Creamy nut butter swirls perfectly into these refreshing smoothie recipes. Whether it’s peanut butter, almond butter or even pistachio butter, these recipes are a perfect option for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Try our Almond Butter & Chocolate Banana Smoothie and our Reese's Peanut Butter Cup–Inspired Smoothie the next time you have nut butter on hand.
This creamy almond butter and chocolate banana smoothie makes a quick breakfast or snack when you need something satisfying in minutes. Banana adds natural sweetness, while almond butter and Greek-style yogurt contribute richness and protein.
This peanut butter–banana flaxseed smoothie is a creamy, satisfying drink that’s perfect for breakfast. The banana adds natural sweetness and helps create a smooth, rich texture. Peanut butter brings delicious nutty flavor along with plant-based protein to keep you full longer. Ground flaxseed boosts the smoothie with fiber and omega-3s. Blended with almond milk, it’s a quick and delicious way to fuel your day.
This rich and creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup–inspired smoothie mimics the flavors of the classic candy. Frozen banana lends body, while the topping of melted, hardened chocolate over the top adds a crunch to the creamy drink. For an extra dose of peanutty goodness, top it off with crushed peanuts or a swirl of peanut butter.
When you really need to eat your greens, go for this smoothie that packs both kale and spinach into every sip. Kiwi and dates add natural sweetness, and almond butter and almond milk keep you full.
Get a probiotic boost at breakfast when you add kefir to your smoothie. Feel free to use any berries and nut butter you have on hand for this healthy smoothie recipe.
Peanut butter and banana is a classic combo that's even more delicious with the addition of tangy probiotic-rich kefir. Plus, this peanut butter banana smoothie helps you up your veggie servings for the day with a bit of mild-flavored spinach mixed in.
This healthy smoothie is not only delicious—it also provides anti-inflammatory foods. It starts with a base of creamy gut-friendly kefir and includes cherries, which can lower the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Heart-healthy fats in avocado, almond butter and chia seeds deliver additional anti-inflammatory compounds, while spinach offers a mix of antioxidants that sweep up harmful free radicals. Fresh ginger adds zing, plus a compound called gingerol, which preliminary studies suggest may improve inflammatory markers of heart disease if consumed daily.
Keeping ripe peeled bananas in your freezer means you're always just one step away from a healthy smoothie. Kefir, peanut butter and flaxmeal add protein, probiotics and healthy fats.
Whir up frozen bananas with peanut butter and cocoa in this sweet, creamy drink recipe to get all the delicious flavors of a milkshake with the health benefits of a smoothie.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Kale, cherries and beets team up in this powerful anti-inflammatory smoothie. All three of these fruits and veggies contain unique anti-inflammatory compounds that may help stave off diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. Using packaged steamed beets is a great shortcut here. If you have cooked beets on hand, use those! The cherries help sweeten the smoothie and add a fruity flavor. If you opt for tart cherries, you can balance the tanginess with a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
25 Mediterranean Diet Lunches to Help Lower Cholesterol
Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDNCredit: Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Take steps toward lower cholesterol levels with this collection of nutritious Mediterranean diet lunches. These delicious meals are packed with Mediterranean diet staples like omega-3-rich fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Each recipe prioritizes healthy fats such as monounsaturated fats, which can help decrease LDL (also called “bad”) cholesterol and increase HDL (or “good) cholesterol. Plus, each serving is low in saturated fat and offers at least 6 grams of fiber, which can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels, regular digestion and a healthy heart. Try options like our colorful High-Fiber Black Bean Fajita Salad or our Stuffed Sweet Potato with Ground Turkey & Avocado for a satisfying midday meal.
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High-Fiber Black Bean Fajita Salad Is an Easy Dinner
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
This Black Bean Fajita Salad delivers the bold, zesty flavors of fajitas in a fresh, no-cook format. A quick lime-spiked marinade infuses the black beans and peppers, while crisp greens and crunchy tortilla chips add texture. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy option for lunch or a light dinner.
This easy baked pasta combines creamy Boursin cheese, bright lemon and a mix of spring vegetables into a fresh and comforting dinner. Everything cooks in one dish, allowing the pasta to absorb all the flavors. It’s a simple, veggie-forward meal that’s perfect for spring.
These creamy overnight oats are packed with protein thanks to Greek-style yogurt and almond butter, making them a satisfying grab-and-go breakfast. Prep them the night before for an easy, nourishing start to your day. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they may be contaminated during processing. If you’re following a gluten-free routine, be sure to buy oats specifically labeled gluten-free.
These stuffed sweet potatoes make a satisfying, high-protein meal with minimal fuss. Tender roasted sweet potatoes are filled with savory ground turkey seasoned with cumin and oregano, then topped with creamy avocado and a dollop of yogurt. The combination of hearty, fresh and creamy flavors makes this an easy dinner that’s both comforting and balanced.
This strawberry–passion fruit smoothie is bright, creamy and naturally sweet. Frozen strawberries and tangy passion fruit blend with Greek-style yogurt and almond milk for a refreshing drink that’s ready in just 5 minutes.
This warming ginger chicken soup is packed with lean protein and plenty of vegetables for a comforting yet nourishing meal. Fresh ginger and warm spices like cumin and coriander give the broth deep flavor, while potatoes and spinach make the soup hearty and satisfying.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
This veggie-packed chickpea bowl features hearty chickpeas and quinoa topped with an herby green goddess dressing made creamy with Greek-style yogurt and avocado. It’s a satisfying vegetarian lunch or light dinner that delivers fiber, protein and fresh flavor in every bite.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
This refreshing bean salad gets a lift from a quick homemade salsa verde packed with fresh herbs, jalapeño and lime. A mix of creamy beans, crisp radishes and smoky corn makes it hearty enough for a light lunch or easy dinner.
This fresh and creamy cucumber-spinach wrap comes together in minutes. A quick yogurt spread, brightened with lemon and dill, acts like a shortcut tzatziki, while crisp cucumber, buttery avocado and a sprinkle of za’atar add cool crunch and herby depth.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
This swamp soup, named for its vibrant green color, is made from a combination of spinach and parsley blended into a silky base, with fiber-rich white beans, shredded chicken and brown rice stirred in for a satisfying texture. A sprinkle of fried garlic and crushed red pepper adds savory crunch and gentle heat to each spoonful.
Savory oats are an underrated way to enjoy the whole grain—the toppings are endless! Cooking oats in soy milk is an easy way to add protein to this hearty grain bowl. Here, we top the oats with a bright roasted red pepper-olive mixture and a poached egg for richness.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek-style yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
This cozy soup turns humble ingredients into a bowl of golden comfort. Tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans simmer together with aromatic spices for warmth and depth, while a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying, full of fiber and antioxidants, and easy enough for a weeknight.
These cranberry-orange overnight oats are pure fall sunshine in a jar. Each spoonful balances citrusy brightness, cranberry zing and cozy cinnamon spice between layers of creamy oats and chia seeds. These oats are perfect for meal prep or anytime you need a cheerful start to your day.
This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.
This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette, while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.
This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for and pulls inspiration from Marry Me Chicken. Tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.
This chia seed smoothie is a nutrient-packed blend perfect for breakfast. Sweet, tropical mango pairs with juicy blueberries for a refreshing balance of flavors and natural sweetness. Chia seeds add texture while providing fiber and omega-3s. This colorful smoothie is as energizing as it is delicious, keeping you feeling fueled and refreshed all morning.
This easy chickpea salad lunch box is a fresh, no-cook lunch that’s perfect for busy weekdays. Chickpeas are tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes and a splash of lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing bite. It’s easy to scale up the recipe to prep multiple servings at once, so you can stock your fridge with grab-and-go lunches for the week. Just remember to add the crackers on the day you plan to enjoy it to keep them crunchy and delicious.
In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing. It’s an easy, filling option for lunch or dinner—especially for those looking to add more plant-powered protein to their diet.
This high-protein cucumber sandwich features a creamy spread made by whipping cottage cheese with white miso, soy sauce and rice vinegar. This mixture delivers a creamy boost of protein that pairs perfectly with sliced cucumbers, which add a crisp, fresh bite.
This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite. Be sure to monitor the pasta-cooking carefully, as orzo can go from al dente to mush in a minute. If in doubt, drain it a little early—it’ll soften further in the lemon dressing.
Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
This herb-marinated veggie-and-chickpea salad is a refreshing, no-cook dish packed with fresh flavors. It brings together crisp raw vegetables and fiber-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing that infuses every bite. Since it requires no stove or oven time, it’s perfect for warm days, meal prep or busy weeknights when you want something quick.
This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
This no-chicken salad sandwich, made with chickpeas, is a delicious plant-based alternative to the classic chicken salad. Mashing the chickpeas creates a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with Greek-style yogurt, celery, pecans and grapes for flavor and crunch. Serve it on whole-grain bread, in a wrap, over a salad or with crackers for an easy lunch.
10 High-Protein Snacks for a Diabetes-Friendly Diet
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RDCredit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Look no further than these recipes for a deliciously filling snack. These snacks are packed with protein (at least seven grams per serving) to help you with muscle recovery, bone strength and satiety. Plus, these tasty bites fit seamlessly into a diabetes-friendly eating pattern because they're made with lower amounts of saturated fat and sodium-conscious ingredients, all while including complex carbs like legumes, vegetables and whole grains. Flavorful recipes like our Crunchy Roasted Edamame and our Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Snack Jar with Bell Peppers & Chickpeas will help you feel fueled until your next meal.
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Crunchy Roasted Edamame
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
This roasted edamame recipe is a protein-packed snack you can enjoy by the handful. Roasting the beans slowly at a low temperature helps them dry out and crisp up without burning. Enjoy them on their own, or use them as a salad topper for added crunch.
These spiced almonds deliver the perfect balance of fiber, protein and healthy fat for a filling snack that can support your weight-loss goals. They’re a good mix of crunch, sweetness and spice. It’s easy to make and store so you have a healthy snack on hand.
These high-protein cottage cheese dips are easy to whip up and pair perfectly with your favorite fruits and veggies. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these recipes will keep you full and energized while squeezing in an extra serving of veggies.
Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Snack Jar with Bell Peppers & Chickpeas
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This cottage cheese snack jar is a high-protein snack that layers creamy cottage cheese with crunchy bell peppers and crispy chickpeas. Cottage cheese provides protein and calcium, while chickpeas add extra plant-based protein and fiber to keep you feeling full until your next meal. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning brings bold flavors in every bite.
This high-protein banana bread is naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and contains no added sugar. Greek yogurt and almond butter add moisture and protein, creating a tender loaf that’s satisfying enough for breakfast or a snack.
This banana–peanut butter yogurt parfait is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack that relies on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to create a creamy, flavorful base. The combination of banana and peanut butter is a classic pairing that provides healthy fats and a boost of protein. This easy parfait is a great way to start your day or enjoy a midday pick-me-up.
With a focus on fiber-rich beans, vegetables and healthy fats, this creamy bean dip is suitable for those following the Mediterranean diet. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of acidity and make this dip reminiscent of Marry Me Chicken. We use creamy cannellini beans, but any white bean will work. Carrots, peppers, radishes and snap peas are perfect for dunking, but feel free to swap them out for your favorite crunchy veggies.
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
This no-sugar-added berry bowl highlights the natural sweetness of thawed mixed berries, with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a simple snack you can prepare in advance, but add the cereal just before serving so it stays crunchy.
This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don't have the other spices on hand.
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