Snacking can be a challenge on a whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet, especially when you're craving something crunchy and savory. But fear not! We've got 10 delicious and nutritious WFPB crunchy snacks that will not only satisfy your cravings but also align with your health goals.
Furthermore, these snacks are oil-free, free from refined sugar, and have just the right amount of salt to keep things flavorful. Let's dive in!
10 WFPB Crunchy Snacks
1. Crispy Chickpeas
First, for those craving WFPB crunchy snacks, look no further than these roasted chickpeas. With a sprinkle of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, these vegan salty snacks offer a burst of flavor. Indulge guilt-free as you enjoy their crispy texture and rich protein content.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, mix the chickpeas with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the chickpeas are crispy and golden.
- Allow to cool and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 135 per serving (1/4 cup)
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 5g
2. Baked Zucchini Chips
Zucchini transforms into wholesome, vegan salty snacks. Dusted with nutritional yeast and onion powder, these baked delights offer a delightful crunch. Moreover, embrace the simplicity of these zucchini chips, perfect for those seeking WFPB crunchy snacks with a touch of savory goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with nutritional yeast, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
- Place the coated zucchini slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are crispy and lightly browned.
- Let them cool before enjoying.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 40 per serving (1/2 zucchini)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
3. Roasted Edamame
Another way to elevate your snacking game is with roasted edamame, a prime example of WFPB crunchy snacks. Although you may think of boiling this snack, roasting it gives it a delightful crunch. Sprinkled with ground cumin and a pinch of salt, these vegan salty snacks provide both protein and fiber. As you savor their satisfying crunch, you'll relish the nourishment they bring.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen edamame (thawed)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss the thawed edamame with ground cumin and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the edamame in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the edamame is crispy.
- Let them cool slightly before munching.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 90 per serving (1/2 cup)
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
4. Cinnamon Apple Rings
Finally, something to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings: cinnamon-kissed apple rings, a treat that embodies both WFPB crunchy snacks and vegan salty snacks. Dehydrated to crispy perfection, these rings offer a low-calorie delight. Embrace their natural sweetness and fiber-rich goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, cored and sliced into rings
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C).
- Lay the apple rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the apple rings.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the rings halfway through, until they are dehydrated and crispy.
- Allow them to cool before enjoying.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 50 per serving (1 apple)
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fiber: 5g
5. Crisp Kale Chips
Kale takes the spotlight as a prime ingredient in WFPB crunchy snacks. With a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and a gentle massage of lemon juice, these vegan salty snacks present a vibrant, crunchy option. In essence, enjoy a guilt-free, wholesome, and delicious snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and torn into pieces
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Massage the torn kale leaves with lemon juice and a pinch of salt for a few minutes to soften them.
- Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the kale pieces and toss to coat.
- Lay the kale on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through, until they are crispy but not burnt.
- Let them cool before snacking.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 50 per serving (1 cup)
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
6. Spiced Carrot Sticks
WFPB crunchy snacks meet the warm allure of spiced carrot sticks. Firstly, they're infused with ground cumin and coriander, then these vegan salty snacks offer a satisfying crunch. Finally, roasted to perfection, they provide both flavor and nourishment in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the carrot sticks with ground cumin, ground coriander, and a pinch of salt.
- Arrange the seasoned carrot sticks on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once, until the carrots are tender yet crispy.
- Allow them to cool slightly before indulging.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 35 per serving (1 carrot)
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
7. Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast
In general, we tend to think butter and popcorn go hand in hand. Not so! For instnace, this simple yet delectable popcorn recipe becomes a go-to for WFPB crunchy snacks. Surprisingly, it's oil-free, too! Tossed with nutritional yeast and a pinch of salt, these vegan salty snacks hit the spot. In sum, whether you're enjoying a movie night or a quick snack break, this popcorn delivers on both taste and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Place popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag.
- Fold the bag's top and microwave on high until the popping slows (about 2-3 minutes).
- Transfer popcorn to a bowl, sprinkle nutritional yeast and salt, and toss.
- Enjoy your guilt-free popcorn!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 30 per cup (popped)
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
8. Crunchy Roasted Nuts
While store-bought roasted nuts are heavy on the oil, these have none. To clarify, medley of nuts delights with a blend of turmeric, paprika, and chili powder - and that's it. Roasted to perfection, these vegan salty snacks offer a balance of protein and crunch. Dive into this nutty mix for a fulfilling snacking experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss the mixed nuts with ground turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the seasoned nuts on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 10-15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the nuts are fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Let them cool before enjoying.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 180 per serving (1/4 cup)
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
9. Seaweed Snacks
Explore the ocean's essence through crispy seaweed sheets, a unique entry in the world of WFPB crunchy snacks. What's more, with a drizzle of reduced-sodium tamari and sesame seeds, these vegan salty snacks provide an umami-rich experience. In conclusion, embrace the adventure and savor the sea's flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of dried seaweed sheets
- 1 tbsp reduced-sodium tamari
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Lay the dried seaweed sheets on a baking sheet.
- Lightly brush both sides of the seaweed with reduced-sodium tamari.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the seaweed.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, until the seaweed becomes crispy.
- Let them cool before snacking.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 10 per sheet
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
10. Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Lastly, turn up the heat with spicy pumpkin seeds, a testament to both WFPB crunchy snacks and vegan salty snacks. To begin with, these are infused with chili powder and smoked paprika. After that, these roasted delights offer a fiery kick. Experience the crunch and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients:
- Seeds from 1 pumpkin, cleaned and dried
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Toss the pumpkin seeds with chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the seasoned seeds on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seeds are toasted and crunchy.
- Let them cool before munching.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 180 per serving (1/4 cup)
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
Vegan Salty Snacks, the Whole Food Way
In conclusion, satisfying your crunchy snack cravings within the confines of a WFPB diet is absolutely feasible. Not only do these 10 recipes showcase creativity and wholesome ingredients, but they also reveal you can have the best of both worlds – delightful crunchiness without compromising your health. All in all, give these recipes a try and indulge in the goodness of WFPB snacking, knowing that your taste buds and your well-being are both in sync.