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These Protein Snack Packs are a brilliant solution for busy days, transforming meal prep into a breeze. They're a delightful mix of textures and flavors, packed with protein to keep you going strong, and customizable to fit your personal tastes.
Ingredients
- Hummus: A creamy dip that provides plant based protein and fiber.
- Mixed nuts: A source of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Cheddar cheese, cubed: A source of protein and calcium, adding a savory bite.
- Deli lunch meat: A convenient source of protein, providing a savory element.
- Cherry tomatoes: A burst of freshness and vitamins, adding a sweet and juicy element.
- Sugar snap peas: A crunchy and sweet vegetable, adding fiber and vitamins.
- English cucumber, sliced: A refreshing and hydrating vegetable.
- Hard boiled eggs: A classic source of protein and essential nutrients.
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Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Hummus and Nuts:
- Fill five mini plastic cups with lids with approximately 2 ounces of hummus each. Seal the cups tightly with the lids. Fill five more mini plastic cups with your favorite type of nut or nut mix. Secure the lids on these cups as well. Set the cups aside.
- Assemble Snack Packs:
- Divide the remaining ingredients, including the cubed cheddar cheese, deli lunch meat, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, sliced English cucumber, and hard boiled eggs, evenly among five single compartment containers. Add one of the hummus cups and one of the nut cups to each of the five single compartment containers. Seal the containers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Adding More Variety:
- Include a small container of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
- Add a handful of grapes or berries for a touch of sweetness.
- Incorporate whole grain crackers or pita bread for added fiber and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these snack packs as a convenient and satisfying lunch option.
Pack them for a picnic or outdoor adventure.
They are great as a post workout snack.
Variations
- Substitute different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Use different deli meats, such as turkey or ham.
- Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots.
- Change the nuts for edamame, or roasted chickpeas.
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Storage and Reheating
Store the assembled snack packs in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These snack packs are intended to be eaten cold, so reheating is not necessary.
Keep the hummus and nuts sealed until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
These Protein Snack Packs are a simple yet effective way to ensure you have healthy and convenient options readily available throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I customize these protein snack packs based on dietary preferences?
- Absolutely! These protein snack packs are highly customizable. For vegetarians, omit the lunch meat and add extra cheese or plant-based protein options like edamame or additional hummus. For dairy-free needs, replace the cheese with extra nuts, seeds, or dairy-free alternatives. If you have nut allergies, substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or add more protein through additional hardboiled eggs or roasted chickpeas. The formula remains the same: include a variety of proteins, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
- → What are some other vegetables that work well in these snack packs?
- Many vegetables work wonderfully in these snack packs. Try baby carrots, bell pepper strips, celery sticks, radishes, jicama sticks, broccoli florets, or cauliflower pieces. Any vegetable that stays crisp and doesn't release too much moisture during storage is ideal. Consider what pairs well with hummus or might be enjoyable eaten plain. For longer storage, heartier vegetables like carrots and bell peppers tend to maintain their crunch better than more delicate options.
- → How do I keep everything fresh for the full 5 days?
- For maximum freshness throughout the week, store wet ingredients (like hummus or dips) separate from dry ingredients in their own sealed containers. Make sure all vegetables are thoroughly dried after washing before packing. Place a small paper towel in with vegetables that might release moisture. Store the prepared snack packs in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. If you're concerned about freshness, prepare 2-3 days worth at a time rather than the full 5 days.
- → What type of lunch meat works best in these snack packs?
- Choose high-quality lunch meats that are low in sodium and preservatives when possible. Turkey, ham, chicken, and roast beef all work well. For better quality and potentially fewer additives, consider using sliced meat from your own home-cooked proteins or from the deli counter rather than pre-packaged options. Roll or fold the meat slices to make them easier to pick up and eat. If you're preparing these for the entire week, lunch meats from the deli counter tend to stay fresher than pre-packaged varieties.
- → How can I make these protein snack packs more kid-friendly?
- For kids, consider cutting cheese into fun shapes using small cookie cutters. Use mini cookie cutters to shape cucumber or bell peppers as well. Offer a sweeter hummus variety like roasted red pepper or chocolate hummus (yes, it exists!). Include a small portion of a favorite treat like a few chocolate chips or dried fruit. Use colorful silicone cups for different components to make the presentation more appealing. Adding a little side of kid-friendly dip like ranch made with Greek yogurt can also make the vegetables more enticing.