18 High-Protein Appetizers for Athletes

18 High-Protein Appetizers for Athletes

18 High-Protein Appetizers for Athletes

When you're fueling tough workouts (or simply running after kids all day, which definitely counts), a snack that truly sustains you is a win. These 18 high-protein snacks are designed to satisfy and fuel you without feeling heavy, so you can take a few and truly feel energized. From on-the-go bites to platters to share, there’s something here for every game night and training day.

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1) Grilled Chicken Skewers

grilled chicken skewers in a wide horizontal shot, golden charred chicken cubes on skewers garnished with lemon wedges and herbs, on a dark grill platter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These skewers are endlessly snackable and are a protein powerhouse because they are lean and juicy. The heavy lifting is done by the simple marinade.

grilled chicken skewers in a wide horizontal shot, golden charred chicken cubes on skewers garnished with lemon wedges and herbs, on a dark grill platter, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Tender marinated chicken pieces are grilled to a perfect golden brown on skewers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb chicken breast cubed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Toss chicken cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and salt.
  2. Marinate at least 15 minutes.
  3. Thread the chicken onto skewers.
  4. Grill over medium-high heat 12 to 15 minutes, turning, until cooked through.
  5. Rest a few minutes and serve warm.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water first so they don't scorch.

2) Edamame Hummus

edamame hummus in a wide horizontal shot, a vibrant green dip swirled in a bowl drizzled with oil and topped with whole edamame, beside vegetable sticks, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Also providing additional protein, this hummus has a bright green twist. Edamame gives this dip a silky texture and adds a subtle sweetness.

edamame hummus in a wide horizontal shot, a vibrant green dip swirled in a bowl drizzled with oil and topped with whole edamame, beside vegetable sticks, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Edamame Hummus

Creamy hummus made with protein-packed edamame, tahini, and lemon juice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shelled edamame cooked
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Add edamame, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to a food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth, drizzling in olive oil as it runs.
  3. Thin with a splash of water if needed.
  4. Spoon into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Serve with veggies or pita.

Notes

Save a few whole edamame to scatter on top for garnish.

3) Tuna Stuffed Avocados

tuna stuffed avocados in a wide horizontal shot, green avocado halves filled with creamy tuna salad and a sprinkle of pepper, on a white plate with lemon, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A tasty tweeze of two superfoods: Avo as well as super high protein tuna, so you can stay full for hours.

tuna stuffed avocados in a wide horizontal shot, green avocado halves filled with creamy tuna salad and a sprinkle of pepper, on a white plate with lemon, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tuna Stuffed Avocados

Avocado halves with a lemon-herb tuna salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 avocados halved
  • 2 cans tuna drained
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 stalk celery finely diced
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Halve the avocados and scoop out a little flesh to widen the wells.
  2. Mix the tuna with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, celery, salt, and pepper.
  3. Fold in the scooped avocado flesh for extra creaminess.
  4. Spoon the tuna salad into each avocado half.
  5. Garnish with cracked pepper and serve right away.

Notes

Brush the cut avocado with lemon to keep it from browning.

4) Greek Yogurt Dip

Greek yogurt dip in a wide horizontal shot, a thick white dip topped with fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl, surrounded by vegetable sticks, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Loaded with protein, this dip is thick and tangy, and works with everything. Best of all, it takes about five minutes to make!

Greek yogurt dip in a wide horizontal shot, a thick white dip topped with fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl, surrounded by vegetable sticks, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Greek Yogurt Dip

A tasty herby Greek yogurt dip with flecks of cucumber, garlic, and dill.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt plain
  • 1/2 cucumber grated and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess water.
  2. Stir the cucumber into the Greek yogurt.
  3. Mix in garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  4. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Chill 20 minutes and serve with pita or veggies.

Notes

Draining the cucumber well keeps the dip thick, not watery.

5) Spicy Black Bean Balls

spicy black bean balls in a wide horizontal shot, golden-crusted dark bean bites on a plate with a dipping sauce and cilantro, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Hearty and plant powered, and with just a touch of heat, they are a great meatless protein snack for any spread.

spicy black bean balls in a wide horizontal shot, golden-crusted dark bean bites on a plate with a dipping sauce and cilantro, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spicy Black Bean Balls

Baked black bean and oat bites with cumin and a hint of chili.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can black beans drained
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400F and mash the black beans coarsely.
  2. Mix in oats, cumin, chili powder, and egg until it holds together.
  3. Roll the mixture into small balls and place on an oiled baking sheet.
  4. Brush with olive oil.
  5. Bake 22 to 25 minutes, turning once, until firm and crisp. Serve warm.

Notes

Let the mixture rest 5 minutes so the oats absorb moisture before rolling.

6) Smoked Salmon Rolls

smoked salmon rolls in a wide horizontal shot, pink salmon pinwheels with creamy herb filling and cucumber, arranged on a slate board with dill, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Omega-rich and ready in minutes, these rolls feel fancy but are super easy to make.

smoked salmon rolls in a wide horizontal shot, pink salmon pinwheels with creamy herb filling and cucumber, arranged on a slate board with dill, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Smoked Salmon Rolls

Delicate, smoked salmon, rolled hand made with a herb and cucumber filling.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz smoked salmon sliced
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1/2 cucumber julienned
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Method
 

  1. Mix the cream cheese with dill, lemon juice, and pepper.
  2. Lay out the smoked salmon slices flat.
  3. Spread a thin layer of the herb cream cheese over each slice.
  4. Add a few cucumber strips and roll up tightly.
  5. Slice into pinwheels and serve chilled.

Notes

Chill the rolls 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

7) Turkey Lettuce Wraps

turkey lettuce wraps in a wide horizontal shot, crisp green lettuce cups filled with seasoned ground turkey and green onions, on a wooden board, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These delicious wraps are a great alternative to the heavier foods you would find at most parties, and as and added bonus they are light, crunchy, and filled with protein!

turkey lettuce wraps in a wide horizontal shot, crisp green lettuce cups filled with seasoned ground turkey and green onions, on a wooden board, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce cups filled with seasoned ground turkey and water chestnuts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 can water chestnuts diced
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 12 leaves butter lettuce

Method
 

  1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high.
  2. Brown the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Stir in soy sauce, water chestnuts, and green onions and cook 3 more minutes.
  4. Spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves.
  5. Serve warm as handheld wraps.

Notes

Add a squirt of sriracha to the filling for a spicy kick.

8) Quinoa Veggie Cups

quinoa veggie cups in a wide horizontal shot, golden baked quinoa cups flecked with carrot and spinach on a cooling rack, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These portable protein cups are super cute and travel great holding their shape.

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quinoa veggie cups in a wide horizontal shot, golden baked quinoa cups flecked with carrot and spinach on a cooling rack, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Quinoa Veggie Cups

Baked quinoa cups with veggies and eggs for protein.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and grease a muffin tin.
  2. Stir together quinoa, eggs, carrots, spinach, bell pepper, and salt.
  3. Press the mixture into the muffin wells.
  4. Bake 22 to 25 minutes until set and lightly golden.
  5. Cool 5 minutes, then run a knife around each cup to release. Serve warm.

Notes

Pack the mixture in firmly so the cups hold together when popped out.

9) Egg White Frittata Bites

egg white frittata bites in a wide horizontal shot, pale fluffy egg muffins flecked with red tomato and green spinach on a white plate, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Fluffy, lean, and endlessly customizable! These are the dream snack for protein lovers. Make a batch and grab them for the whole week.

egg white frittata bites in a wide horizontal shot, pale fluffy egg muffins flecked with red tomato and green spinach on a white plate, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Egg White Frittata Bites

Light baked egg white bites with vegetables and herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups egg whites
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and brush a muffin tin with olive oil.
  2. Whisk the egg whites with salt.
  3. Divide tomatoes, spinach, and onion among the muffin wells.
  4. Pour the egg whites over the vegetables.
  5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and set. Cool slightly and serve.

Notes

These reheat beautifully, so make extra for busy mornings.

10) Almond Butter Apple Slices

almond butter apple slices in a wide horizontal shot, apple rounds spread with almond butter and topped with seeds and almonds, fanned out on a wooden board, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Filling and tasty due to the protein from the almond butter. It is my favorite snack to eat before hitting the gym.

almond butter apple slices in a wide horizontal shot, apple rounds spread with almond butter and topped with seeds and almonds, fanned out on a wooden board, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Almond Butter Apple Slices

Crisp apple slices topped with almond butter, seeds and honey drizzle.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 apples cored and sliced
  • 1/3 cup almond butter
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 pinch cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Core the apples and slice into rounds or wedges.
  2. Spread a thin layer of almond butter over each slice.
  3. Sprinkle with chia seeds and sliced almonds.
  4. Drizzle lightly with honey.
  5. Finish with a pinch of cinnamon and serve.

Notes

Toss the apple slices in a little lemon water to keep them from browning.

11) Chickpea Poppers

roasted chickpea poppers in a wide horizontal shot, golden crispy spiced chickpeas piled in a small bowl on a rustic surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chickpeas that have been roasted are crunchy, highly enjoyable, and utterly irresistible. Compared to chips, these have far more protein.

roasted chickpea poppers in a wide horizontal shot, golden crispy spiced chickpeas piled in a small bowl on a rustic surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chickpea Poppers

Chickpeas that have been roasted until crispy and combined with spicy and smoky seasonings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans chickpeas drained and dried
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400F and pat the chickpeas very dry.
  2. Toss them with olive oil and all the spices.
  3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast 30 to 35 minutes, shaking the pan twice, until crisp.
  5. Cool slightly so they crisp up further, then serve.

Notes

Drying the chickpeas thoroughly is the secret to maximum crunch.

12) Beef Jerky Bites

homemade beef jerky bites in a wide horizontal shot, dark chewy strips of marinated beef piled on parchment paper, on a wooden board, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can't beat the protein-packed flavor of homemade jerky. A little bit of preparation and you have a weeks worth of snacks.

homemade beef jerky bites in a wide horizontal shot, dark chewy strips of marinated beef piled on parchment paper, on a wooden board, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Beef Jerky Bites

Marinated beef jerky bites are sliced into thin strips, expertly crafted through a slow drying process for a delightful chewy texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb lean beef thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Whisk soy sauce, Worcestershire, honey, pepper, and garlic powder into a marinade.
  2. Add the beef strips and marinate in the fridge at least 4 hours.
  3. Preheat oven to its lowest setting, around 175F.
  4. Lay the strips on racks over a baking sheet.
  5. Dry in the oven 3 to 4 hours until firm and chewy. Cool fully and store airtight.

Notes

Slice the beef against the grain for a more tender chew.

13) Zucchini Feta Fritters

zucchini feta fritters in a wide horizontal shot, golden crispy fritters flecked with green zucchini stacked on a plate with a yogurt dip, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and a salty punch of feta, these fritters are a covert way of disguising the vegetables and protein in one go.

zucchini feta fritters in a wide horizontal shot, golden crispy fritters flecked with green zucchini stacked on a plate with a yogurt dip, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Zucchini Feta Fritters

A baked zucchini fritter combined with an egg and crumbled feta cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 zucchini grated and drained
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil for frying

Method
 

  1. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  2. Mix the zucchini with eggs, feta, flour, and green onions.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of batter and flatten slightly.
  5. Fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Drain and serve warm.

Notes

Squeezing the zucchini dry is key to crisp, not soggy, fritters.

14) Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

buffalo cauliflower bites in a wide horizontal shot, crispy orange-coated cauliflower florets on a plate with celery and a dipping cup, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These bites have just the right amount of crisp and spice! These are approved by all crowds, and all of your guests will be gone in a flash!

buffalo cauliflower bites in a wide horizontal shot, crispy orange-coated cauliflower florets on a plate with celery and a dipping cup, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Baked cauliflower florets are crunchy and tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy and tangy kick.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425F and whisk flour, water, and garlic powder into a batter.
  2. Coat the florets in batter and arrange on a lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake 20 minutes until crisp.
  4. Toss the florets with buffalo sauce and olive oil.
  5. Bake 8 to 10 more minutes until sticky. Serve hot.

Notes

Pair with a yogurt-based ranch for a protein-friendly dip.

15) Lentil Salad Cups

lentil salad cups in a wide horizontal shot, crisp pale endive leaves filled with herbed lentil salad and diced vegetables, arranged on a white platter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These cups look pretty much the same as other cups. But they have goodness packed throughout. And the taste is off the charts! They're fresh and packed with protein. Also, the flavor is so good, you might even call it 'zippy'!

lentil salad cups in a wide horizontal shot, crisp pale endive leaves filled with herbed lentil salad and diced vegetables, arranged on a white platter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lentil Salad Cups

Herbed lemon lentil salad served in endive or lettuce cups.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked lentils
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup diced tomato
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 leaves endive for cups

Method
 

  1. Toss the cooked lentils with cucumber and tomato.
  2. Whisk lemon juice and olive oil into a dressing.
  3. Dress the lentil mixture and season with salt.
  4. Spoon the salad into individual endive leaves.
  5. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled.

Notes

Use canned lentils, rinsed well, to save time.

16) Cheese and Nut Platter

a cheese and nut platter in a wide horizontal shot, an assortment of cubed cheeses, mixed nuts, grapes, and dried fruit arranged on a wooden board, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The classic option that never fails. A good combination of cheese and nuts gives you consistent and fulfilling protein.

a cheese and nut platter in a wide horizontal shot, an assortment of cubed cheeses, mixed nuts, grapes, and dried fruit arranged on a wooden board, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheese and Nut Platter

An assortment of cheeses, fresh fruit, and mixed nuts arranged for grazing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz assorted cheeses cubed
  • 1 cup mixed nuts
  • 1 cup grapes
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • 1 apple sliced
  • 1/4 cup honey for drizzling

Method
 

  1. Cube or slice the cheeses into bite-size pieces.
  2. Arrange the cheeses across a large board.
  3. Fill in the gaps with mixed nuts and dried apricots.
  4. Add clusters of grapes and apple slices.
  5. Drizzle a little honey over the cheese and serve.

Notes

Take the cheese out 20 minutes early so the flavors really shine.

17) Deviled Eggs with Dill

deviled eggs with dill in a wide horizontal shot, halved eggs with creamy piped yellow filling, dusted with paprika and topped with dill, on a white platter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Deviled eggs are a classic crowd favorite! They are creamy and protein rich. Adding a touch of dill makes them special!

deviled eggs with dill in a wide horizontal shot, halved eggs with creamy piped yellow filling, dusted with paprika and topped with dill, on a white platter, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Deviled Eggs with Dill

Classic deviled eggs with dill have a creamy and tangy yolk filling.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 eggs hard-boiled
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 pinch paprika

Method
 

  1. Halve the hard-boiled eggs and scoop the yolks into a bowl.
  2. Mash the yolks with Greek yogurt, Dijon, dill, and lemon juice.
  3. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Pipe or spoon the filling back into the egg whites.
  5. Dust with paprika and a little extra dill before serving.

Notes

Greek yogurt swaps in for mayo to bump up the protein.

18) Baked Sweet Potato Chips

baked sweet potato chips in a wide horizontal shot, crispy orange chip rounds piled in a bowl beside a creamy yogurt dip, on a light surface, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Baked to a lovely golden color with no deep frying, they are perfectly crispy, and a touch sweet. Excellent for protein packed dips!

baked sweet potato chips in a wide horizontal shot, crispy orange chip rounds piled in a bowl beside a creamy yogurt dip, on a light surface, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Thin rounds of sweet potatoes are baked to a crisp and delicately seasoned.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sweet potatoes thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and slice the sweet potatoes very thin.
  2. Toss the slices with olive oil, salt, paprika, and pepper.
  3. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheets.
  4. Bake 12 minutes, flip, and bake 10 to 13 more minutes until crisp.
  5. Cool on the pan so they crisp further, then serve.

Notes

A mandoline gives the thin, even slices that crisp best.