It's that time of year again when back-to-school season is in full swing. And with kids hitting the books and engaging in all kinds of activities, it's important to keep their energy levels up with some tasty and nutritious snacks. But fear not, because I've got you covered! In this blog post, we're going to explore three fun and healthy back-to-school snacks that will have your little ones begging for more. So, grab a notebook and a pen because you're about to become the snack guru in your household!

1. Ants on a Log Recipe by Healthy Little Foodies

A snack that combines veggies and protein is a winner in OUR book, and that's exactly what you get with Ants on a Log! Not only is this snack super nutritious, but it's also a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen. 

Traditionally, Ants on a Log is made by filling celery stalks with peanut butter or cream cheese and adding raisins as the ants. However, there are countless variations you can try depending on what ingredients you have on hand. Carrots, cucumber, banana, apple, pear, peach, or nectarine can all make a fantastic log. As for the filling, you can use any nut butter, cream cheese, cottage cheese, hummus, mashed avocado, guacamole, Greek yoghurt, or even other dips and spreads like beetroot dip, carrot hummus, bean dip, or mint yogurt dip.

While raisins are the classic choice (the "ant"), you can also use dried fruit such as apricot, dates, figs, or pineapple cut into raisin-sized pieces. Peas, sweetcorn, olives, cherry tomatoes, grapes, blueberries, seeds, or nuts are all excellent alternatives.

Ready to make some Ants on a Log? Here's a quick and easy recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 3 celery sticks
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 30 raisins

Instructions:

1. Wash the celery sticks and cut each stick in half.

2. Fill the concave part of each celery stick with peanut butter and spread it evenly.

3. Push raisins into the peanut butter to represent the "ants."

In just 10 minutes, you'll have a delicious, healthy, and fun snack to enjoy with your kids. Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes and get creative with different log and ant combinations.

2. Rainbow Fruit Kabobs by Like Mother, Like Daughter

Rainbow fruit kabobs are a delightful and nutritious snack that both kids and adults will adore! These colorful kabobs are not only easy to make, but they also provide a fun and healthy way to get your little ones to eat more fruit. They are a perfect after-school or bedtime snack, giving your kids a sweet treat that doesn't involve brownies, cookies, ice cream, or candy.

Finding a snack that is both tasty and healthy can be challenging, but rainbow fruit kabobs offer the ideal solution. You can even involve your kids in the preparation process, allowing them to help assemble the kabobs. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together while engaging in an activity you both enjoy. While your little one's kabobs may be a bit less organized, older kids can arrange the fruit in the exciting rainbow pattern. Regardless, the result will be a delightful and enjoyable snack that encourages your kids to consume a variety of fruit.

You can even add a marshmallow cloud at the end of each skewer for an extra touch of sweetness, although it's entirely optional. To assemble the kabobs, simply place one strawberry or raspberry on the wooden skewer, followed by one or two mandarin orange slices, a pineapple piece, a green grape, two blueberries, and a purple grape. Finish it off by adding a marshmallow if desired. You can serve the kabobs plain or with your favorite fruit dip.

Rainbow fruit kabobs are a delicious and creative way to make snack time both enjoyable and healthy. So gather your favorite fruits, get creative with the colorful arrangement, and treat your kids to a delightful culinary adventure that will awaken their taste buds while boosting their fruit intake.

3. Veggie Quesadilla Recipe by The Picky Eater

This veggie quesadilla recipe by The Picky Eater is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a perfect option for back-to-school snacks for your kids. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up these cheesy quesadillas that are packed with black beans and crunchy veggies. Quesadillas are popular with almost everyone because who can resist warm, crispy tortillas and melted cheese? With a few simple swaps, this recipe has been transformed into a vegetarian-friendly and nutritious version, without compromising on flavor.

Why does this recipe work so well? First and foremost, the melty cheese is just heavenly. The combination of crispy tortillas and hearty fillings is incredibly satisfying. Plus, it's a breeze to make, ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner option. Cleanup is a breeze too, which is always a bonus for busy parents. Best of all, this family-friendly meal is ready in under 30 minutes, and your little ones are guaranteed to love this veggie quesadilla recipe.

Let's talk about the key ingredients that make these veggie quesadillas so tasty and nutritious. To start, using whole wheat or sprouted wheat tortillas adds extra whole grains and fiber to the dish. Not only are they healthier than plain flour tortillas, but they also bring a satisfying texture to each bite.

When it comes to the cheese, you have the freedom to choose your favorite. The recipe suggests a Mexican cheese blend, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or oaxaca cheese. The key is to select a cheese that melts well and adds that irresistible gooeyness to the quesadilla.

Black beans are a star ingredient in this dish, providing a good source of protein and fiber. You can use either refried or whole black beans, or even a mix of both for added texture and flavor. To give the beans a burst of taste, taco seasoning is recommended. However, if you don't have any on hand, a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin will work just as well.

With this veggie quesadilla recipe, not only do you get a scrumptious and satisfying snack for your kids, but you also provide them with essential nutrients from a variety of veggies and whole grains. It's a win-win situation for both taste and health.