We’re always looking for healthy treats and here’s our latest hit: this no bake energy balls recipe. These little balls are naturally sweetened with dates and taste like peanut butter brownie bites! You need only 5 ingredients and they’re the perfect sweet treat to grab on the go—or sneak as a bedtime snack (me). Alex and I can’t resist them, and of course our kids are obsessed.

These energy bites came about when I was on the Daniel Fast and really needed a treat without sugar or natural sweeteners (maple syrup and honey). Turns out, Medjool dates are just the thing for making an all natural healthy energy bite that fills your chocolate cravings!

Medjool dates fun fact

Did you know Medjool dates are fresh fruits? While other types of dates are dried, Medjool dates are harvested from the date palm tree and then packaged immediately. There’s no processing, so they’re not dried!

Dietary notes

This energy balls recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Want to make the best homemade fries you’ve ever had? Try these baked French fries! Here at A Couple Cooks, Alex and I have tested countless batches to get to our ultimate oven baked fries recipe. We discovered a few tricks that make an ultra crispy exterior and the perfect seasoning blend!

Everyone who tries these has a “whoa!” moment when they take the first bite. Here’s what you need to know about how to make baked French fries at home!

Dietary notes

This baked French fries recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

What’s better that a homemade jar of refrigerator dill pickles? Alex and I are all about mastering the art of quick pickles—they can be made in minutes and stored in the refrigerator.

We often don’t have the time or energy for canning equipment and sterilizing—plus, we’d rather make a quick batch for easy snacking! There’s really nothing like the classic dill pickle. Here’s why this recipe works:

• Quick 10-minute prep time
• No canning equipment needed
• Cucumbers stay crisp and crunchy
• Perfectly balanced flavor
• Ready to eat in 24 hours

Dietary notes

This refrigerator dill pickles recipe is vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, and gluten-free.

This tomato dip has become “famous” in our circles because it’s so quick to put together (5 minutes!), and the flavor is absolutely irresistible!

Our friends have started making often for parties and baby showers. We’ve served it so often that when we go to parties, people ask, “Are you bringing the tomato dip?” That’s when we knew it was a winner. It’s so tasty that we included a version in our first cookbook!

Dietary notes

This tomato dip recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.

Here’s a spin on spinach artichoke dip that takes this classic to a new level! This tangy, creamy dip recipe is such a crowd pleaser that it might interfere with the conversation when you serve it (sorry!).

Whenever Alex and I make this for friends or family, in minutes everyone is parked around the bowl exclaiming how good it was. “WOW, this is so good! Can I have the recipe?” is usually the chorus. Here’s how to make this classic recipe.

Dietary notes

This spinach artichoke dip recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

If you’re like us, you always need fun party appetizer or snack ideas—here’s a new favorite: these loaded sweet potato bites! Alex and I have a slight obsession with creating recipes around this root vegetable (from roasted sweet potatoes to sweet potato brownies) because it’s so versatile and delicious.

In these bite-sized snacks, tender roasted spiced sweet potato rounds are the base of a “crostini”, topped with savory guacamole, crunchy corn and a little cilantro! They are absolutely irresistible! We like serving with Cholula for a little (optional) spicy hit. They’re perfect as a party snack, healthy appetizer, or game day snack—and also vegetarian, vegan, plant based and gluten free (and most importantly, delicious).

Dietary notes

This sweet potato bites recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Spicy, creamy buffalo chicken dip is a staple at parties where we’re from. Even wondered what it would taste like with a lighter, healthy spin? On a whim, we created a vegetarian buffalo chicken dip recipe: and it turned out so delicious, we love it even better than the standard!

You could also call this a buffalo chickpea dip, since it uses chickpeas to replace some of the creaminess of the standard cream cheese. We created this healthy dip as a game day snack (read: Super Bowl food), but it works as any type of party finger food. Every time we serve it, people absolutely rave! Plus, we can’t stop eating it—it’s great for midnight snacks, just saying.

Dietary notes

This healthy buffalo chicken dip is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, see the notes above.

Looking for a fast and easy dip to impress everyone? Try this Mexican street corn dip! Alex and I are huge fans of elote (Mexican street corn): it’s one of our very favorite taste treats. This dip recipe riffs on the flavors to make a tasty dip for eating with crunchy tortilla chips.

The pops of sweet corn against the tangy lime, zingy green chiles and salty crumbled cheese is truly irresistible! Whenever we make it, people go crazy for this recipe. It’s quick to put together with canned corn, though any type of cooked corn works too (especially grilled corn). It also doubles as a simple side for tacos!

Our favorite recipes for easy entertaining? Those that have minimal ingredients and prep time, but achieve maximum flavor. There’s no better example of that than this warm goat cheese appetizer! It’s got just 4 ingredients, takes just 10 minutes to bake, and tastes like an absolute dream.

The tangy, gooey goat cheese against the citrusy marmalade and herbaceous thyme is pure bliss. It’s become a total go-to in our house. We love this recipe so much, we decided to included it in our A Couple Cooks cookbook!

Dietary notes

This goat cheese appetizer recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free (using gluten-free crackers).

Here’s an easy appetizer that looks stunning and relies on simple, spot-on flavors: smoked salmon appetizer bites! The classic combination of smoked salmon, dill, cucumber and cream cheese is a hit every time.

As cookbook authors and recipe experts, Alex and I love working with smoked salmon because it brings an instant intense savory, smoky flavor with no cooking whatsoever! Mix the cream cheese with fresh dill, green onion and Dijon for a rich, zingy pop. Make up this platter for a party, and people won’t be able to tear themselves away!

Dietary notes

This smoked salmon appetizer recipe is gluten free and pescatarian.

Here’s a tasty dip with a party vibe: Texas caviar (aka Cowboy caviar)! This Tex Mex combination of black eyed peas, colorful vegetables, and zingy vinaigrette dressing is a total crowd pleaser, as a chip dip or healthy side dish.

It was invented in Texas and then spread all over the US. Our spin on this party dip always has friends gathered around the bowl at our house and for good reason—it’s just that irresistible!

Texas caviar dressing

Let’s talk Cowboy caviar dressing. A common spin on this recipe uses store-bought Italian dressing, but it’s much tastier with homemade! The dressing is simple to whip up using just a few ingredients you’ll likely already have in your pantry and spice drawer. Here’s what’s in this Texas caviar dressing:

• Lime juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Spices: Garlic powder, cumin, and oregano
• Olive oil

Dietary notes

This Texas caviar recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Here’s a healthy snack that’s so delicious, you might find yourself sneaking one for dessert. Try this peanut butter oatmeal balls recipe! Yes, we can’t stop riffing on combinations of peanut butter and oatmeal.

Just mix a handful of simple ingredients together, and you’ve got an instant homemade snack that’s so much more delicious than store-bought granola bars or energy bites. Even better, they’ve got a good amount of protein and fiber for a tiny ball. We think they’re pretty darn perfect.

Use any nut butter you like

These don’t have to be peanut butter oatmeal balls, of course. You can use any nut butter you like: almond butter, cashew butter, walnut butter pecan butter, pistachio butter, or sunflower butter for nut-free! Here are a few notes if you use a different nut butter:

• Make sure to use a creamy nut butter. You’ll want a nut butter with a nice creamy texture that will make the energy balls stick together.
• You can use homemade, but be aware of texture. You can use homemade nut butter, but be aware: some homemade versions can be very dry.
• If it’s too dry, add a little more honey or a few tablespoons milk. If you can’t get the balls to stick together, it’s ok: all nut butters have a different consistency. Just add a little more honey or your milk of choice (dairy or non dairy) until the dough is able to stick together.

How to choose a protein powder brand

Here at A Couple Cooks we don’t often include protein powder in our recipes. But for these peanut butter oatmeal balls we wanted to maximize the overall protein content! If you prefer, you can definitely omit it without sacrificing flavor. Alex did a little research into how to find healthy protein powder; here’s what we found:

• Read about how to choose protein powder brands. Here’s what we referenced on How to Choose the Healthiest Protein Powder.
• Need recommendations? After reading through that article, we’ve been using this protein powder and like the flavor — it’s not too artificial.

Dietary notes

This energy balls recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free, use agave syrup.

Want our new favorite party trick? Stuffed dates! Yes, these beauties are incredibly easy to make, and the flavor of this simple pairing is outrageous. There’s the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates.

Pair that with tangy, fluffy goat cheese, and the sweet-savory combo is out of this world. Top them with a dusting of pistachios and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and wowza! It also works as a quick snack or “side” for a healthy lunch, and involves no cooking at all. As cookbook authors obsessed with simple ways to make food taste delicious, we’re all in on these as easy finger food ideas for parties and meals.

Dietary notes

This stuffed dates recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use peanut butter or almond butter.

Got green tomatoes? How about making—pickles? When Alex and I are left with a bush of green tomatoes at the end of the season, one of our favorite ways to preserve them is by whipping up a jar of pickles.

It’s hard to describe just how next-level these pickled green tomatoes are. They’re tangy, salty, a little sweet, and the absolute perfect condiment. If you’re a pickle lover like we are, you’ll adore these. Over they years, this recipe has become a fan favorite with lots of positive reader reviews. Here’s how to make them!

The type of green tomatoes to use

This pickled green tomatoes recipe is meant for unripe red tomatoes that green in color. These are the ones that are left in your garden after the summer temperatures have cooled down. Contrast this with the varieties of tomatoes that are bred to be green when ripe! The green zebra tomato is a good example of a green-when-ripe tomato—it tastes juicy and sweet, just like a red tomato.

This pickled green tomatoes recipe is intended for red tomatoes that haven’t yet ripened, leaving them green and hard. They have tart, zingy flavor and a robust texture that makes for perfect pickles.

Some people claim a recipe can be too easy. But I don’t know about you, but we’re always in need of simple ideas. Here’s one of our favorite entertaining tricks: this baked brie recipe! It could not be an easier appetizer recipe, more of an idea than a specific set of instructions. In all our years of cooking experience, this is one we endlessly riff on.

So here’s what you need to know about making a melty, delicious pile of brie. You can change up the toppings depending on your preferences, making it a versatile and beautiful platter with little effort!

Dietary notes

This baked brie recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free (with gluten-free crackers or bread substitutes).

Pumpkin hummus? The idea of combining that ubiquitous fall vegetable with chickpeas into a savory hummus seemed a little odd at first. Alex and I were a bit wary, but loved the idea of a seasonal pumpkin hummus. And now we’re converts!

It’s surprisingly good: creamy, savory and with an undertone of autumnal goodness. This easy hummus recipe is quick to whip up: just 10 minutes in an food processor. You ready?

Want to make falafel at home but daunted by frying? Here’s the recipe you need: baked falafel with canned chickpeas! This spin on classic falafel distills the traditional flavors into a shortcut that works for weeknights, without the need to remember to soak chickpeas the night before!

Bake up these tasty balls of savory, herby goodness and dunk them into dips like tzatziki or tahini sauce, throw them in a falafel sandwich, or add them to a falafel bowl or falafel salad. They save well, making them perfect for refrigerating or freezing for quick and easy meals! They’re also vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

Dietary notes

This easy baked falafel recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

The Mediterranean diet has been called one of the healthiest in the world, focusing on whole grains, olive oil, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Luckily, it’s also a deliciously satisfying way to eat: we know from experience!

We’re married cookbook authors and experts in the Mediterranean diet style of eating and living. What to reach for in between meals when hunger strikes? Here are some of our top ideas for snacking that fit into this philosophy.