Start 2026 off on the right foot with these incredibly healthy and easy-to-assemble snacks. Travel the world with the tastes of the Mediterranean- Pink Beet Hummus, Italian fare- Pizza Bites and Thai-inspired Spring Roll recipes. The pizzas are a great way to use any extra vegetables you have on hand to make a quick bite to eat. Another idea is to have a pizza party family night and let each person create a different personal pizza using their favorite toppings!
Creamy Pink Beet Hummus
An easy and delicious velvety pink beet hummus with a sweet pomegranate drizzle, smooth texture and elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
1 can chick peas or 1 can white beans- drained
¼ cup pickled beet juice (from the can or jar of beets)
¼ cup tahini paste
1 teaspoon lemon juice or to taste
1 to 2 tablespoons cold water
1 clove of garlic
Olive oil to drizzle
Salt to taste
Pomegranate syrup to drizzle
Pepitas/Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
Cubed feta or goat cheese and diced beets for garnish
In a food processor, place the chick peas or white beans, beet juice, garlic, tahini, salt, and lemon juice- blend until completely smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. As the machine is running add cold water a bit at a time until the mixture is completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Transfer to a shallow bowl or plate, swirl spoon around hummus to make ridges, drizzle olive oil and pomegranate syrup around the ridges in the hummus, and sprinkle with pepitas. Top with cheese and beets, if desired.
Great for snacking and will last several days refrigerated. Serve with vegetables or your favorite crackers.
Cucumber Wrapped Spring Rolls
With so many fresh and healthy ingredients, you can't go wrong with these tasty Thai-inspired spring rolls. These are not only delicious and nutritious, they are a fun family activity to prepare and assemble together. Delectable complimentary dipping sauce recipes included.
Any variations of vegetables or noodles will work.
Ingredients:
1 large carrot- peeled and julienned or buy shredded
1 stick celery- julienned
1 seedless or English cucumber- peeled with a vegetable peeler into strips, 2" or wider
1 package vermicelli rice noodles (you only need half of this package soaked in warm water 15 minutes to soften)
1 bell pepper- julienned
1 package rice paper wrappers
Mint leaves- ¼ to ½ cup
Cilantro- ¼ to ½ cup
Wash and slice all vegetables and set aside. Remove leaves from herb stems and set aside.
Wrap a cutting board with plastic wrap and place one rice paper wrapper at a time in a bowl of warm water for 10 to 15 seconds or until soft and pliable. Remove and place on wet plastic wrap sprinkled with water. Gather a small handful of each of the vegetables (leaving the cucumber for the end) and vermicelli noodles and place in the center of the wrapper. Add herbs and gently pull the wrapper over the vegetables similar to rolling a burrito. Pull and roll the vegetables tightly in the wrapper. Fold the rice paper end over end and continue rolling spring roll until tight and fully sealed.
Wrap 1 single cucumber ribbon around the roll.
Transfer to a plate. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
Slice in half and serve.
Optional: Cooked shrimp or any of your favorite vegetables may be substituted. Prepare as directed.
Dipping sauce options:
Purchasing a bottle of sweet Thai chili sauce is the simplest dip, or try-
Homemade Chili Sauce:
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup hot water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon chili paste
Mix well and adjust to your personal spice level preference.
Peanut Sauce:
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 to 2 tablespoons sambal oelek or chili paste, depending on your spice level preference
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
1 inch piece of fresh ginger root- peeled and roughly chopped
1 clove of garlic- peeled and minced
¼ cup water
Blend all ingredient’s together in a small blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
Will keep in the refrigerator for one week.
Adapted from Pinch of Yum
Crispy, Crunchy Pizza Bites
These are a go-to when I do not want a mess in the kitchen but need a quick, wholesome bite to eat. The pizzas are so easy to assemble and will use up your favorite leftover fresh toppings that you have on hand. Get creative and assemble a very quick and flavorful snack or lunch!
1 package Crispy Thin pizza crust. There are many brands available and found in the Italian section of your favorite grocery store. You can also make them yourself and freeze for use on another day.
Topping suggestions:
Drizzle olive oil on the top of each crust before adding your favorite toppings, such as:
Marinara, cheese and olives
Fig jam and arugula, topped with grated Fontina cheese
Pesto and parmesan cheese
White sauce and grilled chicken
Pancetta with gorgonzola and mushrooms
Ricotta and spinach, garnished with grated parmesan
Chopped vegetables, drizzled with balsamic glaze
Any cheese, hot honey, caramelized onions and herbs
The pizzas bake at 450 degrees to start, then reduce the temperature to 425 degrees. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes. Follow directions on each particular crust brand as they may vary.
The crusts are usually available in gluten free versions as well as whole wheat.