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
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.
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Ingredients
Method
- Toss chicken cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and salt.
- Marinate at least 15 minutes.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat 12 to 15 minutes, turning, until cooked through.
- Rest a few minutes and serve warm.
Notes
2) Edamame Hummus
Also providing additional protein, this hummus has a bright green twist. Edamame gives this dip a silky texture and adds a subtle sweetness.
Ingredients
Method
- Add edamame, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth, drizzling in olive oil as it runs.
- Thin with a splash of water if needed.
- Spoon into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
- Serve with veggies or pita.
Notes
3) Tuna Stuffed Avocados
A tasty tweeze of two superfoods: Avo as well as super high protein tuna, so you can stay full for hours.
Ingredients
Method
- Halve the avocados and scoop out a little flesh to widen the wells.
- Mix the tuna with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, celery, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the scooped avocado flesh for extra creaminess.
- Spoon the tuna salad into each avocado half.
- Garnish with cracked pepper and serve right away.
Notes
4) Greek Yogurt Dip
Loaded with protein, this dip is thick and tangy, and works with everything. Best of all, it takes about five minutes to make!
Ingredients
Method
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess water.
- Stir the cucumber into the Greek yogurt.
- Mix in garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Chill 20 minutes and serve with pita or veggies.
Notes
5) Spicy Black Bean Balls
Hearty and plant powered, and with just a touch of heat, they are a great meatless protein snack for any spread.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400F and mash the black beans coarsely.
- Mix in oats, cumin, chili powder, and egg until it holds together.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place on an oiled baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil.
- Bake 22 to 25 minutes, turning once, until firm and crisp. Serve warm.
Notes
6) Smoked Salmon Rolls
Omega-rich and ready in minutes, these rolls feel fancy but are super easy to make.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the cream cheese with dill, lemon juice, and pepper.
- Lay out the smoked salmon slices flat.
- Spread a thin layer of the herb cream cheese over each slice.
- Add a few cucumber strips and roll up tightly.
- Slice into pinwheels and serve chilled.
Notes
7) Turkey Lettuce Wraps
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!
Ingredients
Method
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Brown the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in soy sauce, water chestnuts, and green onions and cook 3 more minutes.
- Spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves.
- Serve warm as handheld wraps.
Notes
8) Quinoa Veggie Cups
These portable protein cups are super cute and travel great holding their shape.
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Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375F and grease a muffin tin.
- Stir together quinoa, eggs, carrots, spinach, bell pepper, and salt.
- Press the mixture into the muffin wells.
- Bake 22 to 25 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Cool 5 minutes, then run a knife around each cup to release. Serve warm.
Notes
9) Egg White Frittata Bites
Fluffy, lean, and endlessly customizable! These are the dream snack for protein lovers. Make a batch and grab them for the whole week.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F and brush a muffin tin with olive oil.
- Whisk the egg whites with salt.
- Divide tomatoes, spinach, and onion among the muffin wells.
- Pour the egg whites over the vegetables.
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and set. Cool slightly and serve.
Notes
10) Almond Butter Apple Slices
Filling and tasty due to the protein from the almond butter. It is my favorite snack to eat before hitting the gym.
Ingredients
Method
- Core the apples and slice into rounds or wedges.
- Spread a thin layer of almond butter over each slice.
- Sprinkle with chia seeds and sliced almonds.
- Drizzle lightly with honey.
- Finish with a pinch of cinnamon and serve.
Notes
11) Chickpea Poppers
Chickpeas that have been roasted are crunchy, highly enjoyable, and utterly irresistible. Compared to chips, these have far more protein.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400F and pat the chickpeas very dry.
- Toss them with olive oil and all the spices.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast 30 to 35 minutes, shaking the pan twice, until crisp.
- Cool slightly so they crisp up further, then serve.
Notes
12) Beef Jerky Bites
You can't beat the protein-packed flavor of homemade jerky. A little bit of preparation and you have a weeks worth of snacks.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, pepper, and garlic powder into a marinade.
- Add the beef strips and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 275°F. Arrange the drained strips on racks over a rimmed baking sheet without overlap.
- Heat the strips until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F.
- Reduce the oven to its lowest setting, around 175°F, and continue drying until firm and chewy but not brittle, allowing 3 to 4 hours total oven time. Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container.
Notes
13) Zucchini Feta Fritters
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.
Ingredients
Method
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Mix the zucchini with eggs, feta, flour, and green onions.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter and flatten slightly.
- Fry 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Drain and serve warm.
Notes
14) Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
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!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 425F and whisk flour, water, and garlic powder into a batter.
- Coat the florets in batter and arrange on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake 20 minutes until crisp.
- Toss the florets with buffalo sauce and olive oil.
- Bake 8 to 10 more minutes until sticky. Serve hot.
Notes
15) Lentil Salad Cups
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'!
Ingredients
Method
- Toss the cooked lentils with cucumber and tomato.
- Whisk lemon juice and olive oil into a dressing.
- Dress the lentil mixture and season with salt.
- Spoon the salad into individual endive leaves.
- Arrange on a platter and serve chilled.
Notes
16) Cheese and Nut Platter
The classic option that never fails. A good combination of cheese and nuts gives you consistent and fulfilling protein.
Ingredients
Method
- Cube or slice the cheeses into bite-size pieces.
- Arrange the cheeses across a large board.
- Fill in the gaps with mixed nuts and dried apricots.
- Add clusters of grapes and apple slices.
- Drizzle a little honey over the cheese and serve.
Notes
17) Deviled Eggs with Dill
Deviled eggs are a classic crowd favorite! They are creamy and protein rich. Adding a touch of dill makes them special!
Ingredients
Method
- Halve the hard-boiled eggs and scoop the yolks into a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with Greek yogurt, Dijon, dill, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Pipe or spoon the filling back into the egg whites.
- Dust with paprika and a little extra dill before serving.
Notes
18) Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Baked to a lovely golden color with no deep frying, they are perfectly crispy, and a touch sweet. Excellent for protein packed dips!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375F and slice the sweet potatoes very thin.
- Toss the slices with olive oil, salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Arrange in a single layer on baking sheets.
- Bake 12 minutes, flip, and bake 10 to 13 more minutes until crisp.
- Cool on the pan so they crisp further, then serve.
