Muhammara Dip with Crudité
This easy dip is both convenient and good for you, not to mention incredibly delicious. Roasted red peppers, walnuts, olive oil, and cilantro pack in brain health nutrients.
Roasted Broccoli Quesadillas with Chile Cashew Queso
Packed with crispy roasted vegetables and oozing with an addictively delicious cashew chile sauce, these quesadillas are entirely plant-based. Believe me, no one will miss the cheese.
Dried Fig and Olive Tapenade
Everyone knows that olive oil is good for the brain, but olives themselves don’t get enough credit. Brimming with polyphenols and oleocanthal, olives star in this easy tapenade, along with nutrient-dense figs, balsamic vinegar, and a bright dose of fresh rosemary.
Crispy Tahini Rice Bars
More savory than sweet, think of these as Rice Krispie treats for grown-ups: better-for-you bars that are both crispy and chewy, packed with tahini, dates, sesame seeds, and ginger.
Nutty Cacao Brain Bars
These no-bake bars from Dr. Drew Ramsey fit my criteria for a great treat: easy, tasty, and packed with brain-healthy ingredients. I especially love the cacao nibs—small pieces of crushed cacao beans—because the chocolatey flavor shines through pure and strong.
Lemony Cashew Ricotta
Once I learned how easy it is to make ricotta “cheese” from cashews, I always have a batch of this Lemony Cashew Ricotta stashed in the fridge or freezer. Nut-based ricotta, like this recipe, is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, the type that is best for your brain.
Mixed Berry Polenta Crisp
This not-too-sweet berry crisp uses any berries you happen to have on hand. Polenta, almond flour, and olive oil makes a savory and crunchy crisp topping.
Lemony Blueberry Chia Seed Tart
This lemony blueberry chia seed tart is everything I love about cooking for brain health. It’s packed with berries, high fiber sweetness (hello dates!), and a nutty crust that’s easy to make, no rolling pin required.
Cacao Tahini Date Balls
The combination of chocolate and tahini make these 2-bite, not-too-sweet energy balls my new favorite treat. They are packed with brain-healthy ingredients and take just minutes to make.
Za’atar Spiced Pecans
Roasting pecans with the Mediterranean spice blend za’atar makes for an addictingly good snack, brain health approved.
