favorite squash. Peeled and cubed butternut squash, sliced acorn squash, or even sliced delicata squash would all taste great in this harvest bowl!

Chicken – Two boneless and skinless chicken breasts are lightly seasoned, then roasted to perfection! For a vegan option, see the “make it vegan” section below.

Quinoa – Any variety of quinoa is jam-packed with health benefits! It’s full of nutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, fiber, and is a complete protein. Talk about a superfood, eh? Feel free to use whatever kind of quinoa you have handy – white, red, black, or rainbow – they all taste great. Or, if you don’t have quinoa, you can replace it with cooked brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat, farro, or barley.

Kale – Similar to the quinoa, any variety of kale will taste delicious in your harvest bowl. So, use whatever you can get your hands on – curly kale, dino (lacinato) kale, red kale, or even baby kale. Though if using baby kale, no need to massage it, just add straight to your bowl, then toss in dressing.

close-up image of sliced chicken over a meal prep harvest bowl.

Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t skip massaging the kale! This step is super important to achieve nice, and tender kale. Skipping this step will result in tough, and hard-to-chew kale, just all around unappetizing!
  • I highly, HIGHLY, recommend doubling up on the maple dijon salad dressing. It’s seriously the star of this harvest bowl, and you’ll regret not making more. Also, leftovers stay fresh in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three weeks!

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: For a healthy, high protein vegan meal, leave out the chicken. Then, either double up on the sweet potatoes, or replace the chicken with a can of drained then rinsed chickpeas!

Make it Paleo/Grain-Free: Simply leave off the quinoa and you’ve got yourself a totally paleo and grain-free harvest bowl.

two meal prep containers showcasing this harvest bowl recipe.

How to Meal Prep This Harvest Bowl

  1. Roast the sweet potatoes and chicken.
  2. Cook the quinoa.
  3. Make the maple dijon dressing.
  4. Massage the kale.
  5. Divide the massaged kale, cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes and chicken, sliced apples, fried cranberries, and sliced almonds between four meal prep containers.
  6. Store remaining dressing separately.
  7. When ready to eat, remove one of your meal prep containers from the fridge and drizzle with some extra maple dijon dressing – enjoy!
Harvest Bowl (easy to meal prep!)
Pin
Print

Harvest Bowl (easy to meal prep!)

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: Main, Lunch, DinnerDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

These fully loaded harvest bowls are packed with seasonal ingredients, fresh flavor, and finished off with a dreamy maple dijon vinaigrette! Perfect to meal prep ahead of a busy week, or quickly throw together as an easy meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1-2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breast

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups kale, finely chopped

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa

  • 1 apple, sliced

  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds

  • For the maple dijon dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit. Place sweet potatoes and chicken breast on a baking sheet, then drizzle with avocado oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss potatoes to coat, then roast for 20 minutes, tossing potatoes halfway through.
  • While chicken and potatoes roast, make the dressing by adding all dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisking to combine.
  • Place kale in a bowl with half of the dressing, then toss and massage dressing into the kale with your hands.
  • Once potatoes are tender, remove from the oven and assemble bowls with all ingredients – roasted sweet potatoes, massaged kale, chicken, quinoa, apples, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Store with remaining dressing on the side, then top with dressing right before eating.

Recipe Video

Did you make this recipe?

Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

Like this recipe?

Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

View Post
By