Make Ahead Snack Recipes

Prep for the week by whipping up these easy make ahead snack recipes in just 15 minutes or less! You’ll find tons of tasty vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free appetizers and snacks below so there’s something for everyone!

Whether it’s as a quick and easy after school snack or an appetizer to bring to a party or potluck, these scrumptious snacks are just what you’ve been craving!

In this deeeelish recipe collection, you’ll find over 20 speedy snack recipes all ready in record time featuring an assortment of dips, spreads and bite-sized finger foods.

All the essentials are here!

20+ Make Ahead Snack Recipes

Most of the recipes are vegetarian with some tasty vegan snack recipes thrown in the mix.

You’ll even find a number of gluten-free recipes here too!

Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
5 from 16 votes
This fast and flavorful Jalapeño Pimento Cheese is a fun and fiery twist on the classic! It's a delicious make-ahead snack that always vanishes fast!
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I make my Jalapeño Pimento Cheese and Classic Pimento Cheese all the time!

For easy snack prep, I like to make a big batch and portion it into little jars. This way when snack time hits I can grab a jar and a bag of sliced celery sticks (prep in advance for easy snacking) along with some gluten-free sea salt Nut Thins crackers snack at my desk while working.

10 Minute Marinated Mushrooms
Easy Marinated Mushrooms
4.94 from 16 votes
Skip the jar and whip up these easy breezy 10 Minute Marinated Mushrooms at home! As written they’re gluten-free, grain-free, vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and dairy-free. For Whole30, Keto, or Low-Carb simply skip the optional sweetener and you’re good to go!
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These speedy marinated mushrooms are the best! They’re super easy to make homemade instead of buying them at the store and are a great little low-carb snack to enjoy any time of day.

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe
Chipotle Corn Salsa
5 from 15 votes
This copycat Chipotle corn salsa is quick, easy, and crazy delicious! Dive in with tortilla chips or use it to top burritos, tacos, salads, nachos, and more!
Recipe yields 2 cups salsa.
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We LOVE this Chipotle restaurant copycat recipe! This make ahead dip can be served with tortilla chips as a tasty salsa or as a topping for all your “taco night” favorites. It’s quick, easy, and oh so delicious!

make ahead white bean dip snack boxes

White bean dip makes the best little snack boxes to keep in the fridge for the week. I like to load mine up with some crackers and fresh veggie dippers for the healthiest little snack situation.

Cannellini Bean Dip on a veggie platter with crackers, cauliflower, celery, mini peppers, carrots, and broccoli
Cannellini Bean Dip
5 from 1 vote
This creamy garlic pesto Cannellini Bean Dip is ready to party! Quick, easy, and totally delicious, it's ready to eat in just 10 minutes and tastes amazing with pita and healthy vegetable dippers.
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Vegetable Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
4.99 from 146 votes
These vegetable cream cheese tortilla roll ups are the most fun little pinwheel sandwich bites ever! They're a great school lunch option but also make the most amazing appetizer or back to school snack!
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These veggie roll ups are one of my favorite snacks of all time! They taste great straight from the fridge and are amazing in snack boxes or all on their own.

Pico de Gallo Fresh Salsa Recipe
Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca) Recipe
5 from 5 votes
This fresh and tasty Pico de Gallo is my go-to topping for tacos, salads, nachos, tostadas, chili, tortilla chips, and more!
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Pico de Gallo is practically a food group around here! Paul and I make a big batch nearly every week and use it to top tacos and burrito bowls and also for snacking with tortilla chips. I love how it tastes even better the next day!

Avocado Salsa Verde
Avocado Salsa Verde Dip
5 from 13 votes
This Avocado Salsa Verde can be made in your blender in just 10 minutes! Ditch the jar and make this easy peasy tomatillo guacamole dip at home.
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This avocado salsa verde dip is deeeeelish and ready in record time. You can have the whole thing ready to go in 10 minutes and it’s so addictive with tortilla chips or strips!

Quick, easy, and totally tasty, these healthy hummus stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit at your next party!
Hummus Stuffed Peppers
5 from 5 votes
Stuffed peppers with a twist! Make a few of these hummus stuffed peppers as a nutritious after school snack or whip up a whole tray to feed a crowd!
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Hummus stuffed sweet mini peppers are a fantastic snack and so easy to customize! Use your favorite hummus (I love using leftover chipotle hummus or jalapeño hummus) and add all the toppings your heart desires!

Another fun combo is to use my taco hummus and sprinkle them with pico de gallo or salsa. Delish!

Jalapeno Dip
Jalapeño Dip
5 from 16 votes
This super speedy Jalapeno Dip is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck! Mayo-free and loaded with flavor, each bite will have you coming back for more! Recipe yields 2.5 cups of dip.
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My love for this spicy jalapeño dip knows no bounds. It’s easy to make, keeps for days in the fridge like a champ, and is so fiery and flavorful you’ll keep coming back for more! The dip was first introduced to me by a co-worker over 15 years ago and I’ve been making it ever since!

cowboy caviar
Cowboy Caviar
5 from 2 votes
This totally crave worthy Cowboy Caviar salsa is fast, flavorful, and super easy to throw together as an appetizer for parties and potlucks!
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Cowboy caviar tastes great the first day and even better the next! It can be portioned into little containers for easy snacking. Pair it with some crispy tortilla chips and you’re good to go!

Sweet mini peppers and pimento cheese are a match made in snacking heaven! Serve these Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers at your next party or picnic and watch them disappear!
Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers
5 from 8 votes
Sweet mini peppers and pimento cheese are a match made in snacking heaven! Serve these Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers at your next party or picnic and watch them disappear!
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★★★★★ “OMG! These are my new go-to for an easy dish or “side”! These are perfect for adding to week day lunches or snacks (or anytime)! The flavor is perfect and I love the veggie addition! Plus, super easy to make for someone like me who is not great in the kitchen!” – Melanie

Key Lime Pie Energy Bites
Key Lime Pie Energy Bites
5 from 14 votes
These healthy no-bake Key Lime Pie Energy Bites are the perfect tropical treat!
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★★★★★ “I was about ready to give up on the whole snack ball thing after trying a bunch I didn’t find very edible. 😀 But these are crazy delicious, I’m going to be making big batches of these all the time.” – Mac

This healthy garden veggie dip is perfect for your next party! Skip the store bought tub; you’ll want to dunk everything in sight into this tasty homemade garden veggie dip! Mayo-free and SO delicious!
Healthy Garden Veggie Dip
4.87 from 30 votes
This healthy garden veggie dip is perfect for your next party! Skip the store bought tub; you’ll want to dunk everything in sight into this tasty homemade garden veggie dip! Mayo-free and SO delicious!
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★★★★★ “My kids love this dip.I only changed one thing in the recipe, I use chives instead of the green onion. When I make it I make a double batch, just so I can have some.
Last year I made some for a birthday party and a fight nearly broke out over who got the last of it. By the way this was a pack of 12-14 year old girls.” – Mary

Tuna Salad Cucumber Cups
Tuna Salad Cucumber Cups
5 from 25 votes
Tuna Salad Cucumber Cups are fun and delicious way to eat tuna salad! Serve these cool cucumber cups as an appetizer or enjoy them as a light lunch! They’re easy to make and easier to customize with your favorite mix-ins and toppings!
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★★★★★ “This was so perfect! I love how the savory tuna and refreshingly sweet cucumber just meld together in one bite. Mmmm. Will be making these again!” – Janine

Healthy White Bean Dip with Avocado and Cilantro is a speedy snack that's full of flavor. We love this easy appetizer! Gluten-Free + Vegetarian + Vegan
Cilantro Avocado White Bean Dip
5 from 23 votes
This cilantro kissed Avocado White Bean Dip is a speedy snack that's full of flavor! It makes a great vegetarian and vegan friendly appetizer and is gluten-free too!
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★★★★★ “This dip is AMAZING!! It far exceeds any expectations that I had. I used a whole jalapeno and just squeezed a lime without measuring the juice- regardless it was fantastic. I couldn’t stop eating it.” – Jennifer

how to make marinated mushrooms
How to Make Marinated Mushrooms
4.89 from 9 votes
If you've ever wondered how to make marinated mushrooms, this post is for you! These tasty homemade Italian Style Marinated Mushrooms are totally delicious and so easy to make!
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Creamy Cilantro Cucumber Dip
Cilantro Cucumber Dip
5 from 15 votes
This Cilantro Cucumber Dip is quick, easy, and so incredibly delicious! Mayo-free and easily made ahead, pair it with veggies for a healthy appetizer or snack.
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Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip
Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip
5 from 1 vote
This rockin' Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip is fast, flavorful, and perfect for snacking! Serve with an assortment of dippers for a perfect party appetizer. This speedy 5 ingredient dip is ready in just 5 minutes!
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bowl of cucumber dip with fresh cut cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, crackers, and crostini
Cucumber Dip
5 from 1 vote
This tasty make-ahead Cucumber Dip will have you happily scarfing your veggies! It's a great cold dip for veggie platters and makes a fantastic snack or appetizer.
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Vegan White Bean Dip with pita wedges
Tomato Basil Vegan White Bean Dip
5 from 7 votes
Snack in style with this healthy Tomato Basil White Bean Dip. This tasty vegan dip comes together in minutes and can be made in advance for easy peasy snacking, without the fuss!
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Spicy Feta Dip with carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, celery sticks, pita, and crackers
Spicy Feta Dip
5 from 1 vote
This flavorful and fiery Spicy Feta Dip features creamy feta blended with garlic and Calabrian chili paste served alongside all your favorite dippers for a perfect party appetizer.
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Harissa Yogurt Dip with Veggies and Pita
Harissa Yogurt Dip
5 from 4 votes
Get ready to swirl in a little spice with this zesty Harissa Yogurt Dip!
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Happy Snacking!

If you get a chance to try any of these speedy snack recipes, let me know!

Leave some love in the comment form below or tag your photos with @peasandcrayons on Instagram so I can happy dance over your snacktastic creation. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!

Jenn Laughlin Headshot Photo - About the Author
About The Author:

Jenn Laughlin

Jenn Laughlin has been creating and sharing recipes for over 15 years. After graduating with a B.S. in Dietetics from Florida State University and working as a Nutrition Educator for WIC, she created Peas and Crayons in 2009. The goal was simple: create and share delicious tested and perfected recipes with vegetables as the star!

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