13 Anti-Inflammatory Snacks for the Mediterranean Diet

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

Known as one of the healthiest diets in the world, the Mediterranean diet is packed with vegetables, fruits, proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. These foods are well-suited for fighting pesky symptoms of inflammation like fatigue, digestive distress and muscle aches. To make eating this way an even more nutritious venture, these snacks are packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like chickpeas and kale. Recipes like our Ranch Roasted Chickpeas or our High-Protein Energy Bars bring the best of both worlds together to help you feel energized and nourished.

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Ranch Roasted Chickpeas

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

These ranch-flavored roasted chickpeas are a savory snack that delivers the familiar tangy-herb taste of ranch dressing. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and dried herbs, they crisp up beautifully in the oven. These fiber-rich chickpeas are perfect for munching by the handful or tossing into a salad for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle them over soups as an alternative to croutons.

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02 of 13

Chopped Chicken Caesar Salad Dip

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

This chopped chicken Caesar salad dip is a fun, shareable twist on the classic salad, perfect for parties or game day. Chopped cooked chicken is combined with a creamy dressing, grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped green cabbage for crunch. This dip pairs well with toasted whole-grain baguette or, if you prefer, pita chips or endive leaves. A sprinkle of black pepper and extra Parmesan on top adds a bold, savory finish.

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03 of 13

High-Protein Energy Bars

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This high-protein energy bar recipe is made with tahini, oats, apricots and figs for a nutritious snack designed to keep you energized throughout the day. Tahini provides a rich, creamy base to help hold everything together, while dried apricots and figs provide natural sweetness alongside maple syrup. These bars make a convenient grab-and-go snack.

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04 of 13

Lemon-Raspberry Frozen Yogurt Bites

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

These lemon-raspberry frozen yogurt bites are bursting with bright, sunny flavors. Freeze-dried raspberries are crushed into a fruity powder and mixed with creamy Greek-style yogurt, vanilla and bright lemon zest. This mixture coats fresh raspberries, which are then frozen to create a perfectly chilled, tangy-sweet snack. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite berries and an absolute delight to have in your freezer!

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05 of 13

Spinach-Feta Cakes

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

These spinach-feta cakes are the best grab-and-go solution for busy mornings, quick lunches or portable snacks. These savory cakes combine plenty of spinach with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese. Baking them in a muffin tin ensures portions are perfectly sized and easy to grab. Enjoy these cakes warm straight from the oven or made ahead and reheated.

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06 of 13

Trail Mix Energy Bites

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

These trail mix energy balls are made with black beans for a delicious, nutritious twist on a classic snack. Black beans add plant-based protein and fiber, while also acting as the perfect binder to keep the ingredients together. Dates and apricots add natural sweetness to the mixture. These no-bake bites are perfect for a quick breakfast, pre-workout bite or on-the-go snack!

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07 of 13

Spiced Roasted Walnuts

Photographer: Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

Photographer: Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

These spiced walnuts are a delicious anti-inflammatory snack! Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while spices like cinnamon and ginger can further support the anti-inflammatory benefits. These walnuts are not only a flavorful, crunchy snack on their own, but also a great topping for salads. They’re easy to prepare in batches and store, making them a convenient, healthy addition to any meal.

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08 of 13

Kale Chips

Christine Ma

Christine Ma

Not a fan of kale? These crispy baked kale chips will convert you! For the best result, don’t overcrowd the baking pans.

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09 of 13

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

Diana Chistruga

Diana Chistruga

Try this satisfying snack instead of nuts. The tasty legumes are lower in calories and packed with fiber.

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10 of 13

Garlic Hummus

Photography: Carson Downing, Food: Holly Dreesman, Props: Gabe Greco

Photography: Carson Downing, Food: Holly Dreesman, Props: Gabe Greco

This garlic hummus recipe couldn’t be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away!

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11 of 13

Rosemary-Garlic Pecans

Jennifer Causey

Jennifer Causey

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These savory spiced nuts are perfect for snacking, adding to a cheese board or serving as a mini appetizer.

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Everything-Seasoned Almonds

Jennifer Causey

Jennifer Causey

Grinding up the everything bagel seasoning in a spice grinder will help it adhere to the almonds.

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Caprese Skewers

Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

We take all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.

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Read the original article on EatingWell

Source: bing.com

Kerri Waldron

My name is Kerri Waldron and I am an avid healthy lifestyle participant who lives by proper nutrition and keeping active. One of the things I love best is to get to where I am going by walking every chance I get. If you want to feel great with renewed energy, you have to practice good nutrition and stay active.

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