Whether you’re driving to the beach or the lake house or taking a cross-country road trip, you will need some good snacks to keep you going. While a quick pit stop at the gas station seems like a good idea, those chips and candy bars never leave you full and satisfied. This summer, plan ahead and pack one (or all!) of these super-easy road-tested recipes.
Crispy Chickpeas with Rosemary
Combining the textured protein punch of chickpeas with the woodsy, aromatic flavor of rosemary, this recipe from Life’s Ambrosia creates a light and airy yet surprisingly filling snack. To get the ideal crispness, cook the chickpeas all in one layer in the frying pan, and don’t add the seasoning until the end to avoid burning the rosemary. For an even healthier crunch, cook these in your air fryer for 12–15 minutes.
Blueberry Yogurt Mini Muffins
Tortilla Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Filling
These tortilla roll-ups from The Spruce Eats make a tasty light lunch or snack for an all-day road trip. The wraps are filled with a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chopped onions and chiles, but you can use any combination of ingredients that appeals to you! Just don’t skip the cream cheese—it’s what holds the roll-ups together.
Medjool Date Turtles
If you’re craving something sweet, this healthy spin on a chocolate turtle from Rancho Meladuco Date Farm replaces the traditional candy middle with a gooey smashed Medjool date! Dark chocolate, toasty nuts, and flaky sea salt make the perfect partners for the caramel-like fruit. This snack is so easy to make, even the kids can help!
Buttery Cajun Popcorn
This addictive popcorn from Taste of Home kicks up your standard recipe with a bit of lime juice–spiked butter, Cajun seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. It makes 3 quarts (so enough for the whole car) and comes together in 15 minutes.
Protein Bento Boxes
The best part about these protein-packed bento-style snack boxes from Clean Food Crush is the unexpected peanut butter hummus. It’s rich and creamy and has a touch of smokiness from paprika. Assemble your “box” the night before you leave for your trip so you can grab it out of the fridge and hit the road.
Summer Fruit Salad
We love this non-recipe for tropical fruit salad from Refinery29. Before you head out the door, chop up whatever ripe fruit you have—watermelon, peaches, berries—and layer it all in a cute jar or plastic container. Drizzle with a little honey, sprinkle with mint leaves, and tuck in a lime wedge or two. When you’re ready to eat, squeeze the lime juice over the top and give the salad a little shake. You’ll need a fork for this salad, but it’s great cold or at room temperature.
Monster Cookies
Packed with peanut butter, hearty oats, and chunks of chocolate, these monster cookies from BIRD Bakery in San Antonio are so good that (shhhh) Tanji keeps a secret stash in her freezer at home! Grab one or two before you head out the door to stay energized on the road.
Rocky Road Chex Mix
This rocky road–inspired Chex mix from Kitchn will satisfy your sweet and salty cravings. Make it in big batches, then portion into jars or resealable sandwich bags so everyone in the car has their own.
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